Mattress Comparison

When it comes to selecting the right mattress for a comfortable, eco-conscious sleep experience, natural and organic mattresses offer a compelling solution. Crafted from eco-friendly materials such as cotton, wool, and latex, these mattresses not only promote healthier sleep environments but also reduce your environmental footprint. Our Signature Mattress Collection features a variety of natural and organic options, available in a range of sizes and configurations to suit diverse sleep preferences. Explore the benefits of these sustainable, hypoallergenic options and find the perfect mattress that aligns with your comfort and environmental values.

 

Natural Mattresses

In search of a comfortable and eco-conscious sleep solution? Natural mattresses, crafted with materials like pure cotton and wool, are a perfect choice. These mattresses prioritize sustainability by using materials free from harmful chemicals and synthetic processes, ensuring a healthier sleep environment and a reduced environmental impact.

¹ Thinner mattresses don't provide adequate support.
² Thicker mattresses are too heavy to fold.
³ Tatami mat or coconut coir bed rug is required for proper support and air circulation. If using the mattress on a slatted frame, ensure the slats are no more than 2" to 2.5" apart.

 

Organic Mattresses

Looking to elevate your sleep experience with a truly pure and healthy option? Organic mattresses take natural bedding to the next level by using certified organic materials, ensuring the cotton, wool, and other components are grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) guarantee these mattresses meet strict environmental and health criteria. Perfect for eco-conscious individuals and those with sensitivities, organic mattresses offer hypoallergenic properties that promote a cleaner, healthier sleep. 

¹ Thinner mattresses don't provide adequate support.
² Thicker mattresses are too heavy to fold.
³ Tatami mat or coconut coir bed rug is required for proper support and air circulation. If using the mattress on a slatted frame, ensure the slats are no more than 2" to 2.5" apart.

 

What Makes an Old-Fashioned Style Futon Mattress?

An old-fashioned style futon mattress stands out for its traditional craftsmanship and reliance on time-tested techniques. Each layer of natural cotton is carefully hand-laid and compressed to create a firm and supportive structure, ensuring durability and comfort. Crafted from natural materials like cotton and wool, these futons prioritize breathability, eco-friendliness, and long-lasting quality. Organic options, made with unprocessed, chemical-free fibers, offer a healthier and more natural sleep environment, making them an excellent choice for those seeking sustainable living solutions.

Inspired by the health benefits of traditional Japanese futons, these mattresses provide firm yet comfortable support that promotes proper spinal alignment, improving posture and enhancing restorative sleep. Their handmade construction ensures exceptional durability, maintaining shape and support even with daily use. With a minimalist aesthetic that complements both traditional and modern interiors, they add timeless elegance to any space and are ideal for use on platform beds or directly on the floor.

Old-fashioned futon mattresses also differ from standard mattresses in a few key ways. While mattresses are typically 6 to 8 inches thick, futons are crafted at 5 inches, offering a thinner, more versatile option. Futons are designed without side handles, unlike mattresses, and feature rounded sides instead of the boxy side panels seen in conventional mattress designs. These differences allow futons to be made from the same high-quality materials as mattresses but at a lower cost. As each futon is handmade, slight variations of up to 1 inch in dimensions and weight are natural, further reflecting their artisanal craftsmanship. Combining authentic techniques, practical design, and health-conscious benefits, old-fashioned futon mattresses offer a superior sleep experience rooted in tradition and sustainability.

 

Mattress Sizes

Futon mattresses and shikibutons are available in a range of standard sizes that correspond to conventional bed dimensions. These sizes make it easy to pair futons with futon frames, platform beds, or tatami mats. Below is an overview of the most common futon mattress sizes.

Twin Size (39" x 75"). Ideal for single sleepers, guest rooms, or small spaces. Twin futons are lightweight and easy to fold, making them perfect for compact areas or temporary setups. Also available in extra-long size, which is 80" long.

Full Size (54" x 75"). A versatile option, full-size futons accommodate single sleepers who prefer extra room or couples in tighter living spaces. They are widely used for sofas that convert into beds.

Queen Size (60" x 80"). Perfect for couples, queen futon mattresses offer ample sleeping space and can double as large, comfortable sofas in living rooms.

King Size (76" x 80"). Less common but available, king-size futons are ideal for those who require maximum space for sleeping or lounging.

Custom Sizes. Futon mattresses are also available in custom dimensions, including smaller sizes for children or larger sizes for specialty frames. Japanese-style futons, such as shikibutons, often have slightly smaller dimensions and are thinner than Western futons.

 

Thickness Options

Shikibuton mattresses, traditional Japanese futons, are typically thinner than Western-style mattresses, with thicknesses ranging from 2 to 4 inches. Their minimalist design is intended for use directly on tatami mats, providing firm support while maintaining a lightweight and portable form. Thinner options, around 2–3 inches, are ideal for those accustomed to a firm sleeping surface and are easier to roll and store when not in use. Slightly thicker shikibutons, closer to 4 inches, offer more cushioning and are suitable for individuals seeking a bit more comfort while retaining the traditional firmness.

Futon mattresses typically range from 5 to 10 inches in thickness. Thicker mattresses provide more cushioning and are suitable for use on platform beds or as permanent beds, while thinner futons are easier to fold and store. Check our comparison tables to find the best fit for each model. Thinner mattresses might lack support for futon sofas, while overstuffed ones can be too heavy to fold.

When choosing a futon mattress size, consider the dimensions of your futon frame, the available space in your home, and your specific comfort needs. Standardized sizing ensures compatibility with frames, sheets, and other accessories.

 

Our Recommendations

Best Mattresses for Futon Sofa Beds

Our futon sofa bed frames are built with durable wooden slats, designed to work with mattresses that strike the right balance between support, comfort, and flexibility. Both bi-fold and tri-fold frames require a mattress thick enough to provide proper cushioning yet light enough to fold easily when transitioning between sofa and bed positions. Because of this, we do not recommend pairing our futon frames with shikibutons or thicker, hand-made old-fashioned mattresses, as they may lack the flexibility or practicality needed for these frames.

Our top picks for futon sofa bed mattresses:

•  Natural Cotton & Wool — 8 Inch. An excellent everyday choice for those on a budget. The 6-inch and 10-inch options also provide reliable comfort and support.
• Natural Cotton, Wool & Foam — 8 Inch. Designed for exceptional comfort and support, this mattress combines a dense cotton core with supportive high-density foam.
• Organic Cotton & Wool — 8 Inch. Unparalleled comfort with eco-conscious craftsmanship. This mattress provides a supportive yet cushioned surface, free from harmful chemicals.

Best Mattresses for Platform Beds

Our platform bed frames and captain's beds also feature wooden slats, making them compatible with a variety of mattresses. While conventional bed mattresses can often rest directly on slats or be paired with a box spring, futon mattresses require a solid surface for optimal support. Widely spaced slats or box spring beams are not ideal for tufted futon mattresses. To ensure proper support, air circulation, and durability, we recommend using a futon or shikibuton mattress with a tatami mat or a coconut coir bed rug. Though not ideal, hand-made old-fashioned mattresses can be used on slatted frames if the slats are spaced no more than 2" to 2.5" apart.

Our top picks for platform bed mattresses:

• Natural Cotton & Wool Old-Fashioned — 8 Inch. With its sturdy hand-made construction, this mattress delivers excellent support for everyday use while ensuring long-lasting durability for years of comfortable sleep. Other thickness options can work well too, depending on your preference for the bed's height and overall aesthetic.
• Natural Cotton, Wool & Foam Old-Fashioned — 8 Inch. Building on the comfort of the cotton and wool mattress, this model incorporates an Evergreen foam layer for enhanced resiliency and shape retention.
• Organic Cotton & Wool Old-Fashioned — 8 Inch. Hand-made with 100% organic unbleached unprocessed cotton grown in the USA (USDA and GOTS certified) and natural New Zealand virgin lambswool.

Best Mattresses for Floor Beds

We recommend thinner futon mattresses and shikibutons for floor bed setups due to their versatility and ease of use. These lightweight options are simple to move, fold, or roll up for vertical storage, making them ideal for spaces where flexibility is a priority. However, proper support and ventilation are essential to ensure the longevity of your mattress and prevent issues like mildew or odors. Pairing a futon or shikibuton with a tatami mat or a coconut coir pad with latex fibers provides a breathable, firm surface that promotes airflow while maintaining comfort and durability. This combination ensures a clean and healthy sleeping environment, even when placed directly on the floor.

Our top picks for floor mattresses:

• Natural Cotton & Wool — 4 Inch. A budget-friendly choice for floor sleepers. Lightweight, comfortable, and easy to roll up and store when not in use.
• Organic All Cotton — 3-5 Inch. Ideal for those seeking a fully organic sleep experience. Made entirely of organic cotton without any fire retardants and requires a doctor’s prescription.
• Organic Cotton & Wool — 3-5 Inch. Combining the best of both worlds, this shikibuton features organic materials at an affordable price, offering comfort, support, and sustainability.

For a tufted mattress intended for floor use, we generally recommend a 3 to 5 inches thickness. This is because futon mattresses made primarily of cotton tend to compress and lose about 20-25% of their thickness over time, typically within 6 to 12 months of regular use. This natural compression process is a characteristic of cotton-filled futons, as the fibers compact under weight and pressure. Opting for a slightly thicker mattress ensures that it remains comfortable and supportive, even as it settles over time. For long-term comfort and durability, regular flipping and airing out of the futon can help maintain its shape and extend its lifespan.