Much has changed in the way of sleeping technology through the years, and futon beds have not escaped the trend. Many things have changed with regard to mattress designs and materials as well. In our culture, we have adopted the futon mattress as a more convenient way to allow some guests to get a great night’s sleep or to accommodate unexpected visitors on short notice. They also provide the means to give more seating and flexibility in a home office or even entertainment room. This is quite different from how the Japanese futon mattress is used in the country of origin. The futon is one of the items that we, in occidental countries,have adopted from Japan, and that many people, specially young people, appreciate.
The original futon was nothing like its most current brother. Newer models have inner coil springs, latex foam materials and can even have toppers and other amenities that you might suspect on much more costly mattresses. Keep in mind that these features are different than the traditional futon construction. In Japan and other Eastern countries, the futon consists of essentially two parts: a mattress portion and an upper quilted topper. These two pieces are known as the shiki-futon (mattress) and the kake-futon (topper portion). Together, they are used to make up the bed for sleeping. Then, in the morning, they are hung out to air in the sun and beaten to clean.
Where there was once much more fascination for Eastern cultures, today many people are opting for a more modern or retro-modern appeal to their home designs and decorating. The futon can play a vital role in giving you the type of flexibility that could enhance a dynamic home. There was a short time when futon mattresses were thought to be the mainstay in college dorms or bachelor pads. This is just not the case anymore. While they are still great options in for these situations, they are so much more.
Traditional futons beds are perfect for people who move frequently, or for those who live in small apartments. They are constructed from natural carded cotton bolls, and come in several thicknesses from 10 cm to 18 cm. The thinner futons are easier to roll and transport, but the thicker ones are more comfortable. Thicker futon mattresses are better suited to use on a fixed frame or sofa frame, as the action of folding and unfolding will not crease it easily. This is a very good solution for small apartments, where you can use the sofa during the day for seating, and unfold it into a bed at night without the discomfort of a break in the middle.
It should also be pointed out that futon beds have a very good longevity, and that you should expect to keep your mattress 6 to 12 years, depending on the quality you have chosen to buy. Do not hesitate to turn your mattress regularly, and it will reward you with both added comfort and longer use.
Finally I should say that a futon bed can adapt to the morphology of each person for the best comfort possible.