Finding alternative ways to create bed space in a house can sometimes be tricky. Do you have a futon or daybed you want to add a mattress too but don't know if memory foam material is okay?
Can you use a futon or daybed like an actual bed? We have done extensive research into this topic and have the answers below.
Yes! You can certainly use a memory foam mattress on a futon and daybed. With that said, you won't be able to use a futon with a memory foam mattress as a couch because the memory foam can't bend in half.
For daybeds, you can use whichever mattress type you prefer, as these don't fold or change shape.
As we begin, we will cover all things memory foam mattresses and discuss how to use one on a daybed and futon. Whether you live in a smaller apartment or need new ideas for an extra bedroom, we're here to offer some help. With that said, let's dive right into this topic!
Can You Use Any Mattress On A Futon?
Yes, you can generally use any mattress on a futon you prefer. As we said above, memory foam is a great option, although it will restrict how you use your furniture.
For example, if you want to have your futon work as a bed and couch, you'll need a mattress that can easily fold. Most often, these are spring options, which aren't always comfortable.
Additionally, there are mattresses made explicitly for futons, which might be the best idea if you want to sit and sleep on yours.
On the other hand, if you don't want to purchase a traditional bed frame and build a huge platform and headboard, you can certainly transform a futon into a comfy bed.
This all comes down to what you need, the space you have, and the purpose of your futon/mattress.
What Kind Of Mattress Is Best For A Futon?
You need to choose the right mattress for those wanting to make their futon a makeshift bed. According to a list from the experts at Greatist, the nine best mattresses for a futon include:
- Classic Brands 8-inch Futon Mattress
- Otis Bed Moonshadow Futon Mattress
- Mozaic 6-inch Futon Mattress
- Blazing Needles Futon Mattress
- EMOOR Shikifuton Futon Mattress
- Nirvana Premium 10-inch Futon Mattress
- DHP 8-inch Futon Mattress
- Maxyoyo Futon Mattress
- Milliard Tri-fold Mattress
Of course, these all range in price, size, and material, so it's best to find a mattress that fits your unique needs. Some people like a thicker bed, while others prefer a slightly thinner one.
Furthermore, your futon may be for a spare bedroom or for when you have friends over, so it doesn't always need to break the bank. As we said, you can also find futons with built-in mattresses, making this process easier.
Classic Brands 8-Inch Futon Mattress
This mattress works for futons, is eight inches thick, has a wrapped coil spring design, promises to resist wear and tear, fits any standard Full futon frame, and has a medium rating for firmness.
Follow this link to see it on Amazon.
Mozaic Full Size 6-inch Cotton Twill Futon Mattress
This futon mattress is six inches thick, has CertiPUR-US certified memory foam wrapped in cotton, is black, is easy to clean, fits standard-sized futons, and weighs 37 pounds.
Check out this mattress on Amazon.
Can You Use A Memory Foam Mattress On A Daybed?
Yes! You can use a memory foam mattress on a standard daybed. You should stay comfortable if your bed has some layer between the mattress and its wooden/metal base.
Remember, memory foam tends to be medium-rated for firmness, and daybeds typically do best with firmer mattresses. However, using a board or boxspring between it and your bed is possible, so you might have to get crafty.
According to A Bedder World, the mattress you use on a daybed should have a firmness rating between five and seven out of ten. Luckily, you can typically find a product with these qualifications by quickly searching the internet, so don't panic.
They also mention the importance of having a firmer mattress on a daybed, memory foam or not, as this will make it easier and more comfortable to sit on.
Unlike a futon, daybeds don't fold or change their shape, so the mattress you choose must work for all types of movement and activity.
Furthermore, you can always add a memory foam topper to a firmer, non-foam base mattress on a daybed, so you have options.
Customize Bed 8-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
This memory foam mattress is eight inches thick, has a bamboo cover and a gel design, fits daybeds, cots, trundles, and roll-aways, and is made here in the USA.
View this mattress on Amazon here.
How Can I Make A Daybed More Comfortable?
For anyone struggling with an uncomfortable daybed, there are ways to improve this. Typically, you want to find a mattress six inches or thicker for your bed.
You also want to use pillows, blankets, and even an additional memory foam topper for your daybed. Even if you don't use this piece of furniture for sleeping, it's crucial to have it be soft and usable.
Mattress Nut claims that most daybed mattresses are the same size as standard twins, so you may even want to consider purchasing a twin mattress for yours.
In general, futon and daybed mattresses won't be as plush and deluxe as standard bed options. That can create discomfort and make your furniture feel makeshift for guests.
Luckily, you can usually fix this with a topper or a mattress upgrade, so don't be afraid to splurge!
JUEYINGBAILI Mattress Pad Topper
This topper works for twin-sized mattresses, is a soft 100% cotton material, has snow down alternative filling, and is machine washable.
See this mattress topper on Amazon.
How Do You Make A Futon More Comfortable?
If you have an uncomfortable futon you want to transform, there are many ways to do this. Like a daybed, a mattress upgrade is your best bet for improving comfort.
According to Bedrooms1, you can do the following to help make a futon feel better:
- Place a featherbed on top of your futon mattress.
- Add extra support beneath your existing bed.
- Add a memory foam topper to your futon.
- Switch to an air mattress for your futon.
- Layer comforters on top of your mattress.
You can also try using more pillows or switching to a twin mattress with a higher-quality design and material. Generally, futon mattresses will be spring-filled, which is not as comfortable as memory foam or deluxe filling.
Additionally, it's also important to choose bedding for your futon that is cozy. Even if you aren't sleeping on it, the last thing you want to do is give your guest(s) a backache.
Of the options listed above, we recommend starting with a memory foam topper and seeing if that makes any noticeable difference.
If it doesn't help or you're still feeling iffy, that's when purchasing a new mattress may be the best idea.
ViscoSoft 3-Inch Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper
This memory foam topper is three inches thick, is a soft rayon material, has a charcoal-infused gel memory design, comes with a removable and washable cover, and has a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Check out this topper on Amazon here.
Can You Use A Futon As A Bed?
Although you technically can use a futon as a regular bed, this isn't common. Typically, futons work best for makeshift sleeping, as their primary function is a couch.
One of the main reasons this type of furniture is so popular is that you get two functions out of it. For example, if you have a futon in the living room or basement, you can easily fold it down and use it for extra sleeping.
Hence, a spring mattress usually comes with a futon, as it needs to be adjustable. That said, if you want to save space and money, you can certainly convert your futon to a full-time bed.
To do this, we recommend finding a thick, comfortable mattress rather than the one your furniture came with. Additionally, you might want to add a memory foam topper to enhance your sleep.
Can A Daybed Work As A Regular Bed?
Like a futon, you can also use a daybed just as you would a regular twin. Considering a daybed is closer to being a sleep-friendly alternative to a traditional bed frame, we recommend it over a futon.
Unlike a futon, your daybed won't fold or change shape. For this reason, you can opt for a higher-quality mattress, like memory foam, without problems.
Furthermore, a daybed is also perfect for a guest bedroom and often doubles as a couch or extra seating.
Again, you may want to add pillows, extra bedding, and a topper to enhance your sleep on a daybed, but overall, it's a great alternative to a standard option.
Cost-wise, you won't usually spend more than a few hundred dollars for a daybed and mattress, a fraction of a bed frame, headboard, and queen or king-sized mattress.
To Wrap Up
Whether you want to save space or need extra sleeping in your home, it's essential to use the right mattress on a futon or daybed. From what we found, you can use a memory foam mattress for either, but you will lose the couch functionality of your futon.
However, a daybed won't lose any functionality with a memory foam mattress, so we recommend it over a futon. You may even want to add a foam topper to your bed if it's too hard/shallow.
Regardless, make sure to find a futon or daybed that works for your home, and don't be afraid to get crafty with accessorizing your furniture!
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