Finding the Best Futon Sofa Bed

November 24, 2022

If you are looking to buy a new futon sofa bed, you might be wondering which one will be the best for your needs. Here's a guide to help you.

Futon Sofa Bed Buying Guideline

1. How to choose the best futon mattress

Learn about all your options when buying a futon sofa bed

There are a number of factors that you should take into consideration when choosing the best mattress for your futon sofa bed. These include:

  • Your preferred sleeping position
  • Your body type
  • If you experience pain when you wake up
  • How you will use your futon sofa bed


Read on to discover how your sleeping position can help you determine the type of mattress you buy.


Your preferred sleeping position


You should select a mattress that works well with your preferred sleeping position. Here are the different sleeping positions and the types of mattresses that suit them.


Stomach: If you usually sleep on your stomach then you should choose a firm mattress. Sleeping on your stomach puts a lot of stress on your spine, which can lead to back and neck pain over time. If at all possible, it's best to choose a different sleeping position. However, if you find that you can only sleep well on your stomach, then make sure you purchase a mattress that will give you the support your spine needs.


Back: If you are a back sleeper, then you should avoid softer mattresses. This is because you will need a firmer foam mattress to give you the support that you need to keep your spine properly aligned


Side: When you sleep on your side, you are putting pressure on both your hips and your shoulders. You should look for a softer mattress that will better cushion your body and relieve the pressure on your hips and shoulders. Memory foam futon mattresses are a good option for side sleepers.


Combination: If you tend to change positions all night long or turn over frequently, then you are considered a combination sleeper. A good choice for combination sleepers is a medium-firm futon mattress. This type of mattress will give you the right amount of support and comfort. Memory foam mattresses are probably not your best option because you may find it more difficult to change positions.


Your body type

If you have a lighter body weight, then you should get a slightly softer mattress

Your body type can also affect the type of mattress that will work best for you.


Heavier body weights: If you are a heavier person, then a firmer bed is a better option to give you enough support. If you prefer the comfort of a foam mattress, then look for higher quality one to give you more support and durability.


Lighter body weights: If you are a lighter person, then you will probably find that a medium-firm mattress will feel much firmer to you than it would for someone else. If you sleep on your side or you need pressure or pain relief, a softer mattress will be a better choice for you.


Taller people: If you are over 6 feet tall, then you should look for a queen or king-sized mattress. If you choose a single or double, your feet will probably hang out over the edge!


If you experience pain when you wake up


If you find that you wake up in pain each morning, then the right type of mattress could help to ease that pain. 


Lower back and neck pain: If your pain is in your lower back or in your neck, then your mattress may not be giving you enough support. In the past, people with this type of pain were encouraged to purchase a very firm mattress, however, now it is felt that a medium-firm mattress may be a better option for you.


Muscle, joint or pressure point pain: If you are experiencing muscle, joint, or pressure point pain, then a medium-firm foam mattress could help to ease it as well as reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep.


How you will use your futon sofa bed

Choose a softer mattress if you futon sofa bed will mainly be used as a couch

How you intend to use your futon sofa bed will also play a role in the type of mattress you choose. If you want to use it more as a sofa and you will only use it occasionally to sleep on, then you will probably want to select a softer mattress. If, however, you intend to sleep on your futon sofa bed every night or frequently, then you should select a more durable, longer lasting mattress.

2. What size of futon sofa bed should you choose?


Futon sofa beds come in a full range of sizes including:


  • Single: 39" x 74"
  • Double: 54: x 74"
  • Queen: 60" x 80"
  • King: 76" x 80"
  • Custom sizes


Choose a futon sofa bed that will fit into the space that you need it to. 

3. How much should you expect to pay for your futon?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1,500+ for your futon sofa bed

On average you can expect to pay anywhere from about $600 for a metal frame, double sized futon including a mattress to $1,500 and up for a queen sized high-quality hardwood frame including a mattress. The amount you pay for your futon sofa bed will depend on a number of factors including:


  • The type and size of frame you choose
  • The type of mattress you want
  • The type of futon cover you get
  • The quality of the futon


You should also ask about any additional delivery or assembly fees as these will add to your total cost.

4. What should you look for in a futon frame?

Check for wooden slats on both a metal and wood frame futon sofa bed

There are many different types of futon frames to choose from. Here are some things to consider when you are choosing your frame.


Materials:


The two most common types of futon frames are made of either metal or wood. Metal or unfinished pine frames are usually less expensive than typical hardwood frames so they make a great choice if you are on a budget. 


Slats:


When choosing your futon, take a close look at the slats. They should be at least two and a half to three inches wide. This is a good rule of thumb for both metal and wooden futons. If you buy a metal futon frame that has metal slats, the metal will start to dig into your mattress over time and cause it to sag. Higher quality metal futons are designed with hardwood slats instead of metal. This type of slat will give your mattress better support and stop it from sagging.


You will pay more for finished pine and hardwood frames, but if you are looking for a more attractive looking piece of furniture that will probably last longer, then these options would be your better choice.


Frame Design:

There are many different futon sofa bed frame designs

A simple L Frame or A-Frame shape will cost you less than one that has arm rests. If your frame has storage drawers that slide out or armrests that fold down into trays, it will also add to the price. However, these great added features are often worth the extra cost.


Quality:


It is a good idea to consider the quality of your futon when making your decision. A higher-quality, Canadian-made futon will last longer than a lower-quality one and will usually look better. 

Futons by The Futon Shop


The Futon Shop has the largest and best selection of Canadian-made futon sofa beds! We also sell futon covers, bean bag chairs, mattress protectors and so much more.


At the Futon Shop we know how amazing our futons are because we are both the manufacturer and the retailer! Since 1984 we have been manufacturing our own line of high-quality futons in a wide variety of styles and sizes. If you prefer, we can also make a custom size to meet your exact requirements. 


All of our futons are crafted right here in Canada at our Burlington location, so you can be sure that you are getting a quality product that will last. We are the largest futon manufacture in Canada, and we have been building our own line of high quality futon mattresses as well. You can come see our incredible lineup at our Burlington location or you can shop for all of our products online. We even ship all across Canada. 

Start Shopping

"I ordered a futon I needed for guests and then picked it up at the store in Burlington.
I had great service through email communications and at the store. And it's a great futon! Highly recommend."


- David Barker


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The Futon Shop Burlington Showroom Business Hours

Tuesday - Friday: 10:00am - 4:00pm   |  Saturday: 10:00am - 3:00pm     Sunday - Monday: Closed


5205 Harvester Rd, Burlington, L7L, ON, Canada



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