How to Make Your Futon More Comfortable

"Futon" is the Japanese word for bed, and is traditionally used to describe an entire bedding system, including a cotton-filled mattress, or shikibuton; a comforter, or kakebuton; and a pillow, or makura. The Japanese futon is placed on a bed pad or rice straw mat, laid out on the floor at night, and rolled up during the day. After the 1960s, many Americans began using an adapted version of the futon, which includes a cotton-filled mattress on top of a folding frame that is used as a couch or a bed. Some people find American futons uncomfortable to sleep on but they are made with a variety of different materials now, some more supportive than cotton, and many bed accessories can make your futon cozier and more supportive.

Futon mattress
Mattress pad
Blankets
Sheets
Pillows

Instructions

- 1
  If you're buying a new futon, try to get one filled with high-density foam instead of cotton. Cotton futon mattresses are generally the cheapest available, but they break down faster and are more prone to get lumpy. You might also want to consider a high quality futon mattress with an inner spring system, which offers support similar to a traditional American mattress. Mattress thickness can affect your comfort too. A 9-inch mattress will feel more plush and supportive than a 6-inch mattress.
- 2
  If your futon is not comfortable by itself, use a mattress topper. Memory foam mattress toppers contour to your body to relieve pressure points. Latex mattress toppers are soft, dense and highly supportive. Memory foam and latex toppers are some of the most expensive on the market, but they can make even the most uncomfortable mattresses feel supportive and luxurious. If you can't afford these kinds of topper or prefer an alternative, you may want want to try a traditional quilted mattress pad, an egg crate topper, which is a foam topper with egg-crate-shaped contours used to relieve pressure points, or even some extra blankets to provide some cushioning. Mattress toppers can be added or removed as needed.
- 3
  
  Make your futon cozier by using supportive pillows and warm blankets.
  
  To keep your futon warm and cozy, use soft, plush bedding. Flannel and fleece bedsheets are excellent for cold weather. Blankets and comforters made from wool or goose down act as insulators to radiate your body heat back to you. Don't forget that a supportive pillow can affect sleep too. Many pillows are designed for different sleeping positions, so make sure you have some that work best for you and your guests. People who sleep on their stomach or back tend to prefer softer pillows, while people who sleep on their side tend to prefer firmer pillows.

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