A futon mattress generally has six sizes which help complement its space-saving capabilities. However, these varieties differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. The six varieties are twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and lastly, California king.

Some manufacturers include single-size, full XL, Olympic queen, Texas king, Wyoming king, or Alaskan king, though these size varieties are generally more common in the United States and Canada rather than in Europe.

Read on further below as we cover the details about different size varieties for futon mattresses!

What Are The Sizes Of Futon Mattresses?

Futon mattresses are usually categorised into six distinct sizes:

1. Twin
2. Twin XL
3. Full
4. Queen
5. King
6. California king.

Mattress Size	Size in Inches (in)	Size in Centimetres (cm)	Remarks
Twin	38 x 75 inches	96.5 by 190.5 centimetres	These dimensions are good for a single sleeper, but its length may not be enough, especially for tall people over six feet tall. The width itself is not a problem for lean people but can be too narrow for heavier people.
Twin XL	38 x 80 inches	96.5 by 203.2 centimetres	Twin XL futon mattresses have the same width as the twin, but they are a bit longer. Twin XLs are good for tall people who have their feet dangling on the edge of their twin-sized futon. These are also good if you have an average height but have pets sleeping beside your feet.
Full	54 x 75 inches	137.2 by 190.5 centimetres	Full-sized futon mattresses have enough width to accommodate two people who don’t need too much legroom. They’re also good for single sleepers that want to have a wider futon. Kids can also be accommodated, although you might feel cramped.
Queen	60 x 80 inches	152.4 by 203.2 centimetres	The queen size is good for couples and is usually adequate for a typical couple. However, it may be cramped for people of taller and bigger stature.
King	76 x 80 inches	193 by 203.2 centimetres	A king-sized futon is more than enough for a couple; what’s more is that a king-sized bed can even occupy two toddlers. Perfect for starting families.
California King	72 x 84 inches	182.8 by 213.4 centimetres	If you want one of the biggest bed sizes, a California king would surely satisfy your preference. However, for a futon mattress, it can be a huge hassle to fold and set up a bed this large.

Futon Mattress Benefits

The beloved Japanese futon mattress has numerous benefits—which makes it popular not just in Asia but also in Europe:

• Cheap. Futon mattresses are generally more affordable than most mattresses since they’re produced with fewer materials than traditional ones. 
• Versatile. Futons are capable of turning into a couch and a fully-fledged mattress. It’s so versatile that you actually own two pieces of furniture in one item.
• Space Saving. Futons can be folded, and they’re a good choice for people living in small homes or apartments. Plus, they’re easy to store away when not in use.
• Ease of Transport. Suppose you’re moving out; a futon is easy to take with you. Traditional mattresses are too heavy and bulky that you’d likely need a moving company to help you move out.

What Futon Size Is Right For Me?

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to a perfect mattress size for an individual. There are many factors involved that will determine if a specific size is best for you, as listed below:

• Number of bed occupants
• Weight of occupants
• Height of occupants
• Sleeping position of occupants
• Preference of occupants
• Size of your room or home
• Where you’ll store the mattress

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to tailor your futon to your own build, try making your own futon mattress.

User Factors

If you have a sleeping partner, a full-size mattress and above would be suitable. We also recommend going a size higher if occupants have heavier weights and taller statures to fully accommodate the body while sleeping.

For people with heavy weights or tall heights, we recommend a larger futon since it would be the most sensible option for those demographics. It also helps ensure that the futon doesn’t become too strained from the weight it supports.

Sleeping Position

The sleeping position of occupants is also a factor, and if they often sleep on their backs or their stomachs, a larger size may be a good option since these sleeping positions take up more space than sleeping sideways.

Another fact worth mentioning is that futon mattresses can’t accommodate any sleeping position. Back sleepers are the ones who can reap the most from futons, and side sleepers may benefit in one way or another. Stomach sleepers will wake up sore and strained in this mattress.

However, we always recommend following personal preferences. If you’d love to sleep in a massive bed even if you don’t need to, indulge yourself, as sleeping is a necessary physiological process.

Size of Your Room and Where You’ll Store It

Another important factor to consider is the size of your room; if you have a king-sized futon in a small room, the space may get cramped. It’s good to take note that creating ample space for both your room and futon is important so as not to make your living and sleeping space crampy.

You also have to think about where you’ll store the futon once you fold it after waking up. Traditional mattresses don’t need folding, but futons do, and that unique feature sets them apart.

You can actually store the folded futon in the same room you sleep in, provided the room still has ample space. If not, you can store it in a safe storage room where moisture is minimal and the mattress doesn’t get compressed.

Are Futon Mattresses Good To Sleep On?

Futon mattresses are generally good to sleep on, but it depends on the person since everyone has differing preferences and sleep styles. The type of futon mattress might also influence comfort level.

For example, futons with extra memory foam or latex materials tend to be more plush and supportive of a user’s weight, alleviating pressure from their bodies. Added comfort materials can also give a pregnant woman the necessary weight support she needs.

However, do take note that futon mattresses are designed and produced to be on the firmer side of the firmness and softness spectrum. So if you love a firm bed, a futon is also likely comfortable for you.

How Long Do Futon Mattresses Last?

Futons generally last for 5-10 years, depending on usage habits and other factors such as build quality and material quality. Since futons can be folded and stored away for weeks, if not months, they can last more than ten years.

But if you constantly use your futon, you can expect a shorter lifespan than other mattress types. However, suppose you bought a high-quality or premium futon model. In that case, you can assume that its lifespan will be significantly longer than that of standard or basic models.

Bear in mind that the most important task to do to prolong your futon mattress is to clean your futon regularly.

Are Futon Mattresses Good For Heavy People?

It depends. Futon mattresses are generally durable enough to accommodate a heavy person, but our general recommendation is you should go one size higher to make sure the frames of the futon can hold up really well.

A full-sized futon and above is capable enough to accommodate a heavy person, but going for a queen, king, California king, and beyond is a good choice, especially if you sleep with a partner or a few of your kids.

Going for a bigger size also helps not to put too much weight and pressure on the futon—which potentially helps increase lifespan and sustain the product’s durability for several years to come.