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Futons are no longer just found in college dorms and stoner flop houses. They're now a mainstream solution for guest stays.
However, like other mainstream furniture, many futon mattresses are full of harmful chemicals and made from unsustainable materials that are bad for the environment.
The good news is that there are also some seriously high-quality options with some seriously eco-friendly credentials. But how can you tell which is which?
If you’re looking for a fantastic eco-friendly futon mattress, you’ve come to the right place. Sleeping is one of my superpowers!
Later in this article, I’ll review the key factors to consider when choosing a non-toxic futon mattress - and flag the pitfalls to avoid.
But, before all that, I’ll cut to the chase and introduce you to the #1 product that has been rocking my sleepy world recently.
They Say: Meet the futon built for your body’s health, with the finest natural fibers planet Earth has to offer. The Dreamton is a just-firm-enough organic cotton and wool futon that’s naturally hypoallergenic and non-toxic and made from materials that you can feel good about.
We Say: This was the first item I’ve ever tested from White Lotus Home, and I have a feeling it won’t be the last.
Their company ethics are ’on point’, and their products are made from the highest quality organic and natural materials.
This organic futon mattress is a high-quality piece of furniture that’s built to last, and it’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into its design.
The firmness is precisely what you’d expect from a futon cushion…comfortably firm, and ideal for back and side sleepers. I'd recommend it for occasional or everyday use.
At $1,745 for a twin, it’s definitely on the higher end of the spectrum regarding futon prices. But if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line, non-toxic futon that will provide years of comfortable sleep, the Dreamton is definitely worth the investment.
From organic cotton and organic wool to the just-firm-enough mattress, this futon is sure to please anyone looking for a healthy and comfortable place to sleep.
This natural mattress is covered by a 10-year warranty and a 120-day sleep trial.
If you decide this futon isn’t for you, then simply contact White Lotus Home within 120 days to discuss the issues.
The only downside for me is that if you eventually decide to return, which admittedly I think is unlikely, you’ll be charged a 30% restocking fee.
Natural futon mattresses can be made from various materials, including cotton, wool, latex, and foam.
Each material has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to consider all of your options before making a purchase.
While researching and testings for this article, I quickly discovered that there are three main destinations when looking to buy a futon mattress online:
I'm going to show you a selection of the best organic futon mattress options from these top retailers that I would also highly recommend.
Since 1981, the White Lotus Home has been a top producer of high-quality natural goods, supplying handcrafted items to bedding outlets, furniture stores, natural goods shops, and directly to individual customers.
Its main showroom and manufacturing plant are in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and Skilled artisans create every White Lotus Home item.
The entire product line incorporates all American raw materials whenever feasible to reduce waste throughout every step of the lifecycle of their goods.
White Lotus Home is committed to sustainability and is a member of the following organizations and certifications to help provide peace of mind for the Earth-conscious shopper:
Because they make all their mattresses themselves, White Lotus Home can accommodate most bespoke order requirements.
Want your futon longer, wider, or thicker? Not a problem; simply give them a call to discuss your needs.
You've already seen my top pick came from this manufacturer, and here's another great mattress from their range.
They Say: Bigger, firmer, and more luxurious than ever, the Boulder Dreamton futon is made with 15% more cotton and twice as many tufts for a firm futon that’s all about support. The firmest futon we make, the Boulder comprises a Green Cotton core with a wrapping of our pure wool. Deliciously solid, the Boulder can be made up to eight inches thick.
We Say: Like the sound of the Organic Cotton And Wool Dreamton Futon, but don’t have the budget for organic cotton?
Well, this version is more than 50% cheaper, just as comfortable, and still boasts decent eco-credentials, thanks to its use of green cotton.
Organic cotton is one of my favorite sustainable fabrics, but it can be pricey.
Traditional cotton is a dirty crop and should be avoided whenever possible.
Green cotton is a compromise between the two. But what exactly is it?
Green Cotton is produced in the U.S. to very high environmental standards, but it’s not certified organic. It’s a fantastic money-saving material that doesn’t expose you to hazardous chemicals found in traditional cotton.
I could not tell any difference in sleeping comfort between this wool futon mattress and its more expensive sibling. The extra firmness makes it ideal for front and stomach sleepers or anyone with back pain issues.
So, if removing as many toxic chemicals as possible from your sleep surface is important to you, but you can’t justify the cost of organic cotton, this is an option worthy of serious consideration.
This product is covered by a 10-year warranty and a 120-day sleep trial.
If you decide this futon isn’t for you, then simply contact White Lotus Home within 120 days to discuss the issues.
Again, the negative I have is that if you eventually decide to return, you’ll be charged a 30% restocking fee.
Well, I couldn’t test and review futon mattresses without looking at The Futon Shop, could I?
We're talking about a significant player in the chemical-free, natural furniture space.
It’s a mission-driven firm dedicated to establishing industry standards for furniture makers and retailers alike.
The Futon Shop strives to establish the highest levels of craftsmanship and sustainability in all aspects of its supply chain.
Their products and eco-credentials are certified and approved by many respected third parties, including:
There are two excellent non-toxic futon mattresses there that I can definitely recommend...
✔ Traditional Japanese Style
✔ All Natural Latex Core
✔ USDA-certified Organic Cotton Cover
They Say: Our Japanese style All Natural Latex and PLA Shikibuton Mattress includes both all-natural Dunlop latex and PLA. The breathable and lightweight PLA fiber allows for a deeper night’s sleep, while the natural latex core provides added support and comfort. Designed to be rolled up and stored away when not in use.
We Say: This is a traditional Japanese-style futon mattress. At just 3” thick and a medium-firm rating, it’s designed to be used directly on the floor.
As with all the mattresses in this article, I tested this one on the floor. Seeing as it’s only 3”, I’m amazed at how comfortable it is.
If you’re worried about airflow and mildew when using a futon cushion on the floor, you can set it on a low-profile Tatami Mat or Coir Pad.
This is an excellent latex mattress for those looking for an all-natural option.
The latex and PLA materials provide a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface, while the breathable USDA-certified organic cotton mattress cover helps to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
The mattress is also easy to set up and fold away, making it a great option for small spaces.
This futon mattress comes with a 7-year warranty and a 30-day sleep trial.
If you decide this futon mattress is not suitable for you (after sleeping on it for at least 15 nights), you can arrange a replacement to be sent or claim store credit towards an alternative.
✔ Recycled Steel Coils
✔ Sustainable Egyptian Cotton
✔ Comfortable Budget Alternative
They Say: This mattress is built with sustainable, eco-friendly, and recycled steel materials so you can get the support you need while staying natural and green. The hybrid foam for this Spring Foam and Cotton Futon Mattress is partially made with Soy Bean Oil to better reduce harm to the environment from petro-chemicals that are in traditional foam, and since the soft fibers of this mattress do not irritate like synthetic fibers, you won’t be disturbed by discomfort at night.
We Say: If you like the sounds of what The Futon Shop is all about, but want a more western-style futon, then you might want to consider the Support Plus Pocketed Coil Mattress.
Made with Egyptian cotton, soy-based foam, and 1,300 recycled steel micro coils, this chemical-free futon mattress might not be organic, but it still packs a punch in the green stakes.
This futon features Egyptian cotton which is pesticide-free and sustainable, making it a viable budget-friendly alternative to organic cotton.
The sleep experience was comfortable and the queen size, which I tested, felt more like a traditional mattress than the Shikibuton.
This comes at a cost, though, in terms of storage. This futon mattress cannot be folded or rolled up, so it will take up more storage space when not being used.
Just like the Shikibuton, the Support Plus comes with a 7-year warranty and a 30-day sleep trial.
If you decide this futon mattress is not suitable for you (after sleeping on it for at least 15 nights), you can arrange a replacement to be sent or claim store credit towards an alternative.
Etsy is an online marketplace that connects 100 million buyers and 7.5 million sellers around the world.
Buyers come to the Etsy marketplace for meaningful, one-of-a-kind items handcrafted and curated with passion and expertise by creative entrepreneurs.
The Etsy business model is committed to making a positive impact on people and the planet in three key areas:
✔ Traditionally Made in Japan
✔ 100% GOTS-certified Organic Cotton
✔ Easy to Fold Away
They Say: This is a Japanese shikibuton (shiki futon) made by our futon craftsman. The traditional manufacturing method, wazarashi, does not pull or stretch the cloth; instead, it is slowly and thoroughly processed for about three days in a cauldron, almost completely removing any impurities without stressing the fiber. To get the appearance of pure cotton wazarashi fabric, pigments/fats, impurities, etc., attached to the cotton are removed, taking the textile’s natural form to the very limit.
We Say: This absolute gem of a Japanese futon is made in Japan by traditional craftsmen, using traditional manufacturing techniques.
The result is an authentic futon mattress made from non-toxic materials at a competitive price.
The cotton cover used in this futon is gently boiled for around 72hrs to remove all impurities. It’s then stuffed with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. Simple, Authentic. Chemical-free.
This rustic beauty is soft and welcoming, and I slept very well on it.
It also folds away quickly and easily. Making it perfect for floor sleeping when guests stay over unexpectedly.
Being handmade in Japan, there is an environmental impact of shipping to the U.S. Overseas shipping is usually something I recommend you avoid wherever possible.
However, Etsy offset the entire carbon footprint from the shipping and packaging on this purchase, so you can order with a clear eco-conscious.
Shipping is free on all US orders, but there is no sleep trial or warranty period. Not that I feel this is much of an issue. This futon is simple but exceptionally well-made. I can’t see anything going wrong with it.
✔ Handmade in the USA
✔ Organic Cotton & Virgin Wool
✔ No Harmful Chemicals
They Say: Our Japanese style All Natural Latex and PLA Shikibuton Mattress includes both all-natural Dunlop latex and PLA. The breathable and lightweight PLA fiber allows for a deeper night’s sleep, while the natural latex core provides added support and comfort.
We Say: This is a traditional Japanese-style futon. At just 3” thick and a medium-firm rating, it’s designed to be used directly on the floor.
As with all the mattresses in this article, I tested this one on the floor. Seeing as it’s only 3”, I’m amazed at how comfortable it is.
This is an excellent latex mattress for those looking for an all-natural option.
The latex and PLA materials provide a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface, while the breathable GOTS-certified organic cotton cover helps to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
The mattress is also easy to set up and fold away, making it a great option for small spaces.
This futon comes with a 7-year warranty and a 30-day sleep trial.
If you decide this mattress is not suitable for you (after sleeping on it for at least 15 nights), you can arrange a replacement to be sent or claim store credit towards an alternative.
There are some important considerations when buying an eco-friendly futon mattress.
So whichever product you choose, here are some of the most important things you need to look out for.
We spend almost a third of our lives sleeping, so ensuring our futon isn’t filled with hazardous chemicals is critical.
Many futon manufacturers provide consumers with a wide selection of fully organic mattresses. These mattresses are constructed using the best quality organic materials and procedures.
Mattresses with eco-friendly and natural (but not fully organic) materials are also popular. They aid in removing pollutants from your mattress without the higher cost of using 100% organic material.
Some of the best materials to look out for include:
These materials are not only safe for human and environmental health but are also comfortable and durable.
How can you be 100% sure that the materials in your new futon are organic and natural and that the manufacturer is not trying to pull the wool over your eyes (pun intended!) with some classic greenwashing?
Simple, look for well-known and trusted third-party certifications to give you added peace of mind!
Some of the better ones to keep your eyes peeled for include:
Find more info on these and other eco-labels here.
The way a futon mattress is manufactured can also have an impact on its environmental friendliness.
Mattresses made using sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient manufacturing processes, are typically more eco-friendly.
It’s also important to consider the waste produced during the manufacturing process. A mattress that creates a lot of waste is not as eco-friendly as one that doesn’t.
The ethics and charitable actions of a manufacturer are also important.
Well-known and trusted third-party certifications give you added peace of mind that an ethical company manufactured your new futon mattress sustainably.
Some of the better ones to keep your eyes peeled for include:
Of course, price is always a consideration when purchasing any product.
However, it’s important to remember that eco-friendly products are often more expensive than their traditional counterparts. This is because they are made with higher-quality materials and use sustainable practices.
While an organic and non-toxic futon mattress may cost more upfront, it’ll likely be of higher quality and last longer. This makes it a sustainable investment.
Comfort also needs to be taken into consideration. After all, what’s the point of buying a new futon if it’s not comfortable?
Organic and natural materials are often more comfortable than synthetic ones. This is because they provide better support and improve airflow.
Some people prefer a softer mattress, while others like a firmer one. Some swear by memory foam while others can't stand it. This is entirely a matter of personal preference.
However, it’s important to remember that organic futon mattresses often have less give than traditional mattresses. This is because they’re usually made with stiffer materials such as coconut coir.
Ideal thickness, like comfort, is also primarily down to personal preference. If you’re a side sleeper, you might need extra thickness.
A futon mattress or a PVC-free air mattress are both excellent cost-effective solutions for a spare room.
A flexible futon mattress is easy to fold and store away when it’s not needed.
A general rule of thumb with all products is the more extended the warranty, the better the quality.
This doesn’t always hold true, but manufacturers who offer extended warranties are usually more confident in the longevity of their mattresses.
You can usually expect to get a decent sleep trial when you buy a full size non-toxic mattress, but they’re less commonly offered on futons. However, they are still available if you shop around.
A sleep trial is a fantastic way to test a futon in your own home before deciding if you want to keep it or not.
The two most common types of futon mattresses are:
A futon mattress is a wonderfully flexible thing. You can use it with or without a solid futon frame.
If you plan on using yours without a futon frame, then it’s important to choose a thinner mattress. This will make it easier to fold up and store away when not in use.
On the other hand, if you want to use your futon mattress as a permanent bed, then a thicker mattress is a better option.
Consider adding an extra comfort layer, such as an organic mattress pad. Or you could look for memory foam futon mattresses rather than thin wool ones.
Also, try adding a futon frame to lift your mattress off the floor.
Futons can be an excellent addition for people who sleep in guest rooms, have small spaces, or need an extra bed.
They’re also popular with college students and young adults.
So there you have it. I hope this article has helped you better understand the world of organic futon mattresses and helped you choose the one right for your needs.
A futon is an excellent option for people looking for an affordable, space-saving, and versatile sleeping solution for a guest room or living room.
They’re often less comfortable than traditional mattresses, but this can vary depending on the type of futon you choose.
Futon mattresses come in both Japanese and Western styles, so it’s important to consider what type will best suit your needs.
Japanese-style futons are more flexible and can be used on beds and sofas. Their western-style counterparts are usually more like traditional mattresses and will not bend.
Have I missed your favorite manufacturer of organic futons?
Do you use a futon bed all the time? Or do you have a fancy futon frame that’s a futon sofa by day and a bed by night?
Would you consider ditching your traditional luxury mattress for a futon or non-toxic sofa bed? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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