Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Fold-Up Futons of 2022: Reviews, Pros, Cons & Our Verdict
D&D Futon Furniture Tatami Foldable Cushion Mat
Living in small spaces can be challenging. But getting the right furniture can definitely make things easier. Our round up of the best folding futons can help you create a cozy, comfortable space. Our team recommends D&D’s Tatami Foldable Cushion Mat. It’s 3″ thick and can be stowed away for convenience. Find out why this may be great for you, too. And read all about our other fold up futon recommendations, as well.
Needing extra sleeping space is a common issue among many of us. One easy, cost-effective way of resolving that issue is having a futon handy.
Searching for a good fold-up futon can seem easy (they all seem to look alike, for starters) but it really isn’t.
So that you don’t have to do the hard work, our team has combed through dozens of fold-up futon manufacturers and we have gathered comprehensive information about the best fold-up futons based on:
- Quality & durability
- Construction & design
- Overall comfort
- Customer reviews
Our goal is to help you make an informed decision before spending your hard-earned money on a fold-up futon that might end up disappointing you.
Check out our exhaustive list of quality fold-up futons that may just be just what you need:
From an extra indoor/outdoor sleeping space to a comfortable seating surface for your reading nook, we’re sure you’ll find something that works for you.
The Best Fold Up Futons of 2020
Table of Contents
Milliard Tri-Fold Foam Folding Futon
The Milliard Tri-Fold Foam Folding Futon has a simple yet elegant design. It’s conveniently compact, making it ideal for dorms, apartments, and other small living spaces. The high-density foam provides great support and bounce, so the fold up futon doesn’t sag. Most importantly, it is CertiPUR-US certified, so no harmful substances are used in the production of this futon.
The Milliard Tri-Fold Futon comes with a removable and machine-washable cover. If the furniture gets dirty, you just need to wash the cover, not the entire futon.
What customers don’t love about this product:
This product gets almost near-perfect feedback from verified customers but still, there are some common complaints.
While this fold-up futon is made from materials of excellent quality, customers have given feedback that it sags in the middle and doesn’t provide the right back support. There are also some customers that complain about the zipper and stitching and that it comes off.
Our recommendation is to look into the proper care and use of fold-up futons. Regardless of brand or manufacturer, there are plenty of tips available to ensure that your futon lasts longer and feels more comfortable.
D&D Furniture Shikibuton Trifold Foam Bed
Is there such a thing as a three-form fold up futon? Yes, there is, and it’s the Shikibuton Trifold Foam Bed by D & D Furniture. It can be converted to a couch and back to a bed as with other futons. However, by folding the back foam unto itself and forming a stack, you can form an ottoman! Use an ottoman as a footrest or an extra seat.
The Shikibuton Trifold Foam bed is made of 1.8 pounds of high-density foam that provides great support and bounce. The material is certified to meet Federal Mattress Flammability Standard 16 CFR Part 1633 as required by law.
What customers don’t love about this product:
Many customers give this mattress an A-plus – loving its firmness, great back support and comfort. However, there are some who find the thickness or overall size itself too narrow for an average-sized or larger-built adult. Some say that this is only best for kids or teens.
Our recommendation is to ensure that you check the correct size and specs before you make a purchase to ensure that it’s just the right size that you need.
LUCID 4 Inch Folding Futon
If you want a versatile piece of furniture, then the LUCID 4 Inch Folding Futon is your answer. Make it as your own comfortable bed, sofa, or accent furniture in your other rooms. If you have a mattress that is too soft, put the LUCID folding futon on top of the mattress as a supportive, pressure-relieving mattress pad. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified to ensure your safety and health.
The thing that makes this fold up futon a winner is its durable cover, which can be used indoors and outdoors. Thus, you can take it on your lawn so you can camp or stargaze with your family. The cover is removable and washable, so it’s easy to clean.
What customers don’t love about this product:
Getting a lot of great feedback from verified buyers, there is still a general complaint in regards to its size when the futon is folded up into “sofa mode”. Some customers have reported that its sofa mode is close to useless as it’s too low for an average-sized adult to actually sit on. It also makes it too bulky to actually store.
Our recommendation is to carefully check the dimensions of this fold-up futon before purchasing it. And while fold-up futons are generally designed to save space, some (like this one), may not necessarily be designed for small-space storage.
Olee Sleep Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress
Do you wake up each day with a sore back, neck, or lumbar area? Perhaps it’s time to change your bed. You may want to consider the versatile, multi-use Olee Sleep Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress. The main components are thick pads of soft memory foam that perfectly conforms to every curve and contour of your body. This property provides you with much-needed pressure relief.
Memory foam is inherently hot, but the breathable polyester cover helps regulate your temperature so you can enjoy a cool, comfortable, and restful shut-eye.
What customers don’t love about this product:
Garnering impressive reviews from all over, the Olee tri-fold futon is actually a pretty good buy if you want to own a spare mattress for both indoor and outdoor use. However, some customers have reported poor quality after a few months of usage, and while it is designed to offer great support to the body, there are some customers who say that they wake up aching all over.
Our recommendation is to always research how to care for a fold-up futon. Regardless of brand, there are always effective tips to help make your futon last longer. Also, size is an important point when it comes to searching for futons. Make sure that you purchase the correct size (width, thickness, etc.) to get maximum comfort.
Best Price Trifold Mattress Topper
The Best Price Tri Fold Mattress Topper is a great lightweight fold-up futon not just for your home but also for your adventures! Take it with you when you camp out, on car trips, or during sleepovers. That’s because you don’t have to worry about it getting dirty. The 100% poly-Jacquard zippered cover is removable and could be machine washed. No need to fret yourself on cleaning the entire futon.
The futon has a 1.5-inch memory foam topper for that extra softness that you’ve always wanted. But it is supported with a 2.5-inch high-density foam layer for that added bounce and support.
What customers don’t love about this product:
Although the great reviews make this fold-up futon ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, there are a few complaints about foam’s overall lack of support. There are also complaints about the mattress not being as thick as it looks in the images.
Our recommendation is to consider your own needs when buying a futon. Are you sleeping on it for an extended period or is it just an extra sleeping space for houseguests?
For prolonged use of futons, it’s generally advisable to get thicker futons to ensure support. It would also be recommended to listen to your body’s needs. Sleep experts agree that if you have back, neck or shoulder pain, it’s not always advisable to sleep on futons for longer than a few nights as this might exacerbate the pain.
If you do, however, have physical aches and pains yet prefer the minimalist aesthetic of futons vs. mattresses on bulky box springs, you may want to consider investing in a thick, firm futon that is best for back pain.
Another recommendation for getting the most comfort out of your futon is to lay it on top of a traditional Japanese tatami mat for good, firm support.
D&D Futon Furniture Tatami Foldable Cushion Mat
You might be living in a space that is really small—like only enough space for a bed, table, and chair. Seriously, many students and city workers do rent rooms rather than apartment or condo units. If so, you may want to adapt the Japanese minimalist lifestyle to maximize space starting with the D&D Tatami Foldable Cushion Mat.
This is a modern take of the Japanese futon. Made of white cotton battings, two fiber layers, and a layer of foam, this traditional yet comfortable 3-inch thick futon can be rolled, compressed, and stored in a small space. The cover is made of 100% breathable and hypoallergenic polyester for a cool, comfortable, and allergy-free sleep.
Having a minimalist, non-distracting place to sleep is easy. All you need to do to complete your bed is a mat, Tatami Foldable Cushion Mat, your favorite pillow, and a blanket! You’re all set!
What customers don’t love about this product:
Lots of great reviews and fans for D & D’s tatami cushion but there are still some that have a few complaints here and there.
While this particular fold-up futon is close to that of a traditional Japanese futon, some customers have said that this does not offer the same, exact type of support of a pricey Japanese futon. But, however, a high percentage of verified buyers say that it does the job and is excellent to sleep on. Another common complaint is the chemical smell of the futon when it arrives on their doorstep. Lots of happy customers say, however, that it’s simply “new furniture” smell that can easily go away in a day or two once properly aired out.
Our recommendation is to always remember that modern alternatives to the traditional Japanese futon may not always offer the same, exact construction, design and comfort level. However, they benefit the sleeper in the same way – usually for a lesser price: comfort, convenience and saving that extra space that you need.
MAXYOYO Japanese Futon Mattress
Take the Spartan, minimalist aesthetic of Japanese living into your home with MAXYOYO’s Japanese Futon Mattress. A versatile mattress that you can take virtually anywhere with you, this fold-up futon is an excellent choice for people living in small spaces or families with active children who need a soft, comfortable playmat to use in both indoor and outdoor spaces. It’s also a great futon to fold up and take with you on car rides as you make your way into the great outdoors for picnics and camping trips.
Designed with a breathable cover of 100% cotton and with a mattress foam that is 17 cm thickness before quilting. According to manufacturer information, the top and bottom layer of the cushion is composed of 6 cm cotton and the middle layer is 5 cm memory foam – all designed for maximum comfort. For easy storage, it also features standard straps and durable storage bags.
Overall, MAXYOYO’s futon is a great space-saving option that’s perfect not just for the bedroom, but for pretty much everything else you need it for.
What customers don’t love about this product:
We’ve reviewed and analysed hundreds of verified customer reviews for this product and, we can tell you, reviews are looking pretty great. People especially love the efficient customer service they receive when they have complaints for the product. However, there are still some common complaints about the overall thickness of the mattress itself and that it’s not as thick as it looks on the image or in its product descriptions. There are also some complaints about the material used for the futon cover itself.
Our recommendation is to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. We’ve taken their specific care tips directly from one of their seller sites:
“Please Dry The Floor Mattress Under the Sun Firstly, it will be recovered more quickly in the sunshine. Please kindly be noticed that we compress this item into a handy storage bag, so it needs 2-3 days to restore the normal thickness after you open the package”
Customers have said that once placed under the heat of the sun immediately after taking it out of the box before using it fluffs up the mattress to its original size.
Just like with all other types of products, it is generally recommended for consumers to follow correct care instructions to get the most out of the features and benefits of the product.
Luxton Home Extra Padding Japanese Shiki Futon Foldable Mattress
Travel and babies – what do they have in common? Not a lot but probably a hypoallergenic, antibacterial, foldable futon mattress just like this Shiki futon from Luxton Home.
A perfect extra mattress to save a lot of space in your home and bedroom, it’s not just great for adults but it can be a versatile mat for your baby’s tummy time or for quiet afternoons reading books with your toddler. What’s not to love, anyway? This Luxton Home fold up futon is lightweight, pure white (would look great on those Instagram photos) and made from 100% cotton so you don’t need to worry about yours or your child’s sensitive skin.
Another great feature about this particular futon mattress is that it’s also designed to relieve back pain due to the firm support it offers. It then effectively aligns the spine – which makes this futon mattress great for both back or stomach sleepers.
What customers don’t love about this product:
Reviews are generally great for this futon mattress but there are some complaints in regards to its thickness because it doesn’t seem to measure up to the described specs within the product descriptions. However, happy customers say that it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions:
To air out the futon for 3 full days for it to recover back to its original thickness before using it.
This is because it is packed completely airtight and needs 72 hours to recover back to its full size.
CT Compact Technologies Folding Mattress
While air mattresses are a great solution to extra bed space in your home for houseguests or in the RV while out camping, taking a pump and blowing it takes the fun out of sleeping, especially when you’re exhausted from a long trip, and just want to plop down on a comfy bed.
The solution to this is the CT Compact Technologies Queen-Sized Folding Mattress. Just the right size (58″ x 80″) for your guest room, tent or camper van, two simple moves will turn this folding futon into “sofa/couch mode”, and with another swift movement, lay it flat for comfy sleeping.
And when the manufacturer says comfy sleeping – they mean it. This futon is constructed with a 6″ multi-layer design that provides firm support and cradling comfort. The top layer is thick, 2″ Soft Air Memory Foam while supported with a 4″ base for full support of the hips, knees and backs – making this futon great for both side and back sleepers.
Also, if you love how this mattress is constructed, you’ll love the storage bag it comes with – an Oxford Fabric (600D) Carry Pack that’s great to look at but, more importantly, does a great job of seamless storage.
What customers don’t love about this product:
We’ve found rave reviews for this futon from a huge percentage of their verified buyers, however, some customers have complained about a few common issues that center around the panels of the futon separating and the covers seem to be coming apart, as well. Overall however, even with these complaints, the customers who experience these lapses still decide to keep the futon and agree that it is quite comfortable.
Our recommendation would be to consider the size and build of the sleeper, and the intended use of the futon. In general, even with the most well-built futons, it’s still best to see if it’s suitable for average-sized adults or can easily accommodate adults with larger builds. Also, if the intention is to use the futon for an extended period of time, the futon should be cared for properly according to manufacturer instructions to ensure it’s longevity.
Best Choice Products Foldable Floor Sofa Bed
There are some things better done on the floor, right? Picture your home theatre or game room, you’re set up comfortably on the couch while your kids lounge on a floor that they can quickly flip over flat into a sleeping surface. Or, if you have a cozy patio, imagine having a foldable couch set on a corner in between lovely potted plants.
The Best Choice Products Foldable Floor Sofa Bed is a great choice for some amazing activities best done on the floor – including sleeping. Crafted and designed for years of durability, this sofa bed is made with a quality inner steel frame. The sofa bed itself is constructed with high-density split foam and then quilted comfortably with breathable fleece. In terms of additional comfort, purchasing this particular sofa bed includes two matching fleece pillows so you don’t have to worry about where to rest your head while you rest. Finally, this sofa bed positions in 5 easy ways – making it great to use for just about anything you need.
What customers don’t love about this product:
While reviews are great for this product, there are some complaints about its construction and durability. Customers say that while it comfortably seats 2 people, it may not be durable enough to fully support two adults seated for prolonged periods. There are also some complaints (few and far between) scattered about in terms of the comfortability of this product, in general.
Our recommendation to maximize the comfort and lasting durability of this fold-up sofa is to consider the intended use of the product and the size of the people who will be seated on it. Check the manufacturer specs and determine, both for short and long-term, if it suits your needs.
Advantages of a Fold Up Futon
Here are some more advantages of having a futon in addition to being a lightweight multi-use, multi-purpose furniture:
A fold-up futon is compact.
Because it can be folded into a couch, a futon doesn’t take up a lot of space when stowed. Even if you extend it to a bed, it will just take up space equal to that of a mattress.
Extra guest bed.
There’s no need to invest in a separate bed or convert one of your rooms to a guest room. In case your guest wants or needs to stay in your home, you can just let him or her sleep on your futon.
It is high-tech.
Modern fold-up futons are made of space-age memory foam, hypoallergenic latex foam, and more. Some have cooling gel infusions while others have activated charcoal to absorb odors. Do not underestimate the seemingly simple design of a futon.
It is affordable and adds value to your hard-earned money.
You are purchasing thick pieces of foam without any mechanical parts or rock-solid platforms. Without these expensive components, the price of the futon goes down. You enjoy a lot of savings.
Remember you are buying not just an individual bed or a couch. You are buying a piece of furniture that can be converted to either; meaning, you’re purchasing a piece of furniture for the price of one
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the comfort level of the fold-up futon. If you are a side sleeper, you may want a thicker but softer futon that supports your shoulders and hips. If you tend to lie on your back or stomach, you may want a thinner futon, letting the hard floor provide the bulk of the support. Or you can go with futons that have firmer foams.
The cover of the fold-up futon is crucial. In addition to providing protection for the foam, the cover forms the “mechanism” that allows the futon to be folded and unfolded. As such, when purchasing a futon, choose one that has an extremely strong fabric that can withstand a lot of movement. Also look for reinforced stitching, especially on the fold joints since they’re the “hinges” of the entire assembly.
A tough fabric may not be the most comfortable cloth to sleep on, but that can easily be solved by covering the entire futon with a softer, more comfortable cover. Or you can use your favorite blanket or comforter as a pad between the futon cover and your body.
Our Verdict: The Fold-Up Futon Is Probably Your Best Friend in Small Space Living
Gone are the days where fold-up futons were restricted to cash-strapped college students. These flexible pieces of furniture are rapidly becoming staples in small living spaces. And with good reason—they free up space and make good use of available space by being multi-purpose furniture. No need to separately buy a bed and a sofa.
With high-tech materials and advanced cushion engineering, fold-up futons are becoming more comfortable than ever. They are also tougher than their earlier counterparts; well taken care of, they can last up to 10 years.
Best of all, fold-up futons are functional yet affordable. The lower end of the quality spectrum will cost you less than $100 while splurging on a high-end product can go up to $600. But that’s miniscule compared to the cost of buying two separate furniture pieces.
With a fold-up futon, living in small spaces shouldn’t be a burden. It would be a fun-filled, exciting, and liberating experience!
And what fold-up futon is best for you?
We think our list includes a lot of versatile options that suit each sleeper’s preferences. If you found something from our recommendations that you liked, go ahead and get one for yourself.
