Different Futon Styles

Shikibuton

• Shikibuton are traditional Japanese futon mattresses. These mats tend to be much thinner than American futons -- only about 2 inches thick -- and are usually filled with cotton, buckwheat hulls or a mixture of cotton and foam. Unlike futon mattresses in the United States, shikibuton are meant to be used directly on the floor, and are folded up and put away each morning. These futon mattresses tend to cost more for their thickness than American mattresses, and may need to be imported. They are often used along with a kakebuton, a type of thin, quilt-like bed cover.

Cotton

• U.S.-made cotton futons most closely resemble traditional Japanese mattresses, but tend to be significantly thicker. These mattresses are usually placed on a platform bed or folding wooden or metal futon frame. All-cotton futons breathe well, tend to be fairly heavy, and become firmer over time as the cotton stuffing inside gets compacted. They're among the least expensive futons on the market.

Foam

• Foam futons may contain only foam filler, or a mixture of foam and cotton or polyester batting. Many combine high- and low-density foams in a single mattress. The high-density foam is placed at the center to provide support, while the low-density foam provides softness and padding. Foam mattresses are usually lighter and provide a wider range of firmness options than cotton futons. They're also more costly and tend to be thicker.

Innerspring

• Innerspring futons resemble a cross between a futon and a conventional mattress. These futons contain foam, polyester or cotton batting, and metal springs, similar to those found in non-folding innerspring mattresses. Sprung futons offer mattress-like support, but tend to be less expensive and deal better with being folded. However, they still do best on platform-style beds or on folding couch-style futon frames that don't require the springs to bend significantly. Innerspring futons are thicker and more expensive than cotton or foam futons. As they wear out, the springs inside may tend to poke users.

Wool

• Some high-end futons are filled partly or entirely with natural wool. This material is warm, resists fire and tends to be lighter in weight than an all-cotton futon. However, wool futons have very little flexibility and can be difficult to use on a folding frame. They are also much more expensive than even innerspring futons, making them less desirable as an alternative to a conventional mattress.