Futon Basics

A complete futon set generally consists of three individual components:

1. Futon Mattress

   (a decision based on preferred comfort level and type of use)

2. Futon Frame

   (generally made of wood or metal or combinations)

3. Cover

   (removable, protective and decorative)

All three components of a futon set are independent of each other, and accordingly, can be mixed and matched and cost effectively replaced because either a component wears out or to redecorate. Futon drawers, tables and decorative pillows are common accessories to a futon set.

Futon Mattresses are very similar to conventional mattresses except Futon Mattresses have the ability to bend to facilitate the sit and sleep feature. As a result, Futon Mattresses have same sizing as well as similar materials and configurations as conventional mattresses including but not limited to cotton batting, inner springs, foam, poly batting and latex. Futon Mattresses are simply "missing" the stiff box around the outside. In other words, Futon Mattresses are soft sided.

Futon Mattresses are configured mainly to provided differences in comfort level and meet all budgets. Cottonwood recommends that you pick a Futon Mattress based on your preferred comfort level. Futon Mattresses, like conventional mattresses, will vary in finished thickness. Cottonwood provides two numbers for each Futon Mattress. The first number is the pre-tufted number which is the thickness of the materials before it is compressed and tufted down to finish at the second number. The second number is what you will receive and what the Futon Cover needs to fit. To our dismay, it is a common practice by Cottonwood's competitors to only provide the pre-tufted number.

Because the Futon Mattress is not attached to the Futon Frame, Cottonwood provides the Best Futon Gripper with all wood frame sets. The Best Futon Gripper is designed so that the bottom of the strips adhere to the wood slats of the Futon Frame and the top of the strip (made of foam) holds the Futon Mattress by the resistance of friction created. These are the best you can get and will work on even the most stubborn Futon Mattress.

Futon Frames both sit, sleep, and often recline as well. Futon Frames come in two styles:

• Sofa frame style

  (where you generally sit and sleep oppositely)

• Lounger frame style

  (where you sit and sleep the same way)

Futon Frames come in different shapes and sizes as follows:

• 28" Chair

  (synonymous with standard chair); always lounger frame style

• 28" Chair Lounger

  (synonymous with standard chair with ottoman); always lounger frame style; cot size with ottoman; sit and sleep the same way

• Tri-fold

  (synonymous with A frame); always lounger style; twin/full/queen size; sit and sleep the same way

• Loveseat Lounger

  (synonymous with standard loveseat with ottoman or extension); always lounger frame style; full/double size with either an ottoman or pullout extension from front

• Full

  (synonymous with double); sofa frame style or platform bed

• Queen

  sofa frame style or platform bed

• King

  only a platform bed

Sizing varies somewhat frame by frame but the following dimensions cover most models:

Love at First Sit....What creates the comfort of the sit is the combination of the Futon Mattress selection and Futon Frame geometry. The geometry of all Cottonwood Futon Frames meet the leisure furniture U.S. sitting standards for optimal sitting comfort.

Convertible Sofas are "futon like" because Convertible Sofas both sit and sleep. However, unlike a futon, the three main components, frame, cushion, and cover are one piece. Furthermore, Convertible Sofas are available only in the full size. Because of our "futon roots", Cottonwood's Convertible Sofas are uniquely designed to have removable covers which provide the opportunity to clean the cover as well as redecorate.

Platform Bed Frames are only a bed frame and do not convert to the sitting position. You can put a Futon Mattress or a Conventional Mattress on a Platform Bed Frame.

Standard Futon Covers are meant to fit Futon Mattresses 6" to 8" thick. Because we offer a variety of Futon Mattress thicknesses, we sell the Better Fit Futon Cover. When you order a Futon Cover and Futon Mattress from Cottonwood, your Futon Cover is custom made to fit the specific Futon Mattress ordered to ensure a optimal fit and look.