Anybody sleep on a Futon?

[Adam]

I am in the market for a new bed. I will be buying a Queen-Sized bed (I can't fit a King in my place), but I am thinking about having a look at a timber-slat based Futon.

I don't know what they're like to sleep on. Do they rattle, or are they rock-hard? I sometimes get a bad back and a co-worker told me that they're "da bomb" as far as comfort goes.

If anyone can help, please share your experiences.

[speeder]

They can be alright, just make sure to spring (sorry) for the upgraded mattress, the really thick one w/ the springs in it. All futon mattresses are not created equal.

[island911]

"Futon" is an ancient Chinese word for "you're sleeping on the floor"

TIC

[Adam]

When I was at High School, I spent 6 months or so living in Japan on a student exchange, where I slept on a Futon. The kind you roll up and put in the cupboard during the day. I recall them being comfy, but my back wasn't bad then, and I was literally sleeping on the floor!

[dd74]

And Adam, how long ago was high school?

I like a little elevation to what I sleep on in case something of the bug family might want to crawl on in with me.

For anyone with a bad back, I can't see a futon helping that situation out.

All in all, they're fairly hard to sleep on.

[Milu]

I have back problems and I've found a futon is my best option.

As already stated: Not all futons are created equal.

[Stanley]

I used to sleep on a futon. I found it to be comfortable, but then again I can sleep on just about surface with no problems. The main reason I had a futon was because it could be folded into a couch, (very convenient!) . I would suggest getting one with some sort of cover on it. On the one I had it didn't have a cover on it and whenever something was spilled on it it was a pain to clean it up. Mine had a metal frame and it did squeak a little and got a little annoying, especially when the lady friend came over. I would also suggest getting an upgraded mattress. The one I had was a cheap one and it definitely got smashed down and rock hard in certain places, while other spots were still soft.

[Adam]

Thanks guys.

I sometimes have lower-back issues, so I'll try a few more out. Good point, Stanley, I was actually going to ask about what they're like when you're not asleep... I am going to get one as the master bed in my home, so a fold-away/sofa-type isn't on the horizon. I've seen some classy timber framed units which look good. I'll bear the matress issue in mind when I make the decision. My girlfriend likes the futon option, too.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I have (and had) lower back issues.

The only thing that fixes it are regular sets of sit-ups and hamstring stretches.

If you've got the money I'd spring for an adjustable air mattress (they're called "Sleep Number" or "Select Comfort" beds in the US). We've had one for 5 years now and it's great. All of my friends/colleagues with back pain purchased them after the pain started and many have no more back pain. I'm just a satisfied customer, not a pimp.

If you don't and still decide on the futon, I concur about the spring mattresses. Get a solid wood frame, too. My wife and I have already broken an inferior wood-framed one.

[island911]

Originally posted by speeder
They can be alright, just make sure to spring (sorry) for the upgraded mattress, the really thick one w/ the springs in it. All futon mattresses are not created equal.

When a futon becomes a "mattresses (a really thick one w/ the springs in it" is it still a futon?

I'll add this: experienced skiers and hikers know not to wear cotton socks, as the cotton will turn hard as rock when it gets damp from persperation. In my experience, futons (mostly cotton) also end up hard as a rock in no time.

[dd74]

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
I have (and had) lower back issues.

The only thing that fixes it are regular sets of sit-ups and hamstring stretches.

That and in some cases, weight loss.

I yanked the daylights out of my right hamstring two years ago in Hawaii. One of the most painful things I've ever gone through. I was coming out of the ocean, fighting through a wave, and it felt like a sharp rock had hit my calf. In minutes, my ankle turned blue from some sort of internal bruising - who knows.

Around then, I went on a diet, which has since evolved to a low carb diet, high calorie diet, which has been highly beneficial.

[widebody911]

Originally posted by island911 I'll add this: experienced skiers and hikers know not to wear cotton socks, as the cotton will turn hard as rock when it gets damp from persperation. In my experience, futons (mostly cotton) also end up hard as a rock in no time. [/B]

Um, Try not to get so sweaty in bed? Change the sheets every now and then?

[island911]

Originally posted by widebody911
Um, Try not to get so sweaty in bed? Change the sheets every now and then?

Who are you . . . Dr Ruth? . . .Martha Stewart?

[tabs]

Hey Island ....Widebody is trying to tell you not to screw around so much, or at least to change the sheets after a couple of romps.........

[dd74]

Originally posted by tabs
Hey Island ....Widebody is trying to tell you not to screw around so much, or at least to change the sheets after a couple of romps.........

Nasty!

I knew this thread would "unthread."

[tabs]

Your just jealous DD, cause you din't say it first...but you admited you were thinking it....

[island911]

I'm waiting for Widebod's "Martha Stewart" suggestion on rubber sheet sets.



. . whatever it takes to keep that futon fluffy.

[tabs]

OUUUUUUUUUUU....Rubber.....KINKY

[tabs]

Get youself outa this one Island

[dd74]

Originally posted by tabs
Your just jealous DD, cause you din't say it first...but you admited you were thinking it....

Yes, Tabs...but at least I'm wearing clothes while reading this thread.