Today there are various types of mattresses in the market and one that really gets attention of customers is a futon mattress. These mattresses are versatile pieces of furniture that help you get the most out of small spaces.
Due to their versatility, low cost, and ease of assembly, they have become a must-have product for minimalists. With futon mattresses, your level of comfort and convenience goes a notch higher.
You can enjoy chill movie time on the couch and turn it into a bed by night. Though futon mattresses give you so much value, many people don’t trust that they can last. After all, nobody wants to be taken for a fool.
What is the life span of a good futon mattress
You want an assurance that the futon mattress you buy will serve you long enough. Even if you only want it for occasional use, it should be sturdy and longer-lasting.
Ordinarily, the lifespan of futon mattresses is between 5-15 years. Others can last even for 20 years. However, a lot of factors determine whether your mattress serve for long or die prematurely along the way.
Factors that affect the longevity of futon mattresses
Obviously, the more you know about your futon mattress, the better you can take care of it. Before you make the purchase, make an effort to know how you can get value and keep your futon in good shape.
Here are factors that can influence how long futon mattresses last;
- How well you take care of your mattress
Futon mattresses are special, but they can’t take care of themselves. You need to do the hard job of servicing them. Futon mattresses are made of different ingredients, and each will need a different care routine.
If your futon mattress is made of foam or cotton, it will need adequate aeration to restore its fibers. You can take the mattress out once in a while to bask in the sun and take a breath.
The routine will deal with any moisture and kill any bacteria that might take root in the mattress if kept in a cold place.
And yeah, it is basking in the sun— not drying it. Too much heat might destroy the mattress, especially if it is made of latex.
Take the mattress out when the sun is mild, and turn it after sometime to aerate it well.
Also, cotton and foam have natural fibers that need breathability to keep their original shape and functionality.
Another simple way of taking care of your mattress is to ensure that you don’t use harsh detergents when cleaning it. The simplest way to do this is to invest in a mattress protector or cover.
Keep your mattress clean so that you don’t have to use harsh detergents to clean your futon. Harsh detergents can affect the fabrics used in tufting and bleach them.
- Ingredients used in making the futon mattress
The ingredient used in making your futon mattress influences its lifespan. Futon mattresses filled with foam made of chemical compounds will break down fast.
The petrochemical-based futon mattresses are cheap. However, they break down fast and might not meet your expectations.
On the other hand, futon mattresses made from latex or coconut coir are expensive but last longer.
When you go shopping, know the ingredient of your futon mattress.
You don’t have to get the most expensive to be assured of value.
You can know the longevity by just looking at the sophistication of the materials used and the level of craftsmanship it was accorded.
- The space between the slats
The mattress is supported by slats. If the spaces between the slats are big and uneven, the mattress might sag and get damaged. The slats should be kept at an even space of between 2.5 to 3 inches.
When well placed, the slats help distribute the weight favorably across the surface, and that adds more ages to your mattress.
In addition, you may also have to get mattress grip strips to keep the mattress from sliding. This will help avoid the mattress slipping off hence reduce ware and tear.
- Frequency of use
The more frequent you use your futon mattress, the shorter it will serve you.
Don’t get me wrong, whenever you use a mattress, or any piece of furniture for that matter, you’re exposing it to tear and wear.
If you buy a futon mattress for occasional use only, it will last longer because tear and wear will be slow on it.
Tips to add more years to your mattress
If you love your mattress, you will find time to take good of it, because it matters. Even the high-end futons need proper care to last as long as they should.
Here are tips to add more years to your futon mattress;
Air out your futon mattress often
Most futon mattresses are made of natural fibers that need proper air circulation to maintain their shape and to live longer. Take the mattress out to breath; rejuvenate its fibers.
Also, moisture is the worst enemy of foam mattresses as it encourages growth of bacteria on the mattress.
Taking your mattress out and exposing it to light dwarfs the growth of mold and other bacteria that might tear down its fiber and fabric.
Buy a mattress cover
Protect your mattress from dirt, sweat, and other body fluids. You don’t want hard-to-scrub stains dried in your mattress.
The stubborn stains might force you to use harsh detergents on the mattress fabric and spoil them.
A mattress cover also protects your mattress from tear and wear caused by the friction between the bed sheets and the mattress. The better you protect the mattress, the longer it will retain its fibers.
Flip and rotate your mattress
Apart from always tucking your bed sheets well, flip and rotate your mattress to avoid sagging. Flipping also shakes the contents of the mattress and ensures the surface is even.
Rotate your mattress once a month if you use it regularly and in 1-3 months if you use it occasionally.
Should you get a futon mattress?:
The lifespan of your futon mattress depends on a lot of factors. Just buying the right quality is not enough. You have to air it, rotate and flip it, and to use a mattress cover to add it more life.
The two most important factors to think about are; the ingredients used in making the futon mattress and how well you take care of the mattress.
If you get these two factors right, you will enjoy the comfort of your futon mattress for over 15 years.
