To choose the best organic futon, you need to make sure the futon is comfortable, truly organic, and will last. Futons are made of a variety of materials, but usually include cotton, wool, latex, or foam as part of their construction. Not all components of the futon will necessarily be organic, so it’s important to make sure what parts are organic and what aren’t.
Regardless of what materials you choose for your organic futon, finding one that suits your needs and feels comfortable is the most important. For these reason, it’s important to be able to physically test the mattress before you purchase it. Trying one at a store and then buying it online for a possibly lesser price is an option.
Futons often come in the same sizes as bed mattresses. Decide what size you want before any other decision is made. Consider if you want a frame for the mattress or if you want to put it on the floor. Frames are not as expensive as the mattress, but are usually considered a separate purchase.
The core of an organic futon is usually natural latex foam or rubber, which is not considered organic but is considered natural if it isn’t processed with chemicals. Latex is considered the most comfortable, and a high amount of layers usually means it will be more comfortable. If you are allergic to latex, there are mattresses made with natural rubber. They are not as pressure-reducing as latex, but they are often firmer. Many high-end futon makers will let you specify how many layers of rubber or latex you want, as this will change the firmness.
Organic cotton and wool, or combinations of both, are used as fillers on top of the latex or rubber to give the mattress a plush feel. Make sure that the cotton and wool are 100 percent organic. Most manufacturers will state this on the label. Wool and cotton are often used for part or all of the futon cover. Cotton is lighter but wool is warmer, flame-retardant, and repels dust mites, depending on the quality.
If there is no wool in the cover, it might need to be treated with flame-retardant chemicals. Most organic futon makers will list if the mattress is chemical free. This can be an important issue if you are allergic or have chemical sensitivities. Most organic futons are on the pricier side, so be sure and get the best options for your money.