Futons: Buyers Guide -Frames, Mattress and Covers.

Futons frames can be a very basic bed or a nice piece of furniture. These sleep systems are used mainly for guest room, spare bedrooms and children/teen rooms. Wood frames are usually the most durable and can blend into most room environments. Inexpensive metal systems with a spring hinges become unstable and are not very durable. A good wood futon usually has a groove and slide system for putting the system upright or flat (no bulky springs and hinges).

Buying Tips - Three Simple Steps!

Choose A Frame.
As mentioned above, wood frames are the simplest, more durable and have the most choices for room decoration. They are easy to find in pine, oak, maple and ash wood.
Select A Mattress:
Selecting a mattress will depend on how much you will be using it.There are basically 3 comfort levels.
1. Basic Spring: This type of mattress is good occasional use in a guestroom and is not slept on too often.
2. Individual Coiled Spring: You would want this mattress in a main room in which you would be sitting and using it more often. There is more coil density and longevity.
3. High Density Foam: Reasons for buying a good foam mattress would be if it will be slept on a nightly. Although, they are a little more expensive, you will sleep a lot more comfortably and it will generally last the longest.
Choose a Cover. Don't buy a futon mattress based on it's color (as many people do). Buy a mattress on the above criteria. You will have a lot more option with a nice zip-on cover that can be removed and washed occasionally.

eHow -Futon Buyers Guide:

Mattress Gripper - Train your mattress!

A new mattress does not naturally fit into a frame. You have to "train" the mattress to fit properly and comfortably. A mattress gripper can help train a mattress. The gripper is laid on the frame first. (This is a thin rubberized sheet about 12"wide X 48"length.) When placing the mattress on the frame, make sure you square it and that it doesn't overhang the leading edge of the seat. When it is squared properly, sit on it for a while. The gripper reduces mattress slippage on the frame. You will probably have to square a new mattress several time when you sit on it until it's fully "trained".

Odds & Ends

Mattress Sizes

Futon are usually built for a full size mattress (54"x75"). A full size fitted sheet should fit well. Queen sizes are less common size and are more awkward feeling in the upright sitting position.

Maintenance

Be sure to keep your (allen wrench) handy after assembling your frame. Occasionally, you might want to cinch down the screws to keep the frame tight.

Futons For Guestrooms