From college dorms to guest rooms, teenager bedrooms to bachelor pads, futons are cool. Futons are a popular choice in small spaces. Since they can be used as a couch or a bed, they are an extremely versatile piece of furniture.

When shopping for a futon, consumers should also consider what type of futon mattress they will want. Futon mattresses are usually made of either cotton or foam, or a combination.

When buying a futon mattress, you will need to think about how the futon will be used. The answer to this question will greatly affect the type of mattress you should buy. If the futon will be used as a bed, you will need to buy the thickest futon mattress you can afford. You can save money by buying a thinner mattress, but at the cost of your comfort.

Will the futon be used as both a couch and as a bed? If so, the mattress will have to endure a lot of folding. In this case, you will need a futon mattress that is very flexible. An innerspring mattress or a cotton-polyester blend is probably a good choice. Mattresses containing foam are also good possibilities as foam is good at conforming to new shapes. Foam mattresses also give added support.

Futon mattresses are available from such well-known manufacturers as Simmons, Beautyrest, and Sealy. They can range in price from way under $100 to several hundred dollars, depending on size, brand name, construction, and materials.

Futons Store offers futon mattresses with free shipping; Overstock often sells futon mattresses at deep discounts over retail; Department stores such as Target, WalMart, and JC Penney sell futon mattresses.

It is also a good idea to buy a futon mattress cover for your futon. This will protect it from staining and the need for frequent washing. This, in turn, extends the longevity of your futon mattress. In addition, the cover adds a touch of color and style to your futon.