The Art of Futon Mattress Making

Natural Beds pairs traditional Japanese methods of layering cotton with modern materials like latex. This combination is the best of both worlds, creating a more supportive and breathable mattress while retaining the soft stability futons are renown for.

This article explains how we make a Latex Core Futon

First, a thick layer of fluffy carded wool is cut to size. This will form an outer layer of the mattress. Wool is an excellent insulator, is very breathable, wicks excess humidity out and gives the futon a soft surface feel.

Next, multi-layered raw cotton batting is placed evenly along the edges and thicker in the middle. The middle of a futon is improved with extra cotton support. As with all futons, cotton layers settle over years of use, so we add extra cotton where we expect compression to occur. Cotton has a mass and stability that gives futons their unique 'comfortably-firm' feel.

The middle of a this futon has a 5cm thick latex core. This layer has excellent elastic and weight-distribution properties. Unlike the cotton, latex will not settle or change density. The core of a latex futon adds significant support to a futon which is why we recommend it for most adult sleepers.

Next up, multi-layered cotton is added again in the same way.

Then another thick layer of wool forms the other outer layer of the futon.

All the layers (wool, cotton, latex, cotton, wool) are then carefully and evenly encased inside a cotton canvas cover. We make sure the layers are aligned and providing consistent support. The cotton fabric is a durable, breathable material that contains and flexes with with inner layers.

We then hand tie or 'tuft' all the futon layers through the mattress cover to ensure they settle evenly.

Our mattress makers are experts at this process. If you order a Latex Core Futon this is how we'll make it.