The Futon Shop Review – Quality, Non-Toxic Bedding Worth Investing In

When it comes to mattresses and bedding, cheap often means poor quality materials and toxic chemicals that can do long-term damage to health. The Futon Shop offers a much safer, eco-conscious alternative for your home.

Founded in 1976 by Suzanne Diamond, The Futon Shop produces high-quality futon mattresses, frames and covers using sustainably-sourced, non-toxic materials like organic cotton, wool and natural latex. Their products are free from polyurethane foams and flame retardant chemicals common in most mainstream mattresses today.

In this in-depth review, we will take a close look at who The Futon Shop is, what they offer, whether their products live up to expectations and ultimately if they are worth investing in compared to other brands.

Overview of The Futon Shop‘s Product Range

The Futon Shop specializes in Japanese-style futon mattresses and customizable futon frames. Their mattresses use a no-compromise combination of cotton batting, wool layers and pocketed microcoils for comfort and support.

Here is a quick look at the materials they use:

• 100% GOTS certified organic cotton – breathable, moisture-wicking and free of pesticides or GMOs
• Virgin wool – temperature regulating, moisture-wicking and durable
• Natural latex – contours to body shape without sagging
• Solid hardwood frames – sustainable maple, oak or poplar wood construction

Beyond mattresses, The Futon Shop also offers:

• Futon covers made from organic cotton, linen and wool
• Adjustable bed frames with storage drawers
• Zabuton meditation cushions filled with buckwheat hulls
• Organic bedding like sheets, duvets, pillows and protectors
• All-wool mattress toppers for added comfort

They pride themselves on transparency and traceability of all materials from farm to factory. Their products are handmade locally in San Francisco to the highest ethical and quality standards.

Now let‘s look at reviews for some of their best selling items.

Top Products from The Futon Shop

1. Pure Comfort Organic Cotton Futon Mattress

The Pure Comfort mattress is one of The Futon Shop‘s most popular models and for good reason. It combines breathable organic cotton batting with a microcoil spring system for comfort and support.

I like that it uses GOTS certified cotton sourced directly from US family farms. The tufted construction adds durability while allowing air circulation to keep it fresh. At 8 inches thick, it provides a nice balance of cushioning without being either too soft or too firm.

With over 100 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating on their site, this reasonably priced mattress seems to impress customers. Most describe it as the perfect blend of soft yet supportive. One reviewer mentioned it helped significantly with their chronic back pain issues.

The only negatives mentioned were that it feels slightly firmer than expected at first. But this is by design as it needs a few weeks to break-in and contour to your body.

Available in twin, full, queen for $718-$998 on TheFutonShop.com. 30-day comfort guarantee.

2. Tranquility 2 Hypoallergenic Wool Mattress

For those wanting added hypoallergenic and temperature regulating benefits, this wool-stuffed mattress is a top pick. It has a lush yet firm feel thanks to quality steel coils and wool sourced from family-owned farms.

I like that they pre-compress the blended wool layers to prevent lumping or sagging issues over time. At 8-inches thick, it provides excellent pressure point relief and healthy spinal alignment making it ideal for those with back pain.

With a flawless 5-star average from over 20 reviews, customers praise both the comfort and durability standing up well over many years of use. It was also called "the most comfortable mattress ever owned!"

Considering the high-end materials, ethical production and 10-15 year lifespan, the price seems reasonable. It may feel slightly firmer at first but adjusts well to your body over the first few weeks.

Available in twin, full, queen sizes for $809-$1,149 on TheFutonShop.com. 30-day comfort guarantee.

3. Cornerstone Wood Amish Futon Frame

Having an adjustable, solid wood frame is key to getting the most from your futon mattress. This handcrafted model from The Futon Shop meets that need perfectly.

It‘s made sustainably from maple, oak or poplar wood by Amish craftsmen in Ohio. I like that wood is responsibly harvested from well-managed forests. The slatted deck design allows mattresses to breathe while providing sturdy support.

With simple arms, it converts easily between sofa and bed positions. And the frame accommodates thicker mattresses if you want extra cushioning. The warm oak finish gives it a timeless look that suits any room decor.

This frame averages 5 stars across multiple websites. Owners say it converts smoothly and the quality solid wood build makes it extremely sturdy. Negative feedback focused solely on complicated assembly instructions.

Considering the heirloom-quality craftsmanship and wood sourced from sustainable forests, the price offers excellent long-term value.

Available in full and queen sizes for $837 on TheFutonShop.com. 5-year workmanship guarantee.

4. Washable Organic Cotton Futon Cover

Finding a futon cover that fits well and is easy to clean can be tricky. Thankfully, this GOTS certified organic cover from The Futon Shop solves both problems.

It‘s tailor-made to suit their mattress sizes perfectly. The durable twill weave cotton is naturally breathable and machine washable. Textured double needle stitching gives it a refined look in your space.

This cover deserves its 5-star average rating. Owners love the soft, breathable organic cotton that allows their mattress to breathe well. They also appreciate the snug fit with elastic corners that prevent sliding or shifting.

Considering it protects your large investment in a quality futon mattress, the very reasonable price makes this cover great value.

Available in twin, full, queen sizes for $137 on TheFutonShop.com.

What Owners Have to Say

Across various online sites like Google Reviews, Amazon and WayFair, past customers of The Futon Shop give glowing feedback:

• Quality materials – noticeably better and more durable than other futon brands
• Comfortable support – the right blend of cushioning and structure
• Responsive customer service – friendly and helpful
• Delivery reliably on time
• Easy assembly for most frames and covers

On TrustPilot, The Futon Shop scores an ‘Excellent‘ 4.9 out of 5 stars based on almost 200 independent user ratings.

The most common downside mentioned is lengthy wait times when ordering, as products are made to order. A few people also found standard shipping charges to be higher than average.

Considering the handcrafted nature though, wait times are understandable. I think most customers feel the products are worth the extra patience.

How The Futon Shop Compares

Compared to mass-produced futon brands using low-grade foams and cheap covers, The Futon Shop clearly ahead on materials, quality and ethical production.

They are also more affordable than elite organic mattress brands like Avocado Green, Birch Living or Keetsa Tea Leaf Classics. Though The Futon Shop may fall slightly behind those competitors on luxury finishing touches.

Ultimately, The Futon Shop hits a nice sweet spot between ethical materials and reasonable prices hard to match by other retailers. Their focus on natural fibers like cotton and wool gives them an edge on mainstream futon sellers focused only on synthetic foams.

While the wait time for shipment is longer than Amazon and Wayfair sellers, most feel patience pays off in the quality received. Their 30-day comfort guarantee also helps ease the buying decision.

Is The Futon Shop Worth the Investment?

Considering the meticulous sourcing of materials and artisan quality, I believe Futon Shop products warrant their premium pricing. Their mattresses easily outlast cheaply made counterparts from mass retailers like Ikea and Walmart.

Made properly, a wool and cotton futon should provide over a decade of nightly use. So despite costing more upfront, you end up saving money long-run not having to replace it every few years.

More importantly, The Futon Shop products give you clean peace of mind lacking in mainstream mattresses off-gassing volatile chemicals indoors. So for your health and the environment, I think paying extra for one of their futons makes good ethical sense too.

The Futon Shop – FAQs

If you still have some questions about this pioneering company, here are answers to frequently asked questions:

Who owns The Futon Shop?

Originally founded by Suzanne Diamond in 1976, the company remains family-owned and run out of their San Fransisco workshop.

What is their shipping policy?

Shipping time can take 2-3 weeks as products are made to order. Charges vary by location, shown at checkout. Expedited shipping is available for most US destinations.

What is their sleep trial / return policy?

They offer a 30-night comfort exchange on mattresses to find your ideal fit. If you donation your returned mattress, you get 50% store credit towards a replacement.

Do they have physical showrooms?

No, they are a small shop selling online direct-to-consumer out of California. No brick-and-mortar showrooms.

How do I contact their customer service?

Phone: 1-800-44-FUTON
Email: support @ thefutonshop dot com
Hours: 10am – 7pm PST everyday

Give The Futon Shop‘s Quality Mattresses a Try

If you want a comfortable, supportive and non-toxic futon free of chemical foams, I highly recommend The Futon Shop.

While more of an investment upfront, you get what you pay for with extremely durable construction that should last over a decade. For quality conscious consumers, that offers great long-term value.

Have you tried one of their mattresses or other products? I‘d be curious to hear your experience in the comments below!