Which futon bed is best? Futon mattresses are a traditional form of bedding in Japan, going back as far as records began, but Western-style futon beds are a more popular choice in the United States.

FUTONS WERE—and are—staple furniture of broke college kids everywhere. The old-school wood-slat frames and heavy, lumpy mattresses were designed entirely with versatility in mind: Couch by day, bed by ...