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FUTON-Check Quality comparison

As the leading futon manufacturer with production experience dating back to 1988, we certainly know our products and materials down to the last detail and know what it takes to make a good futon mattress. And of course, we also know the market where you find a few other good manufacturers and unfortunately, a number of bad suppliers - mostly dealers selling imported goods.

In this test, we are talking about four comparable products from those suppliers who shared the front page* of the leading search engines with us in 2020, under the search term "futon". *(Page 1, organic search only, not ads). You can watch the videos of the test in our media center. Details and results can be found here.

The test results

What was tested?

We tested the purity of the materials. In addition, we also looked at the product description, price, shipping and packaging, and lying comfort. The following materials were examined in the purity test:
  • Naturlatex
    Natural latex
  • Schurwolle
    Virgin wool
  • Baumwolle
    Cotton
  • Rosshaar
    Horsehair

To test the wool, cotton, and horsehair fibers, we sent them to the Inspection Office Dr. K.-H. Phan and had both, a fiber count under the microscope, and a chemical analysis performed. We had the natural latex samples taken, tested for purity by the eco-INSTITUT  For this purpose, we opened the respective futon, took samples of the material, and sent them in air-tight bags to the above-mentioned institute.

We did not take samples from our comparison futon, the DX4, as part of this test, since all of our products and materials are regularly tested and certified (last test September 2020). In our video series, you can see the visual test and see the differences. You can find them at the bottom of this page.

The reference model

futoncheck
Our reference model - FUTON DX 4

We compare the test futons with our FUTON DX 4, a solid futon classic. The FUTON DX 4 belongs to the more simple products in our range. It contains virgin wool, cotton, horsehair, and natural latex - 100% natural. It is manufactured here in Dortmund and, like all our products, is certified by the ECO Institute, which refers to material purity as well as extensive testing for harmful substances.

Structure/Layer

1 x virgin wool

2 x cotton

1 x horsehair

1 x natural latex 5cm

1 x horsehair

2 x cotton

1 x virgin wool

The test futons

The test futons are fundamentally comparable in construction, including our reference model Futon DX 4.
Here are the models 4 different suppliers:
  • Futon 1

    Vita-Line Futon Modell 9

    Manufacturer: Futon24

    Structure/Layer

    1 x virgin wool

    3 x cotton

    1 x horsehair

    1 x latex 4cm

    1 x horsehair

    3 x cotton

    1 x virgin wool

  • Futon 2

    Comfort Extra

    Manufacturer: Edofuton

    Structure/Layer

    1 x virgin sheep wool

    3 x cotton

    1 x horsehair

    1 x latex 4cm

    1 x horsehair

    3 x cotton

    1 x virgin sheep wool

  • Futon 3

    Rosshaar Futon

    '2SW+6BW+2RH+1LA'

    Manufacturer: Japanwelt

    Structure/Layer

    1 x virgin sheep wool

    3 x cotton

    1 x horsehair

    1 x Latex 4cm

    1 x horsehair

    3 x cotton

    1 x virign sheep wool

  • Futon 4

    Futon Kasukabe

    Manufacturer: Futon-online

    Structure/Layer

    1 x virgin sheep wool

    3 x cotton

    1 x horsehair

    1 x Latex 4cm

    1 x horsehair

    3 x cotton

    1 x virign sheep wool

The test results

Results of the chemical analysis

- Natural latex content of the latex sample:

- Wool content of the virgin wool sample:

- Cotton content of the cotton sample:

- Result of fiber counting:

- Horsehair proportion of the horsehair sample:

Other aspects:

- Origin: Poland

- It was delivered in a cardboard box and foil

- cost: 248,- € (80x200cm), including delivery

Note:

The futon was not made according to the description. The horsehair is only on one side of the latex core but twice as much, so there are two different sides. The cover is made of satin fabric. The stitching of the futon is a loose thread stitching without a button.

Conclusion for futon no. 1

Futon no. 1 was the thickest and softest of all four futons tested. It was the only competing futon covered with a comfortable cloth. Unfortunately, the construction had not been made as the description indicated, causing the futon to have uneven firmness on the two sides.

Fiber testing revealed that the horsehair and also the virgin wool were of high purity. The "cotton" used is shoddy wool (*1) , with a purity of only about 30% and which cannot be rated as cotton. The core is made of synthetic latex (*2) . The manufacturer does not give any specific information about what the latex is made of, but the photo of a rubber tree shown on the website under „latex" suggests the use of natural latex (*3).

Produkt: Vita-Line Futon Modell 9, by Futon24

Results of chemical analysis

- Natural latex content of the latex sample:

- Wool percentage of virgin wool sample:

- esult of fiber counting:

- Cotton content of the cotton sample:

- esult of fiber count:

- Horsehair proportion of the horsehair sample:

Other aspects:

- Origin: Poland

- The cover is made of a rough atlas fabric. The stitching of the futon is a tight thread stitching with a felt button.

- Cost: 305,- € (80x200cm), including delivery

Conclusion for futon no.

Futon no. 2, along with futon no. 4 (which is identical in construction), was the hardest futon, due to very tight stitching combined with a very coarse cloth. The description on the dealer's site had a few inconsistencies. Contrary to what was stated, the fiber analysis showed that it was not cotton, but shoddy wool (*1), and not pure virgin wool but one with a significant synthetic admixture. The core is not made of natural latex (*3), but of synthetic latex (*2). On its website, the manufacturer describes that the raw material for the latex comes from the rubber tree (*3)>.

Product: Comfort Extra by Edofuton

Results of the chemical analysis

- Natural latex content of the latex sample:

- Wool content of the virgin wool sample:

- Result of fiber counting:

- Cotton content of the cotton sample:

- Result of fiber count:

- Horsehair proportion of the horsehair sample:

Other aspect:

- Origin: Poland

- It was delivered in a cardboard box and foil, on a pallet

- Cost: 255,- € (80x200cm), including delivery

Conclusion for futon no. 3:

Futon No. 3 has the most ambiguous firmness because on the one hand it was made with tight stitching and on the other hand with a very simple, unstable cover. The description on the dealer's website had some inconsistencies. Technical terms that didn't make sense were used, such as a "cover made of needled cotton" or "tumbled wool" (which is quite funny). Contrary to what was stated on the website, the fiber analysis revealed that it was not pure virgin wool and cotton, but shoddy wool (*1) and a synthetic wool blend. The core is made of synthetic latex (*2) and not natural latex (*3).

Product: Horsehair Futon '2SW+6BW+2RH+1LA' by Japanwelt

Results of chemical analysis

- atural latex content of the latex sample:

- Wool content of the virgin wool sample:

- Fiber counting result:

- Cotton content of the cotton sample:

- Fiber counting result:

- Horsehair proportion of the horsehair sample:

Other aspects:

- Origin: Poland

- It was delivered in a cardboard box and foil

- Cost: 312,- € (80x200cm), including delivery.

Coclusion for futon no. 4:

Futon no. 4, like futon no. 2 (which is identical in construction), is a hard futon, with tight stitching and a very thick and hard cloth. The dealer's firmness description was: medium firm. The description on the dealer's website had a few inconsistencies. Contrary to the information, the fiber analysis showed that it was not pure virgin wool and cotton, but shoddy wool (*1) or virgin wool with a synthetic admixture. The core was not made of natural latex (*3), but of synthetic latex (*2).

Product: Futon Kasukabe by Futon-online

References

*1: Shoddy wool is obtained by shredding old textiles. This can therefore be considered a recycled product, but it does not have the same characteristics as cotton.

*2: Synthetic latex does not have the same characteristics as natural latex. Neither the elasticity nor the durability of natural latex is exhibited by synthetic latex. Like foam, synthetic latex (also SBL) consists of butadiene and styrene, petroleum products.

*3: Natural latex is made from at least 95% of the juice of the rubber tree.

Futon-check Video

Futoncheck

Video Futon Check on Youtube / 5:28min

Back to top

FUTON-Check Quality comparison

As the leading futon manufacturer with production experience dating back to 1988, we certainly know our products and materials down to the last detail and know what it takes to make a good futon mattress. And of course, we also know the market where you find a few other good manufacturers and unfortunately, a number of bad suppliers - mostly dealers selling imported goods.

In this test, we are talking about four comparable products from those suppliers who shared the front page* of the leading search engines with us in 2020, under the search term "futon". *(Page 1, organic search only, not ads). You can watch the videos of the test in our media center. Details and results can be found here.

Overview Futoncheck

  • What was tested
  • The reference model
  • The test futons
  • The test results

What was tested

We tested the purity of the materials. In addition, we also looked at the product description, price, shipping and packaging, and lying comfort. The following materials were examined in the purity test:
  • Naturlatex
    Natural latex
  • Schurwolle
    Virgin wool
  • Baumwolle
    Cotton
  • Rosshaar
    Horsehair

To test the wool, cotton, and horsehair fibers, we sent them to the Inspection Office Dr. K.-H. Phan and had both, a fiber count under the microscope, and a chemical analysis performed. We had the natural latex samples taken, tested for purity by the eco-INSTITUT  For this purpose, we opened the respective futon, took samples of the material, and sent them in air-tight bags to the above-mentioned institute.

We did not take samples from our comparison futon, the DX4, as part of this test, since all of our products and materials are regularly tested and certified (last test September 2020). In our video series, you can see the visual test and see the differences. You can find them at the bottom of this page.

Our reference model - FUTON DX 4

futoncheck

We compare the test futons with our FUTON DX 4, a solid futon classic. The FUTON DX 4 belongs to the more simple products in our range. It contains virgin wool, cotton, horsehair, and natural latex - 100% natural. It is manufactured here in Dortmund and, like all our products, is certified by the ECO Institute, which refers to material purity as well as extensive testing for harmful substances.

Wir vergleichen die Testfutons mit unserem FUTON DX 4, einem soliden Futon-Klassiker. Das FUTON DX 4 gehört in unserem Sortiment zu den eher einfachen Produkten. Es enthält Schurwolle, Baumwolle, Rosshaar und Naturlatex - alles 100% naturrein. Es wird hier in Dortmund gefertigt und wie alle unsere Produkte vom ECO Institut zertifiziert, was sich auf die Materialreinheit ebenso bezieht wie die umfangreiche Schadstoffprüfung. You can find them at the bottom of this page.

The test futons

The test futons are fundamentally comparable in construction, including our reference model Futon DX 4.
Here are the models 4 different suppliers:
  • Futon 1

    Vita-Line Futon Modell 9

    Manufacturer: Futon24

    Structure/Layers

    1 x Virgin wool

    3 x Cotton

    1 x Horsehair

    1 x Latex 4cm

    1 x Horsehair

    3 x Cotton

    1 x Virgin wool

  • Futon 2

    Comfort Extra

    Manufacturer: Edofuton

    Structure/Layer

    1 x Virgin sheep wool

    3 x Cotton

    1 x Horsehair

    1 x Latex 4cm

    1 x Horsehair

    3 x Cotton

    1 x Virgin sheep wool

  • Futon 3

    Rosshaar Futon

    Manufacturer: Japanwelt

    Structure/Layer

    1 x Virgin sheep wool

    3 x Cotton

    1 x Horsehair

    1 x Latex 4cm

    1 x Horsehair

    3 x Cotton

    1 x Virign sheep wool

  • Futon 4

    Futon Kasukabe

    Manufacturer: Futon-online

    Structure/Layer

    1 x Virgin sheep wool

    3 x Cotton

    1 x Horsehair

    1 x Latex 4cm

    1 x Horsehair

    3 x Cotton

    1 x Virign sheep wool

The test results

  • Futon 1

    Vita-Line Futon Modell 9
    Chemical analysis:

    - Natural latex content of the latex sample:

    - Wool content of the virgin wool sample:

    - Cotton content of the cotton sample:

    - Result of fiber counting:

    - Horsehair proportion of the horsehair sample:

    Weitere Aspekte:

    - Origin: Polan

    – It was delivered in a cardboard box and foil

    - 248,- € (80x200cm)

    Note:

    The futon was not made according to the description. The horsehair is only on one side of the latex core but twice as much, so there are two different sides. The cover is made of satin fabric. The stitching of the futon is a loose thread stitching without a button.

    Conclusion Vita-Line Futon Modell 9

    Futon no. 1 was the thickest and softest of all four futons tested. It was the only competing futon covered with a comfortable cloth. Unfortunately, the construction had not been made as the description indicated, causing the futon to have uneven firmness on the two sides.

    Fiber testing revealed that the horsehair and also the virgin wool were of high purity. The "cotton" used is shoddy wool (*1) , with a purity of only about 30% and which cannot be rated as cotton. The core is made of synthetic latex (*2) . The manufacturer does not give any specific information about what the latex is made of, but the photo of a rubber tree shown on the website under „latex" suggests the use of natural latex (*3).

    Product: Vita-Line Futon Modell 9, by Futon24

  • Futon 2

    Comfort Extra
    Chemical analysis:

    - Natural latex content of the latex sample:

    - Wool percentage of virgin wool sample:

    - Result of fiber counting:

    - Cotton content of the cotton sample:

    - Result of fiber counting:

    - RHorsehair proportion of the horsehair sample:

    Other aspects:

    - Orrigin: Polan

    – It was delivered in a cardboard box and foil

    - 305,- € (80x200cm)

    ConclusionComfort Extra

    Futon no. 2, along with futon no. 4 (which is identical in construction), was the hardest futon, due to very tight stitching combined with a very coarse cloth. The description on the dealer's site had a few inconsistencies. Contrary to what was stated, the fiber analysis showed that it was not cotton, but shoddy wool (*1), and not pure virgin wool but one with a significant synthetic admixture. The core is not made of natural latex (*3), but of synthetic latex (*2). On its website, the manufacturer describes that the raw material for the latex comes from the rubber tree (*3)>.

    Product: Comfort Extra by Edofuton

  • Futon 3

    Horsehair Futon
    Chemical analysis:

    - Natural latex content of the latex sample:

    - Wool content of the virgin wool sample:

    - Result of fiber counting:

    - Cotton content of the cotton sample:

    - Result of fiber counting:

    - Horsehair proportion of the horsehair sample:

    Other aspects:

    - Origin: Poland

    - It was delivered in a cardboard box and foil, on a pallet

    - 255,- € (80x200cm)

    ConclusionHorsehair Futon

    Futon No. 3 has the most ambiguous firmness because on the one hand it was made with tight stitching and on the other hand with a very simple, unstable cover. The description on the dealer's website had some inconsistencies. Technical terms that didn't make sense were used, such as a "cover made of needled cotton" or "tumbled wool" (which is quite funny). Contrary to what was stated on the website, the fiber analysis revealed that it was not pure virgin wool and cotton, but shoddy wool (*1) and a synthetic wool blend. The core is made of synthetic latex (*2) and not natural latex (*3).

    Produkt: Horsehair Futon '2SW+6BW+2RH+1LA' by Japanwelt

  • Futon 4

    Futon Kasukabe
    Chemical analysis:

    - Natural latex content of the latex sample:

    - Wool content of the virgin wool sample:

    - Result of fiber counting:

    - Cotton content of the cotton sample:

    - Result of fiber counting:

    - Horsehair proportion of the horsehair sample:

    Other aspects:

    - Origin: Poland

    - It was delivered in a cardboard box and foil

    - 312,- € (80x200cm)

    CoclusionFuton Kasukabe

    Futon no. 4, like futon no. 2 (which is identical in construction), is a hard futon, with tight stitching and a very thick and hard cloth. The dealer's firmness description was: medium firm. The description on the dealer's website had a few inconsistencies. Contrary to the information, the fiber analysis showed that it was not pure virgin wool and cotton, but shoddy wool (*1) or virgin wool with a synthetic admixture. The core was not made of natural latex (*3), but of synthetic latex (*2).

    Product: Futon Kasukabe by Futon-online