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Have a Sore Back? Consider Sleeping on a Futon Mattress

If you've ever been in a car accident or have strained your back because of work or heavy lifting, it can be a real challenge to find an affordable mattress that is comfortable and provides much-needed support.

For many of us who have experienced back injuries, we find that we need a harder mattress than is available from most commercial bedding systems.  Until I discovered how comfortable futons were, I frequently would sleep on the floor if my back was sore.  A friend of mine has a futon in her guest room, and I had occasion to sleep on it a few months ago.  I couldn't believe the difference in how well I slept ... and best yet, I had no aches and pains in the morning.

The traditional Japanese futon was nothing more than a mattress laid on a floor.  The futon could be folded up during the daytime.  Futons are now available in every shape, size, and color and generally come with their own frame which can be converted into a couch or a chair during the day.  These futons can have a metal frame, wooden frame or fully upholstered frame that resembles a traditional piece of furniture.

For those of us who experience back pain from time to time, even the softest futon is generally firmer than a traditional mattress, making it an excellent option.  Futon mattresses are available in various grades of thickness.  I personally purchased an 8-inch thick futon mattress and replaced my spring mattress with it.  I put the futon mattress on top of my bed's box spring foundation so I still have the support and height of a regular bed.   The difference I feel in the morning is incredible. 

Futon mattresses are available at just about any furniture store.  On the lower scale, you can get cheap futon mattresses for around $100.  These mattress might be only 4-inches thick; for me, I prefer the thicker mattress.  These mattresses are lightweight and can be easily moved without causing -- well, you guessed it -- additional back strain.

-- Urbain Beck