Futons247 Monk Futon Bed Roll im Test

The Futons247 Monk Futon Bed Roll is a thin, firm, traditional futon that rolls up and straps closed for storage. It is hand-made in Plymouth from lambswool and cotton felt, and the product page lists its uses as overnight guests, camper vans, yurts and shepherds’ huts, and everyday Japanese-style floor sleeping.

Sizes, fillings and prices

The traditional filling is lambswool with two layers of cotton felt, about 8cm thick. The deluxe filling adds a third layer of felt for about 11cm and costs £49 more in the double and king. Rolled, the bed is roughly 47cm across (54cm deluxe), which fits a wardrobe floor or a van locker.

Who it suits

On a hard floor 8cm of felt is very firm, around 8 out of 10 by our assessment: good for back sleepers and for anyone who wants the authentic thin futon, hard going for light side sleepers. The deluxe version is the one to choose for longer stays. A 2003 Lancet trial found medium-firm mattresses better than firm ones for people with chronic low-back pain, so a bed roll like this is a poor choice as a full-time bed for anyone with back trouble.

Care and delivery

Roll it up or air it after use, especially on a floor or in a van, where condensation collects underneath. Futons247 says none of its fillings carry fire-retardant treatment. The Monk is usually in stock and arrives by free parcel delivery in 7 to 10 days; the king size is made to order in natural fabric only.