As always there are pros and cons to everything! Your first thoughts are very good. Inflatables do have a bad reputation of not holding up but look like a fairly good choice. For $30 (give or take) your could buy two or three and still be O.K. money wise. IF you could use it later the futon is my first choice.(It's actually my first choice anyway!) Buy the most mattress you feel you can afford and leave the frame for later. Most futon mattresses will roll up for easy moving. Also a better one will have some resale value if you can't / won't move it with you. The foam would be my last choice. It's cost (for something dense enough to work as a mattress) will likely be more than the futon mattress. Check out a good upholstery shop. I'll throw another option. If you ever do any camping a camping cot may be an option. Packs up very small and may be more available used. Add a thin foam pad and it's not too bad! Ernest Shaver Sleep On It! Waynesboro, VA

I agree with Ernest Shaver, but there are other option too. You can find used mattress and box spring sets on Craigslist that will fit your budget. I recommend cleaning them thoroughly if you get one. Another option is getting a new Mattress set from a local mattress store. they sometimes have mismatch sales that can save you big $$. No matter what though if you are looking for something around $200 you will need to replace it in a few years.

Good luck Justin

Apartide?! Really?! Anyway, the most comfortable sleep you'll get for $200 is layers of foam that you can buy at Wal-Mart. Lay them out on the floor and cover them with a sheet. For your needs, it's the best way to spend $200. It might even cost you less. Pete

Looking for cheap and you are 200 lbs. with a $200. budget? I would recommend a futon made of mixed cotton fiber and a simple natural cover that should be $150. or less. Then call your local large mattress store ask for a new but odd foundation. There are always strays around a large mattress store. Tell them exactly what you need it for and for how long you only will only keep it, and you could score one for as little as $20. Put your futon on that box foundation and you will be 12" or so off the floor, enough for a 200 pounder to get up from! You don't need a frame! This should be a sturdy temporary alternative giving you enough money remaining for a 12" tall plastic tote box to use as a night stand! Let us know what you end up with!