Futon vs Bed: How a Japanese Mattress Could Change Your Life!
SHOP THE LOOK | Japanese Futon Mattress
By Sydney Seekford
Whether or not you’re familiar with Japanese culture, you’ve likely heard of the futon—a traditional sleeping set used in Japan. A futon can be a convenient and elegant solution for various daily concerns while adding a layer of Japanese style to any home. So what are the differences between a Japanese futon and a western mattress?
1. What is a Futon?
SHOP THE LOOK | Japanese Futon Mattress
The traditional Japanese futon has several pieces, but the shikibuton is its essential component – it is what you’ll probably be picturing if you imagine a futon. The shikibuton is a form of mattress that is laid on the flooring (ideally tatami), and forms the base of the sleeping space. Depending on the user, the shikibuton may be used as is, or covered with fitted or loose sheets.
Sleepers lie on top of the shikibuton and cover themselves with a kakebuton, similar to a western comforter or duvet. Kakebuton may be multi-layered depending on the season.
Both elements are made with simple construction. In the past, families often made their own futon by stuffing fabric outer layers with straw and later cotton. Today, traditional futon are still typically made of natural fiber fabric with cotton stuffing. Pillows may be stuffed with buckwheat in the most traditional setup.
Both elements are made with simple construction. In the past, families often made their own futon by stuffing fabric outer layers with straw and later cotton. Today, traditional futon are still typically made of natural fiber fabric with cotton stuffing. Pillows may be stuffed with buckwheat in the most traditional setup.
2. How to Use a Japanese Futon?
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In Japanese homes, space is often at a premium. Futon fulfill multiple purposes, functioning as both seating and sleeping surfaces as needed. These multi-purpose padded surfaces play an essential role in the flexibility and functionality of Japanese houses and apartments, where one space may be used for a number of occasions.
Typically, futon are rolled up and stored in a closet during the day. Especially small homes may designate a corner of floor space for the futon when it is not in use.
Some users prefer to set up their futon directly on tatami, while others enjoy the extra cushion of a mattress pad underneath. Futon may be layered to suit the sleeper’s preference, but generally, a futon mattress tends to be around 3-5 inches high (10cm).
3. What is a Western Futon?
The various forms of sofa-bed that are labelled as futon in other countries vary considerably from the traditional Japanese shikibuton. The typical image of a Western futon involves a convertible frame with a simple mattress pad on top. This frame may be adjusted into a couch shape during the day and expanded into a wider bed for sleeping.
Unlike western futon, shikibuton don’t use a frame and are simply made of soft padding and fabric, more like an extra-thick, stiff quilt.
4. Where Does the Futon Come From?
Looking Relaxed by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi.
Since ancient times, simple matting has been used to raise the sleeper from the dirt floor of their homes. Initially, this was a simple heaped mat made from straw and dried grass.
As influence from Chinese culture took hold, some aristocrats began to adopt plush beds with canopies, but the formal style was unsuited for the space constraints of Japanese living.
However, as the preference for soft bedding took hold, people started to lay padded matting stuffed with cotton over their straw mats for extra cushion. In modern times, that practice has evolved into the use of structured tatami as a base with cotton stuffed futon laid on top.
5. How can Japanese Futon Help with Posture and Pain?
SHOP THE LOOK | Japanese Futon Mattress
The futon’s simple construction keeps sleepers close to the ground. Its minimalistic design offers firmness ideal for helping spine alignment and can improve sleeping posture over the long term.
A futon offers just enough support to keep the body comfortable while encouraging deep muscle activation that can improve posture. In particular, users who report back pain with a typical Western mattress can experience relief after switching to a futon.
After switching from a Western mattress, some users report that it can take three nights to a week to adjust to sleeping on a futon. After this adjustment period, however, most futon users experience improved, deep, natural sleep.
6. How can Japanese Futon Help with Respiratory and Skin Health?
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As futon are made of natural materials, they are allergy and sensitive-skin friendly. Choose a futon stuffed with organic cotton and sheets made from hypoallergenic materials, such as cotton or silk.
Unlike Western mattresses, futon can be fully cleaned at specialized facilities. In Japan, many full-service laundromats and drycleaners offer futon-cleaning services. While users overseas may not have access to such services, a futon can still be effectively maintained.
Many households air out futon several times a month by hanging them over window railings or sturdy laundry poles to catch the sun and fresh air. The combination of light, warmth, and ventilation effectively prevents mold growth and helps combat dust mites and sweat accumulation, which are all risks with a Western mattress.
7. How can Japanese Futon Help with Aesthetic Design and Minimalism?
SHOP THE LOOK | Japanese Futon Mattress
Futon aren’t just functional—they can also be stylish focal points in a home’s design. For minimalists, the simplicity of futon and the convenience of clearing the space they occupy during the day are appealing factors. Removing clutter in the home is key to achieving a minimalist lifestyle. Using a futon for multiple purposes and having the option to minimize its footprint while not in use makes these beds ideal for minimalists.
For those considering a futon for its aesthetic value, specialized permanent and convertible frames have been developed to recreate the experience of sleeping on tatami in Western homes. These frames combine the raised frame of a western bed with a solid or tatami top, on which the futon is laid.
While most futon are used for resting and then folded up and stored during the day, this is by no means a necessity. A futon can be a permanent part of living spaces that incorporate Japanese-inspired aesthetics while recreating the benefits of sleeping on a firm surface.
8. How can Japanese Futon Help with Sustainable and Eco-conscious Living?
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Futon, as well as the tatami mats they typically rest on, are made from all-natural materials such as cotton, reeds, or straw. These materials are sturdy yet biodegradable.
Since futon are made without the use of harsh chemicals, plastics, or other potentially hazardous materials, they are friendly to the environment and to our health. Sleepers who prefer all-natural fibers and commit to a more sustainable, green lifestyle will appreciate the ease of a futon!
Futon can also promote more sustainable living with their pre-use rituals, such as cleaning the space for the futon and setting up before rest. Sleeping close to the ground may have some sleep and mental health benefits for some, as this rest pattern more closely mimics ancient human sleep.
9. How can Japanese Futon Help with Saving Space?
SHOP THE LOOK | Japanese Futon Mattress
Futon are rolled up and stored during the day, meaning they take up less floor space than a traditional mattress when not in use. When fully expanded and set up, a single-sized futon is the same size as a single bed.
Because futon are intentionally multi-functional, some users may even choose to replace their usual seating and lounge space with a futon, using it for a variety of needs as the occasion arises.
Using a futon outside of Japan may be less common but is no more difficult. To ensure that a futon is properly cared for, a large window or balcony where it can be sunned and aired out regularly is helpful.
Users should make a habit of sweeping the floor space where their futon will be used before setting up any additional tatami matting or laying down the pad. It’s also essential to ensure enough storage space for the futon when not in use.
11. What are the Downsides to Using a Futon?
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While using a futon instead of a traditional Western mattress can be a space-saving, eco-friendly alternative with health benefits for some, it can be a difficult choice for others.
For example, futon are close to the floor and weigh upwards of 10 kilograms, sometimes as much as twenty, depending on the filling and whether a kakebuton is included. Some users may have trouble folding, picking up, and storing a futon. In particular, struggling to get a fitted sheet on and off of a heavy, limp piece of padding can be a challenge when it comes time to wash.
SHOP THE LOOK | Japanese Futon Mattress
Users with extensive knee and back problems might have difficulty crouching and lowering themselves onto the floor to lie down. While raised shikibuton frames also exist, this undermines the space-saving benefits with a permanent piece of furniture. Even for folded and stored shikibuton, ample closet space is needed to store the pad.
Side sleepers may find that futon don’t offer enough give to comfortably make space for the curves of the body, and they may toss and turn trying to find a comfortable position for hips and shoulders.
12. How to Know if a Futon is Right for You?
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For those looking for deeper rest that brings them closer to the earth mentally and physically, a futon may be a good choice. These simple sleeping pads made of natural materials can be a great option for users with postural or respiratory health concerns. They can also be easily stored to maximize space in tight quarters.
If these needs align with your lifestyle, consider transitioning to the Japanese way of sleeping using a shikibuton!
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