A Japanese Futon Mattress or a Shikibuton is a type of mattress that is easy to store and maintain. These types of mattresses became popular after World War II in the United States and elsewhere in the world. The Best futon mattress is one that provides comfort and also ensures that the health of the sleeper is not compromised. When you sleep, your back needs to be supported, and the mattress provides that support. Hence, to ensure that your backbone receives adequate support, you must sleep on a right bed. The Japanese Shikibuton is one such mattress.
What is a Futon Mattress?
The term futon in Japanese means bed and a futon mattress is simply a comfortable foldable mattress that can be laid on the bed. If you are looking for a mattress that can be arranged on the floor and can be folded and stored away, then a futon mattress is one of the best solutions. Usually, a futon mattress is made of cotton and is three to four inches in thickness. These mattresses can be spread on the floor and be slept on. Nowadays you can even purchase mattresses made of cotton latex, eco-friendly wool and other similar materials.
Benefits of Sleeping on a Japanese Futon Mattress
According to Osteopaths, sleeping positions play an essential role in ensuring that you do not suffer from any unnecessary aches and pains. You need to ensure that your joints do not sag while you are sleeping. Some of the Best futon mattresses ensure that your body is given complete support when you sleep. Declining of joints or over-stretching of joints can result in severe backache. However, futon mattresses are designed in such a manner that these provide complete support to your back. Also these do not allow your joints to sag. Some other benefits of sleeping on a futon mattress are as follows:
Good for Posture
Futon or Japanese bedding is a minimalistic mattress that is ideal for your posture. Although, these mattresses are not soft like your regular mattresses, yet these are ideal for your backbone. When you sleep, your backbone needs to get adequate support, and a futon provides this support. It does not allow any part of your body to sag and keeps your spine well-aligned. It is similar to sleeping on a firmer surface, but you will not feel the discomfort of sleeping on a hard plane. Thus, a futon is ideal for your posture while sleeping because it gives excellent support.
Allergen-Free
Usually, things made of natural fibers and materials are considered to be hypo-allergic. A futon mattress like a traditional Japanese bed is generally made of natural materials like cotton fibers. This makes these mattresses free of any chemicals and hence, allergen-free. Additionally, such mattresses are also non-toxic and hypo-allergic. These protect your immune system against toxic chemicals that often stay embedded in cushions made from synthetic latexes. These mattresses are suitable for people suffering from illnesses like asthma and respiratory problems. The coverlets of the futons are also made from natural fibers to make the entire mattress completely hypo-allergic.
save space
One of the unique features of a futon is that it can be easily folded and stored. This makes the mattress a space-saving item. You need not keep it spread out always. Whenever you require it, you can take it out and spread it. Sometimes, a futon can be folded and used on a sofa as well. This makes it ideal to be used as a mattress for a bachelor's home or a small family. If you have just moved into a house where space is a constraint, then investing in a comfortable futon would be a good idea.
Affordable
Futons are not overly expensive mattresses. You can purchase futons in various price ranges. Good futons can range anywhere from, two hundred and fifty dollars to one thousand dollars. A medium-priced futon will range somewhere between five hundred to seven hundred dollars. Depending on your price range you can choose to purchase a suitable futon which can prove to be both affordable and long-lasting. All you need to ensure it is to keep the futon clean and free of dust and grime. Then you will have a mattress that affordable and one that will last for a long time.
Types of Futon Mattress
If you are thinking of only a futon, then you are thinking of something like a sofa bed covered with a cushion-like mattress. When you are thinking of a futon mattress, you are thinking of an item which is just a mattress that can be spread on the floor, provides adequate support to your back, can be folded and easily stored. There are different types of such mattresses available in the market like the traditional Japanese floor bed, which is both comfortable and easy to store. The three standard futon mattresses available in the market are as follows:
Traditional
A traditional futon is made of organic cotton, wool and latex. Such a mattress will not only be hypo-allergic but extremely comfortable. These are usually eight centimeters in thickness and good for your back. You can spread it on the floor and lie on the mattress directly. The unique feature of such a mattress is that it does not have anything hard like coir inside, yet it provides complete support to your back. Such mattresses are often suggested by osteopaths so that you maintain a good posture while sleeping. A traditional futon will not let your joints sag while sleeping.
Tatami
Tatami is a traditional Japanese bamboo mat that is spread on the floor. Earlier, it used to be an integral part of the home décor Japanese houses. However, nowadays a Tatami is used as an extra layer of protection. It is usually spread beneath a futon mattress. Earlier Tatamis were only made by hand or were handcrafted. But presently these are manufactured in large scale in factories. Tatami mats like futon mattresses are used to provide comfort and support to your back when you lie on the futon. Thus, when you purchase a futon mattress, you should buy a Tatami mat.
Foam
Although originally futon mattresses were made of cotton, you can now purchase mattresses made of foam. These memory foam mattresses can be purchased online from various websites and are cheaper than the cotton mattresses. Usually, these start from a hundred and fifty dollars. The unique feature of foam futon mattresses is that these can be easily covered with a zipped coverlet. This helps make the mattress last longer. Foam mattresses are neither too soft nor too hard. Hence, these provide complete support to your back. You can also easily fold these and store them away, like a cotton futon mattress.
Best futon mattress review
Overview
The CLASSE series of futon mattresses by EMOOR is undoubtedly one of the best floor mattresses in the market. It is one of the best Japanese style floor mattresses designed to give your back complete support. You can purchase various sizes of the mattress such as Full (55X79inches), Full-long (55X83 inches), Queen (63X79 inches), Queen-long (63X83 inches) and King size. You can purchase twin futons also depending on your requirement.
What we liked:
The futon is very comfortable and provides excellent cushioning, which ensures that your back receives adequate support when you lie down.
The polyester pad supports ensures that your joints do not sag when you lie on the futon.
The futon is also ideal for a minimalistic living, especially if you are looking to live in a dormitory
What we didn't like:
The futon cannot be washed and hence, maintaining it can become an issue
It is important to air the futon regularly, especially on hot sunny days to keep it light and airy.
Overview
The IKEHIKO’s Igusa Tatami Mattress is a traditional Japanese mat which can be spread beneath a Shiki futon mattress. The rug itself is made of non-woven fabric which gives the rug its innate strength. I found that the rush grass surface of the mat adds to its overall appearance and appeal. If you want to give your home a traditional look, then you can consider purchasing a Tatami Mattress made of rush grass. Some of the pros and cons of the mat are as follows:
What we liked:
The Tatami itself is highly durable and designed to last for a long time.
It can be used for multiple purposes, such as an underlying mattress for a traditional futon mattress.
What we didn't like:
Rush grass has an odd smell which can prove too irksome
It needs to be stored in a well-ventilated place
Overview
I purchased D&D Furniture’s Floor Rolling Futon Mattress to provide some comfort to my aching back. My osteopath suggested that a futon mattress would provide excellent support for my back. So I promptly purchased one that is 90% cotton, 5% resilient foam and 5% polyester, which makes the mattress easy to store and maintain. Moreover, the color of the mattress is black, which means I do not need to worry about cleaning and washing it. However, I find the mattress ideal to be spread on the floor. I also let my children play on it, without worrying about them getting hurt.
What we liked:
It is perfect for the back because it provides excellent support even when it is spread on the floor.
It can be easily folded or even rolled and stored away, which makes the mattress a space-saving item.
It is not bulky and hence, can be carried even for short trips and backpacking tours.
What we didn't like:
The mattress needs to be aired; otherwise, it loses its natural airiness
It is not dense enough to be used on wooden slats
Overview
D&D Futon Furniture’s High Density Foam Tri-Fold Futon is a folding mattress that can be folded to resemble an ottoman. When it is folded to an Ottoman-style its dimensions are 9" high x 25" deep x 27" wide, which I think are quite impressive. You can quickly flatten the mattress on the floor and lie on it. The thickness, density, and strength of the mattress are ideal for giving your back adequate support, without letting your joints sag. If you are going to sleep on the floor, before all your furniture has arrived at your new home, then you could consider investing in this tri-fold mattress.
What we liked:
This mattress is highly durable. I purchased one quite a few years back, and I am still using it.
This mattress is quite firm. So even if you are on the heavier side, you won't sink into the mattress.
It provides excellent support to your back.
What we didn't like:
Unlike other futons, it cannot be rolled. Hence, it is not very space-saving.
The mattress is not washable.
Overview
The Japanese Traditional Shiki Futon or Shikibuton manufactured by FULI is an excellent purchase if you are looking for a floor mattress made of cotton. Not only is this mattress extremely comfortable, but I find this mattress provides excellent support to my back. The mattress is also very light, which means folding and storing the mattress is also not a problem. The most significant feature of the mattress is that it does not have any odor, and since it is made from natural materials, it is hypo-allergic.
What we liked:
The fabric is on hundred percent cotton, which makes the mattress sweat fast drying
The polyester stuffing also makes the futon mattress lightweight and easy to store.
Because the mattress is quite firm, it provides adequate support to your back.
What we didn't like:
The mattress needs to be aired regularly
It is not dense enough and hence, not ideal for heavier individuals
Overview
MAXYOYO manufactures one of the best Japanese futon or Japanese Floor Mattresses. It has the full thickness of a futon mattress and then it is quilted up to seventeen centimeters. The middle layer of the futon is made of high-quality memory foam. I find that this makes the floor mattress all the more robust and durable. I have been using this mattress for many years, and it still seems as good as new. This mattress is ideal for a bachelor pad or a dormitory. Nevertheless, I have been using the mattress regularly and have no complaints. I have even taken it with me on road trips, and the mattress has been beneficial.
What we liked:
The thickness of the mattress ensures that your back receives excellent support even if you spread out the mattress on a hard surface and lie on it.
The mattress is exceptionally versatile and can be used as a play mat, bedding for a tent, and even a floor pillow bed.
What we didn't like:
It needs to air appropriately before it can be used for the first time
It needs to be maintained, to make it last longer.
Overview
The futon set manufactured by EMOOR consists of a comforter, a pillow, and a mattress. This complete set is not just comfortable but extremely compact. I find this entire set perfect to be laid out on the sofa, on the floor or anywhere else in the house. I can also easily fold these and put these away equally quickly. Sometimes I even spread these on my bed for extra comfort and back support. Other than that, I did not find any issues with my futon set. Instead, I find it to be beneficial for my back, and my backache has reduced after I started sleeping on the futon.
What we liked:
This futon set is extremely versatile as you can spread it on the floor or even on your bed.
You can effortlessly store the futon set. You can fold the futon put it away in the cupboard, and you will find that it does not occupy much space. In other words, it is space-saving as well.
What we didn't like:
The futon set requires a certain amount of maintenance
You have to air the mattress regularly
Overview
The Japanese Shiki Futon manufactured by Luxton is a classic foldable floor mattress, which is both comfortable and portable. I have been using this futon mattress not only at my home but on all my road trips. This futon mattress can be easily folded and stored, which makes it convenient and portable. Additionally, I find this mattress provides excellent support to my back and prevent my joints from sagging, while I sleep.
What we liked:
It is both comfortable and portable.
It is completely padded and hence, provides excellent back support.
It is made entirely from cotton, making it hypo-allergic.
What we didn't like:
You have to give it full three days for the futon mattress to expand completely.
The mattress needs to be appropriately maintained to make it long-lasting.
Overview
The Tatami Mat sold by Oriental Furniture is ideal if you want to give your home a unique touch. These mats can also be laid beneath futon mattress. These usually consist of five mats of various sizes and are all rectangular in shape. This makes the mats ideal to be laid out on the floor, without any wastage of space. If you are looking for minimalistic furniture, then you can consider purchasing these mats. The Tatami furniture needs to be maintained regularly so that these last longer. However, if you want to give your home an oriental and traditional appeal, then you could consider investing in a tatami mat set.
What we liked:
The mats are filled with baked rice straw, which makes the mats extremely durable
The double-layer Japanese rush grasses on the outside give this natural and unique appeal.
What we didn't like:
The rush grass often gives off an odor which might be uncomfortable
It needs to be aired regularly
Overview
The traditional Japanese futon mattress manufactured by J-Life is ideal if you are looking for a product that is easy to use and store. I have been using mine for many years. The futon mattress is nearly four inches in thickness and is known to provide excellent support to your back.
What we liked:
It is a cotton mattress designed to provide complete back support
It can be easily folded and stored away, which makes it a space-saving
What we didn't like:
The futon mattress needs to be well-maintained
It needs to be aired regularly