Japanese people tend to live longer, on average, than almost every nation on earth, and one of the contributing factors is their approach to sleep. So, is this something that you can take advantage of, too? Many people are quickly converted to floor sleeping.
In this guide, we have reviewed a number of the very best futon mattresses that can help you to get a great night’s sleep. We have explored the different fillings, sizes, thicknesses, and ultimately the comfort that this creates for each of the Japanese futon mattress options on the market. Read on to explore how this might just be able to revolutionize your sleep and even give you a portable sleeping solution for camping and more.
More features: 3-layered soft-firm-soft structure, folds in three, no bed platform needed, made in Japan, non-washable
This futon is a great pick for anyone who wants real comfort without giving up portability or a minimal setup.
The Premium CLASSE folds in three, so it fits in a closet or a corner of a dorm or spare room during the day. A firm urethane foam core sits between two separately quilted fiberfill pads, so it feels soft when you lie down but still gives your back steady support all night.
Other features: medium firmness, 3-layer
The FULI Japanese Traditional Shiki Futon is very thin and lightweight, and does a good job of folding up to a small size, so you can store it away at the end of each night.
This is a medium firmness futon and the thickness doesn’t prevent it from giving a good level of support. The filling truly manages to keep that level of comfort. This is a great option for those who do not want to spend a huge amount on their futon mattress, and can still offer a way to get great sleep on a budget.
More features: sheet included, folds for storage and travel, firm sleeping surface
This traditional Japanese shikibuton is covered in 100% organic cotton, a soft and durable fabric that is easy to clean and has no unpleasant smell. It comes with a sheet to help protect it.
It is thin and firm, so your spine stays aligned while you sleep. It also folds up easily, which makes it good for guest rooms, camping or even as a yoga mat. It arrives packed airtight, so give it at least three full days to expand before you judge the comfort.
Other features: available in 17 colors, meets flame retardant requirements, made in USA
The D&D Futon Furniture Traditional Futon Mattresses rolls up and ties together, giving the feel of a camping bed or something that a nomad from days gone by might use.
This is a good option for those specifically in the market for a rolling mattress to suit their storage solutions, or for those who want a plush and flame-retardant model of futon mattress. It’s also thick and comfortable, so not a bad choice for virtually anyone.
Other features: firm, 200 thread count cotton; also include a comforter (Kakebuton) and a pillow
You don’t just have to sleep on the mattress with no comforter or other accessories, and this complete set with quite a lot of thickness is a great way to boost your comfort. The Skikibuton is just one part of the set and you can enjoy all of the benefits of having the other parts of the set, even if you sacrifice a bit of portability.
This is a great option for those who want something with a high level of comfort and to use it with other forms of bed. In the words of the manufacturer: “This Futon Mattress might not thick enough to use directly on the floor. For more comfort on the floor, use above a foam mattress, Tatami mattress or bed mattress.”.
More features: matching dust-proof cover, straps and canvas storage bag included
This is a practical futon mat for anyone who wants a floor bed that can be put away as quickly as it is laid out. It has a microfiber outer and a quilted polyester and memory foam filling, so it gives a little as you sink in but still holds you up without lumps.
At 10 lbs it folds up, straps and slips into the included canvas bag for a closet or the car, and the matching dust cover comes off for washing. Give it a couple of days to regain its full loft after unpacking.
A futon Trusted Source Futon - Wikipedia Futon is the Japanese traditional style of bedding. A complete futon set consists of a mattress and a duvet. en.wikipedia.org is basically a more flexible standalone mattress, not necessarily designed to sit on top of a bed frame. We have slightly different definitions in the West, compared to the Japanese example of the futon mattress.
A futon mattress in a lot of the Western definitions sits on a futon frame. They may have frames that can turn them into more of a seat design when compared to more of a simple foam design. Japanese futons come from the fact that the Japanese believe in a minimalist method of sleeping, so you don’t have to worry about a frame or other aspects of a ‘bed’. Whether you want a futon to sleep on every night or just for the odd camping trip or as a spare when someone sleeps over.
Some people use these types of futons for things like Yoga and massage, too, as they fit perfectly within a small studio and allow you to lay on either your front or back comfortably.
There have been some really encouraging and interesting studies regarding these types of mattress and what they can do for your body, and your bank balance!
Some of the benefits of a Japanese Futon mattress include:
So, what are the considerations that you need to take into account when buying one of these mattresses? Below, we delve into the key features and you can experience the Japanese futon mattresses to the full extent of their benefits and features.
Futon mattresses, fortunately, tend to be in the same sizes as standard beds, which makes it easier to accessorize with covers and, in some circumstances, even use your futon mattress on top of a frame. Consider what size you will need. Do you just need a mattress for you to sleep on or are you looking to use the mattress as a couple? Couples can enjoy big sizes such as Queen or even King. On your own, you can opt for the Twin size.
How durable and long-lasting is the mattress? Some of the models on this list are made with excellent materials. The Luxton Home Japanese Shiki Futon with Sheet is one example of the best durable mattress due to the fact that it is made out of such brilliant materials. If you’re going to be taking your mattress on trips with you then you will need something durable that can withstand the rigors of being taken in the trunk of your car, for instance.
One of the huge benefits of these mattresses is the fact that they can fold to a more compact size, which can make them suitable for taking to different locations or stowing away under another bed or in a cupboard or wardrobe. Some of the models are relatively thin and it is possible to fold them a couple of times. In fact, they’re designed with folding in mind. Others are made with a rolling function, which can be bulky, but keeps the futon in good condition. The D&D Futon Furniture Traditional Futon Mattresses is an example that rolls up ready for use.
Some of these mattresses come with a cover, and if not, it is often a good idea to buy a cover to actually protect the futon mattress. The Luxton Home Japanese Shiki Futon with Sheet is an example that comes with its own sheet.
Some of the mattresses themselves can’t actually be washed, but getting a washable sheet can be a good way to protect and keep it fresh.
There are many different materials involved in the manufacture of these mattresses, from cotton outers to polyester fillings and microfiber covers such as that on the Zelladorra Japanese Floor Mattress. Some of the options also have some foam filling, too, which can help with more of a springy and flexible feel.
The microfiber cover of the Zelladorra Japanese Floor Mattress makes it a good option for moisture evaporation, and its dust cover comes off for washing. These mattresses are generally pretty good for airflow and avoiding your sleeping area becoming too clammy. There are certain materials, as explained here, that do a far better job of wicking away moisture. In a hot environment you may be really glad you went for this kind of product rather than something that makes you hot and bothered.
Most futon mattresses can be rotated and flipped if needed, but it depends on the design. For instance, some have an attached pillow that might then be put to the bottom of the mattress if you flipped it. Even the ‘three layer designs’ that have more of a firm middle tend to have the softer layers on either side, making them suitable for flipping. Generally-speaking, you can do whatever you see fit with your Japanese futon mattress, flipping and rotating are absolutely fine.
Though you should always check the manufacturer instructions, you should be able to store your mattress by folding or rolling it and putting it within a suitable storage solution. Maintenance can be a little bit more tricky. Some of the mattresses clearly advertise that they can’t be washed and even if they could, it would be hard to find a machine suitable. Some hand spot cleaning might be required especially if you end up with stains on your mattress.
So, what is the ultimate verdict on these mattresses? We’ve rated the EMOOR Premium CLASSE Japanese Futon Mattress (see similar options on Amazon) at the very top of the list, with a rating of 9.9/10. Not only is it comfy and portable, but this futon mattress also has the key benefit of providing you with a lot of support, and this is the sort of product that a lot of people with back problems turn to.
Another well-reviewed product with a traditional Japanese design is the FULI Japanese Futon King Shikibuton, which we have put in second place on our list of the best Japanese futon mattress options. It’s got a solid rating of 9.7/10 and also has a three-layered design.
The Luxton Home Japanese Shiki Futon with Sheet is next. The sheet can keep the product protected and it is ideal for those who want to get something that expands to a comfortable futon, ideal for sleeping. We’ve given it a rating of 9.6/10 due to the fact that it feels like a proper futon mattress you might experience in Japan.
