Jan 12
25
Futons have become increasingly popular but their origins have stemmed from the Est, Japan in particular. These original Japanese Futons are like bed mattresses but used and made differently than in their home country.
Japanese Futons
Measuring only two inches (5 cm) in width and filled with cotton stuffing, Japanese futons are typically flat and are designed to be spread out on a special Japanese flooring called Tatami Flooring. Futons are usually sold in sets consisting of:
- the futon mattress (shikibuton)
- a comforter (kakebuton)
- blanket (moku),
- summer towel-like blanket (towelket)
- bean- or plastic bead-filled pillow (makura).
When combined, these are equivalent to a western bed set.
Japanese futons are usually stored in a closet, but must be left to air in the sunlight when not put away. These futons are typically beaten with bamboo to keep them in shape.
Western Futons
Western futons are closer to mattresses as they are stuffed with multiple layers of foam, but they do not have springs. Western futons are placed on an adjustable frame resembling that of a couch and are designed in the fashion of a sofa-bed to be used as a couch and a bed when required. Western futons are constructed larger and thicker than Japanese futons, and are cheap compared to regular mattresses or beds.
Western futons are common now in Japan. These futons, hand-made, have no synthetic filling; they are stuffed primarily with cotton. Western futons in Japan are sold as environmentally friendly products as they are not composed of any chemicals, distinguishing them from the traditional bed set.
Futons are very comfortable and, like sleeping bags, can also serve as portable or transportable beds, depending on their size and weight. Although futons can be damaged, they can more easily be repaired than a traditional mattress, since its interior matting is packed in a structured, layered way. Futons are otherwise most convenient and economical and therefore preferable to people on-the-go or living in small spaces which is a fantastic in today’s space saving world!