Very practical and comfortable-even if you have not used a traditional Japanese futon, these two words should indulge you into purchasing one for yourself. Japanese futon comes as a futon set that includes a mattress, the shikibuton
a blanket, the kakebuton, and pillow, the makura. The authentic Japanese futon is also packed with health benefits.
While futon has evolved into a combination of traditional Japanese and western design, the overall design and benefits remain the same. Japanese futon mattress has been resting on the floor ever since its existence, essentially the major secret of health-it heals the back pain. The western futon however, rests on a wooden or metal frame and keeps it as permanent furniture.
Futons make living quite interesting and easy. Although the concept behind their invention was Japanese simple way of living and small houses, but their adaption is widespread due to many other benefits. They are being accepted by Western lifestyle and are proving it well. Since the two worlds have different criteria’s of comfort, therefore futon beds have gone through several changes, including the type of fillings.
In this article we will give you the most important facts of authentic Japanese futons, but first let’s discuss the difference between the Japanese and Western futons. So, if you want to transit to a futon mattress from regular bed, you can purchase the right type of futon for yourself.
Japanese Futons
Originally Japanese futons were filled rice straw, heeds or horsehair, and with time the filling became 100% cotton. Japanese prefer cotton filling and futon covers in cotton as well, as it suits their climate conditions. At night futon mattress is laid out on a tatami mat to add cushioning. In morning futons are rolled and stored into the closet, so that the sleeping area can be used as an active part of the home. Futons require special care and are usually hanged and aired in the sun with occasional beating to keep the cotton from lumping.
Western Futons
With Japanese immigrant’s arrival to America, futons came along. Due to extreme differences in the two lifestyles, futons became thicker to fit the comfort level of Americans. Variety of fillings also became available including; polyester, wool, silk, and foam and the frame got reconfigured to change futon sofa into a futon bed. Futons are an optimal choice for all the Americans who appreciate space-saving, cost effective solutions, and want to experience life in a different way-with abundant health benefits.
Facts about Traditional Futons
If you still need more information on authentic Japanese futons, then read below:
Comfortable- The comfort level of a mattress is subjective and varies individually. Some might call Futon beds hard and hard for them might mean bare ground, while some cannot find better night sleep on anything else than a futon mattress. Japanese futon mattresses are firm and differ from regular foam mattresses, but futons are the actual beds!
If you’re transitioning from bed to a futon, you will need at least two or more weeks to get adjusted to it, but for the accurate posture of your body and spine, and for the perfect balance of the body-they are perfect. Moreover, you now have number of options for adding more cushioning to futons and adjust the comfort level.
Versatile- Whether purchase of authentic Japanese futon bed is for your home, office, den, spare room, or any place in the house, futons can convert into a sofa from a bed as well.
Affordable– Futons are very cost effective and easy on the pocket, as compared to luxurious spring foam mattresses. It serves the purpose of bed and sofa, thus offers more comfort.
Stylish– Futons come in all kinds of styles, from contemporary to classic- futon can be matched according to the room interior by choosing the printed or floral futon covers. You can even add style by choosing the futon frame in wood or metal.
Health Benefits– Proper care of futons and the use of futons can add health benefits. Sleeping on a futon helps the back to alleviate in the right posture, thus removing back pain and not letting the joints go loose. Futons are best suitable for people who are sensitive to dust allergies