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The Japanese are a nation of long-living people.
And the secret to this — aside from a lot of seafood in their diet — is healthy sleep.
One of the essential parts of traditional Japanese culture is shikibuton, a rollable floor mattress that is used for daily sleeping. And given its thin design, it might be hard to imagine that it can offer any comfort.
But it can, indeed. And I invite you to check out the five best Japanese futon mattresses that I have tested and reviewed below to help you choose the one that will bring healthy sleep to your life!
A Quick Preview
 | Best Overall FULI Japanese Futon | Check Current Price on Amazon Read more about this mattress |
 | Runner Up EMOOR Japanese Futon | Check Current Price on Amazon Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Affordable Pick D&D Futon Furniture | Check Current Price on Amazon Read more about this mattress |
 | Best for Allergy-Prone Sleepers Organic Cotton Shiki Futon Mattress | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best for Thermoregulation Natural Wool & Organic Cotton Shiki Futon Mattress | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
Our Reviews of 5 Best Japanese Futons
Best Overall - FULI Japanese Futon
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Highlights
- Three-layer construction to disperse body pressure and guarantee comfortable sleep even with back pain;
- Soft cotton fiber cover to provide extra comfort and a charming look;
- Made with high-grade quality materials that make it last long and relatively easy to store.
The FULI has proudly claimed its place in this review of the top-rated Japanese futon mattresses because it features the combo of luxurious design, decent durability, and great supportive properties — basically, all the things you can ask for in a futon!
The mattress features three layers and measures around 2.5 inches thick when fully expanded. So, if you’re an average or petite sleeper, this mattress can totally cradle you and ensure the right spine support.
The mattress surface cover is made of durable materials and has a breathable weave, which makes it resistant to dust mites and mold. This is a great feature for those who don’t have a balcony or live in humid climates and cannot regularly air out their mattresses.
One more good thing about the FULI is the cotton cover. Natural cotton has good breathability and is able to absorb moisture, so you will stay cool and dry throughout the night.
All in all, The FULI is a real gem. This futon is great for both regular sleeping and occasional use (for your guests, for example). It is comfortable and offers enough support and cushioning to make you sleep well all through the night. Plus, it looks (and feels) luxurious. With the FULI, you might even forget that you are sleeping on the floor.
Recommended for:
- Taller individuals. The FULI is available in extra-long sizes that can offer extra space for your legs if you’re tall.
- Those who are prone to hot sleeping. Thanks to the cotton cover, you will stay cooler even on hot summer nights.
- Allergy sufferers. Antimicrobial and dust mite-repelling features make this futon a great option for people who are prone to allergies.
Cons:
- on the pricier side;
- might take time to expand fully.
Runner Up — EMOOR Japanese Futon
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Highlights
- Designed by skilled Futon craftsmen with carefully selected materials to ensure its high-quality build;
- Contains a firm pad sandwiched in the middle by soft fiberfill pads at the top and bottom to provide firm support and ease body pressure;
- Has a natural cotton cover for extra comfort during sleep.
The next item I want to include in this review of the best Japanese futon mattresses is this classic model by EMOOR. This is one of the most authentic options on the market because it’s made in Japan. Plus, it has a well-made design and feels very comfortable, so you will be able to upgrade your sleeping experience easily!
For unbeatable support, this shikibuton features a sandwich-like design with a firm polyester pad being surrounded by soft padding. Thanks to this combo, the mattress can conform to your body shape and support the correct spine alignment.
Also, the fluffy fibers and a natural cotton cover prevent the EMOOR from sleeping hot. The cotton helps wick away body moisture and feels soft and pleasant to the touch, whereas fibers adjust to your body temperature and maintain the optimal microclimate while you sleep.
The firm polyester pad, along with ensuring proper support, also contributes to anti-sagging properties and durability. So, the EMOOR shikibuton will easily serve you for years to come, assuming that you’ll care for it properly.
The EMOOR futon doesn’t offer you any extras, except being manufactured in Japan, but has all the basic features — such as well-made construction, decent cradling, and cool sleep. And all this goodness comes with more than an appealing price tag!
Recommended for:
- Hot sleepers. The EMOOR works great at heat and moisture removal and stays cool throughout the night.
- Couples. The futon offers an even surface and large sizes, including Full, Queen and King, so it will give you enough room to stretch if you sleep with a partner.
- Back pain sufferers. The polyester pad and soft padding will ensure proper spine alignment to relieve your back pain.
Cons:
- some users report that the height isn’t as advertised;
- might feel a bit thin for heavy sleepers.
Best Affordable Pick — D&D Futon Furniture
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Highlights
- Comes with three layers of white cotton batting for better pressure and quick body relief;
- Has a sandwich construction with a firm core which provides strong support for pressure points;
- Breathable and durable polyester cover supports use for long and maintains body temperature.
When testing and reviewing the best Japanese futon mattresses, I came across this low-cost shikibuton by D&D Futon Furniture. This model packs the combo of resilient foam, cozy cotton batting, and a durable polyester cover. And its price is beyond tempting! So, what are we waiting for?
The first thing that caught my eye was the sandwich-like design. A thin layer of firm foam is stuffed between soft cotton, and this combination results in a medium feel with some hug. The futon gently cradles your body and helps you sleep soundly.
The cotton batting also adjusts to your body temperature, while the breathable polyester cover helps you stay dry. So, if you live in a hot climate or struggle with hot flashes, you might discover all the wonders of cool sleep with this shikibuton.
Along with that, if you’re into yoga or meditation, you can easily use this futon as your mat. It’s pretty durable and can withstand active use during yoga sessions while ensuring your comfort.
I really enjoyed sleeping on this Japanese futon. It’s soft, comfortable, and seems pretty durable for a budget-friendly item.
Recommended for:
- Those on a budget. The D&D futon feels and performs no worse than expensive models, so you can get it for your guests or yourself without spending a lot.
- Those who sleep hot. The cotton batting feels cool and breathable and can help you get a more refreshing sleep.
- Those who look for a softer feel. Unlike most shikibutons, the D&D Futon Furniture model is softer and more cradling. So, if you’re into that, it’s a good option to go with.
Cons:
- might feel a bit too soft for heavier sleepers;
- may have a slight off-gassing at the start.
Best for Allergy-Prone Sleepers — Organic Cotton Shiki Futon Mattress
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Highlights
- Contains layers of organic cotton, which makes it breathable and lightweight;
- Medium feel offers firm support while soft enough for relaxing hips, knees, and shoulders, thus ideal for a wide range of sleepers;
- Built to be rolled up and stored away when not in use.
Another excellent option that belongs to the best Japanese futon mattresses is this organic Shikibuton model. What makes it stand out from the crowd is its natural composition. Both the cover and the filling use organic cotton. It’s not only 100% safe for sensitive people, but it’s also super breathable and easy to clean. Therefore, the Shiki Futon mattress is less likely to allow for allergen build-up.
Now, let’s not forget about cotton’s thermoregulating properties. This material is super breathable, so it shouldn’t make you sleep hot (even if you get a thicker option). At the same time, you don’t have to worry about sleeping close to the floor. The Shikibuton mattress is quite resilient, so your body will be elevated enough to not get cold.
Recommended for:
- Allergy-prone sleepers. This Japanese futon mattress uses natural, organic cotton, which means it’s 100% safe even if you suffer from allergies or skin sensitivities.
- Hot sleepers. The Shikibuton mattress is super breathable and should contribute to thermoregulation during the night.
- Those who want extra support. This model has a medium feel (even medium-firm if you aren’t that heavy), so it can deliver proper support for your back and keep you elevated above the floor to avoid those unpleasant drafts.
Cons:
- might not work for budget shoppers;
- may seem too firm to petite individuals;
- initial odor is possible upon arrival (reminded me of some grassy smell), so you might want to air your mattress out before sleeping on it.
Best for Thermoregulation — Natural Wool & Organic Cotton Shiki Futon Mattress
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Highlights
- Designed with cotton fabric and wool materials which supports deeper and more improved sleep;
- Has breathable and lightweight fibers which repel moisture and regulate body heat;
- Soft feel offers the conforming ability for shoulders, hips, and knees, making it ideal for sitting and side sleepers. .
Looking for a good Japanese futon mattress that would feel comfortable any time of the year? Then you should certainly consider the Shiki wool mattress. This model uses natural wool that can help you achieve a temperature-neutral sleeping environment regardless of the weather outside. You see, wool is naturally breathable and does an excellent job at wicking the extra moisture away. That’s why this mattress should sleep neutral when it’s hot outside. At the same time, when the temperature in the room is lower, wool can lock in your body heat and keep you warm all through the night.
Another cool thing that makes this model stand out from the competitors is the number of options it offers. While most Japanese futon mattresses come in standard sizes and offer only one thickness (especially cheaper models, like the D&D futon, for example), the Shiki wool mattress goes beyond that. You can pick between two thickness options and different size variations, including Eastern King and Extra-Long Full Double.
Recommended for:
- Those who want an all-year-round comfortable futon mattress. Since the Shiki wool mattress does a great job at regulating one’s temperature during sleep, it is suitable for pretty much any climate or time of the year.
- Tall users. This model comes in an extra-long variation, which means there’s a comfy option for you with extra space for your legs.
- Side sleepers or lightweight individuals. Because this futon mattress has a rather soft feel, it should be ideal for users looking for gentle support and a decent amount of cradling.
Cons:
- may not be supportive enough for heavier users;
- slight odor is possible upon arrival.
Japanese Traditions in Sleep at a Glance
So, a futon is a traditional type of bedding that had been used in Japan for decades (1). Most Japanese families lived in small houses — it usually had just one room for all the family members — so in order to make the most of the tiny space, they used mattresses that could be easily folded away during the day.
The term ‘traditional floor futon’ typically refers to one item, but actually, a traditional Japanese bed included a set of elements:
- shikibuton, or the ‘spreading futon’ — a mattress that you spread on the floor to sleep on.
- kakebuton, or the ‘covering futon’ — a duvet cover that fits the size of the futon.
- makura — a small pillow that is put on the futon.
The shikibuton is generally about 3 inches thick; however, some models may reach 4 inches. Hand-crafted models mostly use natural cotton as the filling, because of its density and great insulating properties. Mass-produced futons may feature a memory foam core layer for better support.
The cover can be made of cotton or bamboo fabric: both these materials wick away moisture and promote airflow inside the futon.
Now, you may want to pair your futon with a tatami mat made of bamboo straws. This elevates the futon from the bare ground and improves heat and moisture removal. Also, the tatami feels softer than the floor and could make your futon more comfortable.
Note that Japanese futons are used for sleeping only because they’re typically too soft and pliable to create a comfortable spot for leisure activities.
Also, since futons lie on the floor and are more exposed to humidity, they need to be aired out daily to prevent mold development and funky odors (2).
How to Choose a Good Japanese Futon?
Every decision should be made with thorough attention to detail.
And when it comes to sleep, you need to be even more attentive. After all, we spend the third of our life sleeping, and our body needs proper rest.
So, let’s see what you should pay attention to when choosing a traditional Japanese floor mattress to upgrade your sleeping experience.
Check the Size
Most modern shikibutons are made in standard mattress sizes, such as Twin, Full, Queen, or King. So, make your choice based on your needs. An average-weight couple may feel comfortable even on a Full-size mattress, while larger sleepers might need Queen or even King. At the same time, a single sleeper will benefit from a lightweight Twin-size model.
A Twin-size shikibuton can easily turn into a comfortable sleeping mat for camping! It won’t take much space when folded and can help you improve your sleep.
Consider the Materials of Japanese futon mattresses
Fun fact: Japanese futons were originally stuffed with horsehair, reeds, or rice straw (3). Today, however, most of them use folded or rolled cotton layers or synthetic fibers as the filling.
Cotton is more breathable and initially hypoallergenic, while synthetic fibers have better durability and don’t form lumps over time. Along with that, some futons feature a thin layer of foam for better support and more pronounced cradling.
The cover is important too. Some manufacturers might use various chemicals to enhance the antimicrobial properties of their futons, so it’s always a good idea to check this before purchase. Especially if you have allergies.
Some Japanese-style futons come with a protective cover that won’t allow dust and debris to build up inside. This cover is often removable, so you can take it away and wash it, which makes the maintenance easier.
Think About the Maintenance
The dust and moisture can make even the best Japanese futon wear out quickly.
The best way to prevent this is to air out your futon regularly and expose it to direct sunlight. But if you cannot do that for some reason, here are the alternative ways:
- Opt for heavy-duty materials. Cotton or synthetic fabrics with a tight weave are able to let the air in while keeping the dust out.
- Purchase a cover or a protector. An encasement will protect the futon from accidental spills and stains or bed bugs, which is especially helpful if you live in an apartment.
Also, you may be able to just wash your futon (it’s a good idea to use a laundromat for this purpose, as a standard household washer may be too small for that).
Note though, that not all shikibutons are washable or tumble dryer-friendly. Some of them might allow only dry cleaning. So, be sure to check the manufacturer care instructions before you do something with them.
Outline the Price
Even though futons are a relatively affordable type of mattress, you still need to understand how much you may have to spend on it. A model with basic features may cost you about $100, but some more luxurious and thicker options could cost as much as $300 or even more.
Who Should Not Buy a Japanese Futon?
Sleeping on a Japanese futon can be an excellent space-saving solution for many people.
That being said, this bed alternative might not work for everyone, and shoppers should be aware of that. For instance, people with painful knees or back pain might have some trouble getting up, as Japanese futons typically sit on the ground.
Sleeping on a futon might not work for people who tend to get cold easily (for instance, sleepers with blood circulation issues). After all, lying so close to the ground can result in drafts and cooler sleep, which isn’t suited for everyone.
Shoppers should also think about their storage options. Futons are usually big and require a lot of space when rolled up. Some people simply might not have a spot in their home to keep a bulky futon.
F.A.Q.
Where Can I Buy a Japanese Futon?
You can buy a Japanese futon at local furniture stores, big-chain stores, or online. Buying online can be more convenient as there is typically more of a selection available, and you have the ability to buy from authentic Japanese futon manufacturers. You can also compare reviews online from other customers so you know if a product will suit your needs or not.
Wrapping Up
Japanese futons are popular for a reason. They’re affordable, versatile and can support your spine during sleep no worse than a regular bed. All the models I’ve presented above can make a great pick if you consider purchasing this bedding item.
But if I had to recommend only one, I would choose the FULI Japanese futon. It made me sleep like a baby, offering a generous amount of cushioning while keeping my back supported. This futon is well-made and promises durability, which many users will appreciate. Additionally, it looks sleek and luxurious, and would fit into any interior.
What about you? What things are you looking for in a perfect futon mattress? Share your feedback below, I’d love to hear from you!
References
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Futon. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futon
- Chris Telden (2019, May 16). Shikibuton Buyer's Guide: The Traditional Japanese Futon Mattress. Retrieved from https://dengarden.com/interior-design/Shikibuton-Japanese-Traditional-Futon
- Sue McCarty (n.d.). Futon Facts. Retrieved from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/futon-81684.html
Our research
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Mattresses Considered
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Sleep Experts Consulted