This research is supported by you, our readers, through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission with no extra cost to you. Learn More
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 | Shop Now on Amazon Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Balanced Support EMOOR Japanese Futon | Shop Now on Amazon Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Spine Support Luxton Home | Shop Now on Amazon Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best Affordable Pick D&D Futon Furniture | Shop Now on Amazon Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best Travel-Friendly Option MAXYOYO | Shop Now on Amazon Read more about this mattress |
Our Reviews of 5 Best Japanese Futons
Best Overall - FULI Japanese Futon
Click the button below to check current price Check current price Read our detailed review
Highlights
- three-layer construction for extra comfort;
- quality made and durable;
- multiple sizes available to accommodate different types of users.
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.
Best for Balanced Support - EMOOR Japanese Futon
Click the button below to check current price Check current price Read our detailed review
Highlights
- designed by Japanese craftsmen;
- has a natural cotton cover;
- contains a firm polyester pad for better support.
I will start my review of the best Japanese futon mattresses with 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 for Spine Support - Luxton Home
Click the button below to check current price
Check current price Read our detailed review
Highlights
- lightweight and compact;
- supports natural spine alignment;
- breathable and sleeps cool.
Recommended for:
- Individuals with back pain. The even and firm mattress surface can help your spine return to its natural alignment and alleviate the pain.
- Heavy sleepers. The Luxton Home futon supports large weight and can effectively relieve tension in your lumbar area.
- Fans of firmer feel. This futon indeed feels firm and offers little to no sinkage, so if this is what you need, go for it.
Cons:
- comes only in Twin and Full sizes, which is a potential limitation for couples;
- some users report mediocre lifespan.
Best Affordable Pick - D&D Futon Furniture
Click the button below to check current price
Check current price Read our detailed review
Highlights
- sandwich construction with a firm core;
- cotton batting for better pressure relief;
- durable and breathable polyester cover.
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 Travel-Friendly Option - MAXYOYO
Click the button below to check current price
Check current price Read our detailed review
Highlights
- quilted design for even fill distribution;
- comes with a dustproof cover
- available in many colors and prints.
Recommended for:
- Travelers. The compact and lightweight construction along with the level of support and cradling makes a perfect travel-friendly combo.
- Occasional use. The MAXYOYO makes a good fit for guest rooms, dormitories, or multifunctional spaces, as it is easy to fold and compactly store when not in use.
- Those who need a medium feel. This futon is less rigid compared to other models, so it can be a good pick for those who don’t like very firm surfaces.
Cons:
- the carrying bag seems poorly made;
- the zipper on the outer cover might easily break.
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.
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
26
Mattresses Considered
98
Hours of Research
3
Sleep Experts Consulted