Top 10 Best Japanese Futon Mattresses Reviewed for 2022
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My first experience of sleeping on a Japanese futon was when I was in college. I needed a very inexpensive sleeping accommodation. My father purchased me a combination bunk bed style.
The top portion of the bed could accommodate a regular full mattress, and the bottom half of the bed could be converted to a coach when needed.
In the daytime, my friends and I could sit on the futon, and at night bottom half was converted to a bed for sleeping. The futon mattress felt amazing. I participate in a number of sports such as running, volleyball and skiing. The futon mattress did wonders for my back.
Your needs and wants will determine the type futon mattress you choose. Some specific needs include:
- How firm do you want the mattress?
- How thick do you want the mattress to be?
- What is the purpose of the mattress?
There are many brands and types of futon mattresses, and it can be challenging to choose one. But don't panic. I have narrowed down what to look for below.
JAPANESE FUTON BUYER'S GUIDE
The Japanese futon mattress, which in Japan is called the Shikibuton, is the Japanese version of a bed. The mat that sits underneath it is called the tatami. The Japanese futon mattresses is a thin, small mat, that is typically between 2 ½ to 4 inches thick.
The futon mattress set comes with a pillow, cover, comforter and the futon mattress. The futon trend became popular in the USA after World War II, when America wanted to pay homage to economic bedding and minimalism.
There is a big difference between futons and Shikibuton. The Shikibutons are filled with cotton, and they are thinner than what is on the market in America. The Shikibutons can be easily rolled, folded and stored in a closet.
The regular futon are similar to other mattresses on the market in that they can have foam filling and inner springs. The futon mattresses with cotton layers can absorb body heat, thereby breathable and can increase airflow. The futon mattresses are environmental-friendly, thus protecting nature.
The futon mattress can be easily rolled up for storage. They are lighter than traditional mattresses and can be moved easily from place to place. The Shikibuton is great for when you have guests, for exercising, college dorm and mobile homes.
The futon mattress are not washable; however, the covers are washable. The futons should be air-dried in the sun.
Read on to see our picks for the best Japanese futon mattresses available today. Our selections are based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis.
PRODUCT | DETAILS | RATING |
|---|---|---|
 Emoor | ||
 Fuli | ||
 Luxton Home | ||
 D&D Futon Furniture | ||
 Maxyoyo |
OUR #1 RATED - Emoor
The EMOOR Japanese Traditional Futon Mattress offers comfort and style. It is 2 ½ inches thick, and is filled with a polyester pad that is sandwich together with a soft filling. The futon can feel firm or a little hard. The polyester pad is high density so it can adequately support your back. The outer cover is 100 percent cotton.
The mattress can be placed on the hard floor, on a tatami mattress, carpet or place as a mattress topper. If you desire added cushioning, you can use an underlying mattress.
This Japanese futon is non-washable by itself. If you prefer washing your futons, you may get a futon cover and regular remove and wash it in order to protect the main futon. To keep your mattress free of mold and mildew, you can air-dry the mattress in the sun. The futon can take five to seven days to dry.
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RUNNER UP - Fuli Shikibuton
The Made in Japan FULI Japanese Traditional Shiki Futon (shikibuton) High Grade Floor Mattress is a high volume mattress that provides maximum comfort. The high-grade futon has three layers that make it firm, yet it is supportive.
The mattress is made of natural fiber, which is 100 percent hygroscopic cotton. The stuffing is made of 100 % polyester, which provides maximum comfort. Natural fiber can prevent sweat from absorbing moisture and the natural fiber dry quickly.
The smooth plush surface is great for your back, but it can cause you to sink or settle in an uncomfortable position. This position can make the back hurt worse. This Shikibuton enables your back to naturally align while offering a high level of comfort while you sleep.
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Best Value - Luxton Home
The Luxton Home Foldable Shiki Futon Mattress is compact but comfortable. It is 2 ½ inches thick and is filled with material made of polyester. The fabric is 100% natural cotton, soft, organic and durable. The futon mattress is also filled with hypoallergenic and micro bacterial features.
The material is a thin layer and a bit more compact but comfortable. The futon folds easy, and it can be used for many purposes, such as yoga, meditation, camping, outings, and traveling. The futon is versatile. It also can be used as a regular futon and or an extra mattress.
The twin futons are thin, so there is no need to sleep on a pad. The firm surface aligns with your spine, which gives you less pain and back problems. If you are using them to sleep on the floor, it might take time to get used to the firmness, which is better for your back. The futon is easy to clean and has no offensive smell.
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Most Popular - D&D Futon Furniture
The D&D Futon Furniture Traditional Japanese Floor Rolling Futon Mattress is three inches thick, and it is filled with 90 percent cotton, 5 percent resilient foam and 5 percent polyester fiber. The mattress meets the law requirements for flame retardants and is made in America.
The futon is designed with the added benefits of ties to hold everything together. Even though the mattress is three-inch thick, it does not feel like a plush memory foam mattress. The feel and comfort are great for your black.
The futon can double as cushion seating or as an exercise, yoga or play mat during any occasion. It is lightweight portable so you can take it anywhere. Note though that if you engage in vigorous sexual activity with a partner while on it, it may slip if it is on a hardwood floor.
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Best Eco-Friendly - Maxyoyo Japanese Floor Mattress Futon Mattress
MAXYOYO's Japanese Floor Mattress Futon comes in (6) unique colors. The floor mattress features a cover that is 100% cotton with the filling material being a mix of cotton and memory foam.
It's 3.93-inches thick which makes it comfortable to lay on with proper padding and elevation to avoid feeling like you are sleeping directly on the floor. However, not too thick so you can't use the floor mattress the way you intend to.
It's portable and versatile enough to be used in a variety of ways whether you are out camping or you want to use it for the living room. Simply roll it up and place it in the convenient storage bag it comes with.
Overall, this is a Japanese floor mattress that is worth buying. Its material makeup is soft and comfortable and its versatility makes it a practical option for many.
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#6 - D&D Futon Furniture Futon Mattress
This traditional Japanese futon mattress provides a comfortable and soothing experience, and it is part of the famous D&D Futon Furniture family. It is three inches thick and is comprises of three layers. It has a layer of white cotton batting, another one of 1-inch resilient foam in the middle and a final layer of fiber batting.
This Japanese Style futon is effortless to roll up and also easy to store in a closet or trunk. This ease in storage helps in making efficient use of your available living space.
It can be easily moved or transported by any car which makes it great for picnics, camping trips or any outdoor activity. It is versatile in how it can be used. Good as a massage, exercise or yoga mat. It is also ideal for just resting on when you feel like it or as a bed for your RV.
Although the mattress meets flame retardant laws, it can however only be kept clean by being spot cleaned then aired out in the sun or near an open window to dry.
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#7 - Miina Japanese Traditional Igusa Tatami Mattress
The MIINA Japanese Traditional Igusa (Rush Grass) Tatami Mattress is designed to fit in any traditional decor. While traditional tatami mattresses might be thick and heavy, the MIINA mattress is only 0.4 inches thick.
Also, it comes with 3 foldable panels. Therefore, it is light and thin enough to remain portable and versatile. As a result, it can be used for various purposes whether it be for a picnic in the park or a pilate class.
The mattress is designed to smell like freshly cut grass which can make it extremely refreshing and relaxing for anyone. The soft rushes are able to absorb moisture which can reduce humidity in your room and allow you to sleep much better.
It is very thin yet offers the same look and feel like a conventional tatami mattress. If you want Japanese craftsmanship and a comfortable futon mattress that is portable enough to use on-the-go, this will not disappoint you.
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#8 - Emoor Japanese Futon Set CLASSE-Plus (Acupressure)
After surveying owners of futons and discovering that one of the major complaints is that futons tended to collapse on themselves and becoming thinner after repeated use, the Emoor company did some product research and came up with an excellent solution to resolve that common customer annoyance.
They started putting egg-crate foam inside the futon. This worked and significantly enhanced how long the futon maintained its shape and durability. This is how the Emoor Japanese Futon Set CLASSE-Plus (Acupressure) was born. In addition, the egg-crate foam helps to reduce pressure points and to enhance support for the spine for anyone lying on it.
Apart from the futon, it also comes with a comforter, or what the Japanese call a Kakebuton, and two pillows. Its outer layer is 100% natural cotton so it will be very soft on your skin. Note though that this made in Japan futon itself and comforter are non-washable. You will need to put removable covers on them which you can wash regularly when either needs cleaning.
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#9- Emoor Classe Series Shikifuton
The EMOOR Classe Series Shiki Futon is a traditional Japanese futon mattress of exceptional quality. It is a soft polyester quilt sandwiching a firm polyester pad inside . It can feel firm or medium firm depending on your weight and preference.
The inside polyester filling is of a high density so that it can adequately support your back. You can place the futon it on a hard floor or if you desire, you may add cushioning. Alternatively, you may use an underlying mattress or tatami mat.
The outer cover fabric is 100% high-quality cotton, which is sewed and dyed in Japan. The sheets have a deep pocket so as to fit the mattress better. A rubber is included to keep the bed sheet from shifting.
The futon is non-washable, but you can acquire a removable cover on it and then wash the cover when the need arises. To keep your mattress free of mold and mildew, you should air-dry the mattress in the sun, which can take up to five to seven days.
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Accessory: FULI Japanese Rush Grass Tatami Mattress
This made in Japan mattress comprises of 100% rush grass. The grass is very durable, which means that you will not be looking for a replacement anytime soon.
Not only that, but the grass is breathable and hygroscopic, so you can rest assure you won't sweat throughout the night, nor will your sleep be negatively impacted.
The Tatami Mattress can also be folded into three, which makes it easy to store. It only weighs 13 pounds, so it's portable and lightweight. You can bring the mattress from one place to the next, all with ease.
Furthermore, it is versatile because you can use it as an underlay mattress for a futon or you can use it as an oriental rug.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
All of the Japanese futon mattresses above are great choices to meet your bedding needs. But if we were to recommend one, it would be the Luxton Home Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress. It is very light, versatile and easy to travel with. Besides being great as a sleeping surface for a guest visiting your home, it can also be used as in a dormitory, camping site or Recreational Vehicle.
Most importantly though, we like this one especially as its design is really geared towards supporting the back as you sleep by helping you achieve correct spinal alignment as you sleep. To top it off, It is very comfortable and affordable.
He is an Engineer, designer and jogging enthusiast. His team of product testers and reviewers are as passionate as he is about sleep improvement and are on a collective mission to reveal to you only the best sleep solutions and products.
