Futon Mattresses and Covers: Facts About Futons

Have you ever wondered where the Japanese go to sleep? In traditional Japanese houses, regular beds are not usually found in each of their rooms. You can only see a wide space in the middle, with some furniture such as a table and cabinet neatly placed in the corner of the room. Even in the movies, they sleep on the floor using that soft mattress, not the typical beds we used to see. These are called futons.

Futon, originating from Japan, is its traditional term for a mattress padded with quilted fabric and pillows used primarily as beds. Japanese culture used these futons for several years in a row. Filled with soft materials like cotton, wool, and synthetic batting, Futon is comfortable to sleep on. Futons are usually placed on the floor for people to sleep on, however people find it soft and cozy just like regular beds placed on bed frames. Futons are often seen in Japanese specialty stores sold in packages that include the quilted futon mattress and quilted duvet or blanket.

In addition to the softness and comfort it provides for the person who uses it, futons are useful in keeping the room more spacious and serve other purposes than the bedroom. These can be folded up and stored in a cabinet while not in use. Also, by storing them, dirt and environmental dust are kept away from them.

As they become popular, futons are already adapted to Western culture. It is based on the Japanese bed, but with some difference. First, Japanese futons are placed on the floor for sleeping. Now Westerners built futon frames, usually made of plywood or metal frames where the padded mattress is attached. This makes the futon dual purpose. It can be used as a bed at night and a sofa during the day, as the frames can be adjusted to sit or recline.

Western-style futons are also made with multiple layers of foam and batting, making them much larger and thicker than Japanese futons. They come with beautiful futon covers. Futon covers clean up the mattress and are available in different designs and colors to match the theme of the room. Futon covers also keep the cushioned mattress durable for many years.

Today, futons are not only used by the Japanese, but by all kinds of races around the world. People find the futon to be the best form of bed, especially for families living in a small house or apartment where there is limited space for some furniture and beds. Maybe instead of saying “I’ll go to my bed”, people will prefer to say “I’ll go to my futon”.