If you have never been to Japan and have never seen a Japanese futon, it will certainly seem confusing to differentiate between a traditional Japanese futon and a futon mattress.
Either of the two mattresses are designed flexible and created for sleeping, Japanese futon mattress is mostly without a bed frame and is thinner than futon mattress.
Traditional Japanese Futon Fundamental
Traditional Japanese Futon is a set of materials. A floor matt which is cushy, thin, and is quilt like; it’s used to spread on the floor. On top of this is futon mattress that is thin, narrow, and long as compared to an American futon mattress. Authentic Japanese futon mattress is without springs and is filled with cotton, while the latest luxurious style has silk filling.
Futon mattress is covered with cotton sheet and on top of that is a thin and light weight quilt that has a covering as well. The quilt covering has two styles; an open window like opening style (open-mesh), or a closed mesh style (closed window). Japanese tradition shiki mattresses are very light weight with a 2 to 4 thickness.
According to Japanese lifestyle basics, a futon set is lightweight as a whole-because it has to get rolled up/folded and tucked away in a closet. The east-west fusion makes 6 or more inches thick futon mattress which cannot be folded or rolled. Japanese futon is lightweight and known to be hard surfaced (according to western explanation) that requires special care and handling strategies.
Japanese Futon Mattress and Coil Bed – Difference
Traditional Japanese futon differs greatly in features and significance from a coil bed. Ever since the wide acceptance of futon mattress in western lifestyle, certain transitions have been made in futons to suit the differences. Futon mattress can be places on wooden slate or frame known as tatami that can be folded down into a futon sofa or a futon bed.
A coil bed has wooden frame interior which is covered with fabric and padding, and it is placed on a bed frame. The differences in the craft of both these mattress/beds are huge and have a great affect on their benefits and comfort of sleep. Some of the major differences by both have been listed below:
Comfort Level
This factor cannot be compromised as it affects the sleep directly. Traditional Japanese futon is considered uncomfortable according to the opinion of western people, as it provides a hard surface. The coil bed on the other hand has springs inside covered with padding; they allow shifting the weight of your body and provide bounce.
Authentic Japanese futon bed is rather filled with fibers such as cotton or silk. Precisely, Japanese futons have been the health secret of Japanese as it aligns the body in correct posture and optimize circulation breathing. Therefore, the choice of comfort varies individually, the difference will always be there but this difference depends on personal liking.
Support
Futon mattress does not provide support, since it’s hard it does not move with the movement of body. Coil bed has springs which act as a framework and moves while providing support as you shift. A futon mattress does not respond to your movements, nevertheless if you don’t like bouncy movements. And prefer sleeping on plain and firm mattress-you can choose futon bed.
Health Benefits
Any mattress has the potential to contain dust, unless proper care is maintained. Both these mattress will cause health problems to allergic sensitive people. Mattresses that stay contained in a room where the temperatures can favor humidity. And warmth are more prone to accommodating dust mites and molds. According to Japanese traditions, the futon mattress is hanged outside during the day to receive sunlight.
Exposing the mattress to sun rays destroys dust mites or molds. Futons are also beaten with a wooden stick like baseball bat to dust of any such biohazards. A futon can even have more chances of containing these allergens and mites if it’s used for sitting and sleeping and not exposed to sun light. For either case, use hypoallergenic and clean mattress covers.
Choice between a Japanese Futon and Coil Bed – Solution
The choice of a mattress varies individually. You can try types of coil and futon mattresses and then finalize one. Do your research and check the details and discuss your health condition with mattress manufacturer to suggest you otherwise as well. Futon mattress is low on cost and has to be replaced as frequently as every year depending on the quality. Silk filled and custom made futons are expensive-but again what you want is your choice!