Yes and no! Futons are different to regular beds and therefore have standard covers and sheets. A fitted sheet might work as a futon cover, but most likely for a western-eastern fusion type. Authentic Japanese futon is made of 100% cotton and comes in a standard size. Tradition futons are made according to Japanese lifestyle, climate conditions, and their physical body structures. Therefore, all the necessary components of a futon bed are made specifically.

While the adoption of futon beds in America has revolutionized the traditional futons. According to American lifestyle and use of futons, you can find various types of futons; foam, cotton, silk filled. You can also have custom made futons as per the desired measurements. If you’re using a western form of a futon, you will be able to use a fitted sheet as a futon cover. But how different is a fitted sheet from a futon cover? Let’s find that out.

The Difference between a Futon Cover and Fitted Sheet

• The futon cover is of various types, the standard has a zipper on either one side of the futon or both sides. The zipper helps keeping the fabric in place. The other form of futon cover has elastic to secure the cover in its place.
• A regular fitted sheet on the other hand can stay put only on a flat mattress, if the futon or mattress is flexed, the sheet may pop out from the corners or sides. A fitted sheet can cover the top of a mattress or a futon mattress and the lower/backside remains uncovered.

How to Make a Futon Cover?

Futon cover is essential for protecting the futon mattress from dust and for keeping it durable. Yet, the availability of traditional to contemporary designs and styles in futon cover can turn the simple sleeping bed into a fun focal point. The authentically produced traditional futon covers come in mostly white color or neutral shades.

While purchasing a futon cover can get you things delivered to your door step, yet you can also make your own patterned and a decorated futon cover. Make it interesting to sleep on a futon bed, but also add some fusion by yourself and bring a new life to your home décor. The only things you’ll need are basic sewing skills. It’s simple as a futon! Follow the steps mentioned below and enjoy your colorful futon bed with a custom made futon cover.

Custom Made Futon Cover

• Measure the width and length of your futon mattress. Measure the height of your futon mattress. Add two inches to the width and length measurement for final measurement.
• Transfer the measurements to the fabric, marking the points with pen. You will be cutting two lengths of pieces of the same measurement.
• Take both the pieces, with the right sides facing inward pin the two pieces together on edges.
• Sew one long side and two short sides of the fabric and remove the pins. I/2 inch of the fabric should be sewed in.
• Fold ½ inch of the fabric inside from the open side of the fabric and press in place. Take the zipper and press it along one side on the seam, the fold should overlap the zipper tape and the zipper pull should be facing inward towards the right side of the cover. Let the pins hold the zipper.
• Put a zipper foot on your machine and sew the zipper to the fabric. Do the same with the other open seam. Do remember to sew horizontally across the top and bottom of the zipper tape.

Use the most fun patterns and designs to create a fun futon cover. If you can’t find such fabric, then add fabric paint or sew on or iron-on appliques for jazzing up futon covers.

Source: Traditional Futon Mattress.

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Those practicing floor sleeping on traditional Japanese futons claim for refreshing mornings and good health. Yes, for Japanese this might even mean a cultural norm, while this trend is equally popular in western world and is being practiced with latest innovations of futon types. However, there’s one question that has taken the troll; sleeping on the floor is good or not?

The answer is simple; sleeping on the floor is good for you but depends on the preparation you make. There are studies that support sleeping on the ground as a healing therapy for back pain, but a solid statement confirming the study has not yet been found. In this article, we will discuss the same and give you some tips on making your futons comfortable for a better sleep.

Why Sleeping on Floor is good?

Sleeping on the floor depends on the health of the person initially. Whether sleeping on the floor is good or bad for you-the answer is both yes and no. Yes sleeping on an authentic futon mattress heals your back, puts your body and bones into proper alignment, and also is great for people sensitive to allergies. All these benefits of futons are effective if the person is in good health initially.

If you have joint problems and find it difficult to rise up from the ground, then futon bed is not suitable for you. If you suffer from such a condition then it’s recommended that you consult your physician before purchasing a high quality futon mattress. On the contrary if you healthy and want to transit from a regular bed to futon-it’s worth the experience.

Now the fact that sleeping on Futon is Good for Back and Spine– It is difficult to support this statement with scientific information but it is known that soft mattress does not provide proper support and increases misalignment of the spine. A hard surface is very beneficial for the spine and back. Futons are believed to be firm and are an ideal way of lying flat on the floor with back straight.

Futon Sleeping Guide – Tips for Sleeping Better on a Futon

You will take at least two weeks or more before getting used to sleeping on a traditional Japanese futon. This however should not stop you from trying it out, but whether your transition is for healthier back or a fresher morning, there are things you need to do for making the futon bed comfortable.

• Futons are laid out on a tatami mat which is another futon but is thinner. Or use any yoga mat to spread your futon on it; it will certainly add more cushioning to your firm bed.
• When you lie on a Futon mattress, try lying straight and not your stomach.
• When you sleep sideways, try bending your knees, it will allow sacrum to decompress. Moreover, your body weight will be distributed over more areas.
• For the first few weeks, lay out your futon on the carpeted area of your room for more comfort.
• Use a good pillow to support your head and neck for achieving the same elevation of the entire body.
• Ensure the floor you’re using for spreading your futon is sanitized. Dirty floor can be harmful for your health and futon.
• If you are going to use your futon during nights only then try airing it occasionally for cleaning purposes. Tradition Japanese futon sets are aired in the sun and are occasionally beaten with a wooden stick to remove dust mites and molds. Go through futon care guide for complete instruction.

Source: Japanese futon mattresses

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