Best Japanese Futon Mattress: 2020 Top Picks

A Japanese futon mattress, formally known as a shikibuton, is the traditional style of bedding in Japan. Western futons, which consist of a thin mattress and an adjustable frame, were adopted in the United States after World War II. Authentic Japanese style futon mattresses, however, only consist of a three to the four-inch cushion with no support structure and have been used in Japan for centuries. 

Shikibutons are often laid directly on the floor in Japan, as floors there are almost always made from soft panels with rice straw cores. Japanese futon mattresses are designed to be neatly folded and stored during the day. While sleeping on the floor may seem uncomfortable, it’s been argued that Japanese style futons keep joints in their proper position and are healthy for sleepers’ backs.

Whether you’re a minimalist, headed to Japan for a long-term stay, or need a lightweight, portable sleeping surface, keep reading to learn about the best Japanese futon mattresses available today. We also share a buyer’s guide that includes shopping considerations, types of Japanese futon mattresses, and tips for selecting the best Japanese futon mattress for your budget and lifestyle.

Best Japanese Futon Mattress

1. EMOOR Japanese Traditional Futon Mattress: Editor’s Pick

2. FULI Japanese Traditional Shiki Futon: Most Authentic

3. D&D Futon Furniture Traditional Japanese Floor Mattress: Best Western Mattress

4. J-Life Japanese Futon: Best All-Natural Pick

5. Colorful Mart Futon: Best Color Selection

Japanese Futon Mattress Buying Guide

If you’ve never considered Japanese bedding, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of these mattresses prior to purchase. In the buyer’s guide below, we provide details about the variations in Japanese futon mattresses on the market and share buying considerations to remember when selecting the best shikibuton for you.

Types

As mentioned, a Japanese futon mattress is a slim, foldable, and rectangular cushion that’s filled with just enough cotton batting to provide comfortable support. They’re traditionally used in concert with a tatami mat to keep the futon mattress off the floor. Here are the types of Japanese futon mattresses available today:

• Traditional shikibuton—A traditional Japanese futon mattress is almost always made exclusively with cotton. The cover is usually a zippered cotton cover made of woven cotton or cotton duck weave. Traditional shikibutons are always filled with cotton batting. In Japan, these mattresses are always paired with a tatami mat.
• Foam futon—Japanese futon mattresses are always filled with cotton. You may see foam-filled futon cushion advertised as Japanese futon mattresses, but it’s important to know that this construction is not considered to be a true Japanese futon mattress, even though they may offer excellent comfort and support. Foam ‘Japanese futon mattresses’ are also not as easy to store as their cotton-filled counterparts.

Considerations

Japanese futons are perhaps the simplest sleep systems available, consisting of only a cotton-filled mattress and, in most cases, a thin mat. Futons have gained popularity worldwide over the last century, but the Japanese hold true to the minimalistic, floor-based construction of the original futon. Whether you plan to use a Japanese futon mattress as your primary sleeping surface or as an alternative for travel, these are the buying considerations you should keep in mind:

• Foldable or rollable—Depending on the thickness of the mattress and its construction, your Japanese futon mattress will be rollable or foldable for storage. Some models are built with attached ties to help the mattress stay in place when rolled. Keep the size of the space you plan to store your mattress during the day in mind when selecting its storage style. 
• Care—Beyond following the care directions for storage (rolling or folding in thirds immediately after use), consider the cleaning instructions for the mattress you select. Keeping the floor on which the mattress rests will help, but make sure the mattress is washable or can be easily dry cleaned. 
• Tatami mat—A tatami mat is a woven grass or reed mat that provides an airy, firm surface for the Japanese futon mattress. These are how Japanese futon mattresses are traditionally used and, in some Japanese homes, are also used as a floor covering or rug during the day. 
• Shikibuton frame—Since having floor space is the main attraction of futon-style sleeping, many shoppers don’t look into bed frames. However, if you prefer sleeping elevated from the ground, consider a slatted bed frame with slats placed fairly close together, as the thin construction of Japanese futon mattresses will otherwise cause you to feel the slats through the mattress.
• One layer or two—Less of a buying consideration and more of personal preference, some individuals find that they sleep better when stacking one Japanese futon mattress on top of another. 

How to Pick the Best Japanese Futon Mattress for You

If you’ve been looking for a bedding option to complement your minimalistic style, need to free up space, or want to try an alternative sleeping method, a Japanese futon mattress might be worth a try. Depending on the shikibuton you choose, it can help prevent overheating at night and aid in pressure point relief, and most models are allergen-free, eco-friendly, and inexpensive. The downside of Japanese futon mattresses is that they can be difficult to find, so we recommend using our list of the best Japanese futon mattresses above as you begin your search.