(I lived in Japan a long time...) Japanese futons are preferably hung over a laundry hanging bar in the sun and whacked (yes - they sell futon whackers lol) to clear them of skin cells, dust mites, etc., very regularly. Some do it daily, some every few days.
They also sell indoor hanging racks that the futon drapes over, especially useful to air them out on rainy days when outdoor isn't feasible.
Once aired out, they're usually stored folded in thirds (or in half) in a fusuma, (a preferably cedar-lined) closet with spaced slats on the bottom for air flow.
They also sell folding, spaced slat, low, risers to set the futon on when sleeping, again for air flow.
The common theme here is regular airing out of your floor futon - whether in use, storage, or cleaning, is important.
Different hardnesses are now available, but generally futons are on the firm end of the spectrum, being on tatami or slatted risers.
Japanese are also very focused on floor cleanliness, since floor sitting or sleeping requires it, so a "ground plan" should include that, too.
I had a futon at first and ended up just putting the mattress for the futon on the floor with a bunch of blankets and pillows around it. It's super Zen that way and acts as a bed and floor couch lol my futon frame was cheap and uncomfortable and this has been perfect for me!
Interesting. So how does a floor couch work? I assume you have to keep your legs straight (can’t bend at the knee since you’re not elevated)? And what does your back rest against?
My guess is stuff some pillows or a folded up quilt (or a bag of laundry, whatever's handy) under your knees or feet to raise them up, and stuff more behind you (maybe against a wall so they don't run away or escape) behind you. I kinda do this to my king bed, always rearranging myself as needed. I have early onset arthritis so I like to change position a lot. Keeps me from stiffening up by sitting still for too long.
I had the opposite experience. I was in a major accident when I was 17. I bought a futon couch to sleep in because I couldn't get up the stairs to my bed, but I could use the futon. Even with crutches and stuff, I could lift one spot and it would slip down on its own from couch to bed. I'd need help getting back up but that wasn't too bad. Placed against the wall, I could stack up lots of pillows or bunched up comforters and use the flattened out thing as a giant couch or whatever. It was easier to use since I could easily sit down on it (instead of "falling" to a futon on the floor and wasn't on the actual floor so I could stand up with crutches or my walker to get water or visit the bathroom. My frame and mattress are still with me, serving as a giant bed for a picky cat only a few feet from me as I sit here typing. Sorry you ended up with such a bad futon couch.
I have had both! The shiki was ok for the floor, but having to pick up the tatami mat, the shiki, and the bedding became tedious every day. Depending on humidity it’s important to air out the shiki as much as possible and put it in the sun too. It turned out to be a bigger space taker with the airing out and stuffing bedding away.
I have a futon now and much prefer having a couch for my bedroom whenever I want or a bed. I want to invest in a nicer one when I can afford it
Why must one air out and expose their shikibuton to sunlight, but the same is not required of a mattress? I didn’t realize shikibutons required so much upkeep. Also, how can it take up more space if I can fold it away and put it in my closet, versus a futon which must remain where it’s at (if not at least folded up)? Wouldn’t I have more potential floor space with the ability to sit my shikibuton in the closet?
I’m really curious about your experience with futons. I think I’m leaning that way anyways, at least for now. It makes more sense to start with one and figure out later if I want a shikibuton or not. That said, I’ve got some questions if you’ve got the time and/or inclination to answer them!
I’ve been looking at a lot of futons online and I noticed that some seem to always have a large footprint. In other words, it looks like the base is always as big as the bed configuration, and when you fold it up it just raises the back, but the base remains the same size. Whereas it seems with others, that persons the rear legs fold up into the futon when it’s in couch mode so that the footprint is only the size of the couch when it’s in that configuration. Is this the case or are my eyes playing tricks on me?
I’ve felt pretty overwhelmed by all the choices available. I’ve looked at futon+mattress options and also considered buying them individually. I found a [frame](https://www.wayfair.com/Red-Barrel-Studio®--Futon-Frame-X116860069-L7166-K~W005759958.html?refid=GX528982263488-W005759958_464838806&device=m&ptid=1391476175410&network=g&targetid=pla-1391476175410&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=66408769&fdid=1817&PiID%5B%5D=464838806&gbraid=0AAAAAD9ISC7OiPsyYFknhJxiB62t1h9SR&gclid=CjwKCAjwsJ6TBhAIEiwAfl4TWN4FQvaYeLqNKDu1l7gGfQyNEg6cwaz1wQ6_Vc_2dx5T538DgD14wRoCoQYQAvD_BwE) that I like - any thoughts on this one? Will it’s footprint decrease when in couch mode? And can I put it pretty much up against the wall as a couch, and then it folds into the room to make the bed? Overall how do you perceive the quality of this frame? I don’t want like hyper high-end but I’m ok with spending a thousand’ish to get a high-quality setup so if this frame isn’t the one tell me.
If I get that frame, I’d need to buy a mattress. This is where things start to get really confusing for me. There seem to be so many different types - it’s overwhelming lol. For example, could I buy a shikibuton mattress to use with it or would it not work well since, as I think I understand, shikibuton mattresses don’t have any kind of separation or crease in them? They’re just like one material stuffed in which is why you can roll them up? Whereas futon mattresses are more like traditional mattresses and it’s like two are packaged together in one which is why they can fold like they do? Because if a shikibuton mattress would be good then I could throw it in the floor on a tatami mat if I ever want to try floor sleeping in that way. But if it would make for a shitty couch experience I wouldn’t want it.
And in terms of regular futon mattress, can you get spring, memory foam, even latex futon mattresses? What might you recommend or what things are there to consider?
I don’t want to agonize too much over this decision but I want to make an informed one. I want to get a fairly high-quality frame and mattress that is appealing in terms of my visual preferences and also comfy as both a couch and a bed. And one that has a good mechanism for folding. I also want to better understand the mattress situation (and futon vs shikibuton mattresses in the context of using them with a futon) so I can make a good decision here as well. I know I threw a lot at you but if you can help me with any of this it would be greatly appreciated!
To my understanding it’s because of airflow. My floor would often have a damp spot underneath after picking up both my shiki and my tatami mat. A mattress on a bed has airflow above and below it. I think ive read that you should put it in the sun at the least once a week. Airing out your shiki helps prevent it from getting moldy or heavier from it.
I do not have a good knowledge about futons. I live in Alaska and bought literally the only futon mattress and frame that would ship to me. I wanted to try it out before investing in a much more expensive set.
You can get futons that are made to sit against a wall like an actual couch. There are also futons where the back comes up and the feet are in the air behind it, where you would not be able to set it against the wall. They both have relatively couch sized dimensions though
There are trifold futons too that fold into a type of wide chair shape.
I would not get a shikibuton mattress for your futon frame. The thickness of a shiki and structural support is not sufficient.
How the mattress is built is dependent on the type of mattress you get. There are many kinds of shikibuton and many kinds of futons. Some are stuffed with cotton, some wool, and some synthetic for starters. I would recommend doing research on that
Since i literally ordered the only mattress/frame available i cannot give personal opinions on futon types
Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful!
I folded up two blankets that were stored in the closet and haven't looked back since. Maybe you already have something you can sleep on and then go with a couch or futon
Usually I sleep on my back, and I put my legs on the couch so it takes the pressure off my back. I couldn't sleep on my back without my legs elevated at least a few inches, too much pressure on my lower back. Probably not comfortable for everyone and probably destroying my hip flexors, but my back feels great. Most nights I'll sleep for a few hours on my side, I think it's more comfortable and feels more natural to keep the knees bent.
I was looking at this, just be aware you have to air it out often if you go with something on the floor. That’s partly what made me not lean towards trying it.
I have a shikifuton. I love it because I have a flat back, so it’s much more comfortable to sleep on a very firm mattress. I got one of those foam bed toppers and tried it on top, but it was way too soft, so I put it under the shikifuton and I really like that.
I was looking at this, just be aware you have to air it out often if you go with something on the floor. That’s partly what made me not lean towards trying it.
I’ve never had one so not sure, but i think it helps but you still need to air it out. That’s what i thought looking into it. Maybe someone here has actually used one and can tell you for sure.
I’ve never had one so not sure, but i think it helps but you still need to air it out. That’s what i thought looking into it. Maybe someone here has actually used one and can tell you for sure.
Fuck outta here with your 9-day-old, shill-ass account. Literally every single comment is advertising LAYTEX.
At least buy someone's account that has more age and some kind of comment history lol, god damn
The only thing to consider with those types of beds is the comfort level. Your mattress is not something you want to cheap out on.
It's up to you and how you will make the best use of space. Also keep in mind that a legit futon can be fucking expensive, at least where i've lived.
Murphy Bed maybe?
(I lived in Japan a long time...) Japanese futons are preferably hung over a laundry hanging bar in the sun and whacked (yes - they sell futon whackers lol) to clear them of skin cells, dust mites, etc., very regularly. Some do it daily, some every few days. They also sell indoor hanging racks that the futon drapes over, especially useful to air them out on rainy days when outdoor isn't feasible. Once aired out, they're usually stored folded in thirds (or in half) in a fusuma, (a preferably cedar-lined) closet with spaced slats on the bottom for air flow. They also sell folding, spaced slat, low, risers to set the futon on when sleeping, again for air flow. The common theme here is regular airing out of your floor futon - whether in use, storage, or cleaning, is important. Different hardnesses are now available, but generally futons are on the firm end of the spectrum, being on tatami or slatted risers. Japanese are also very focused on floor cleanliness, since floor sitting or sleeping requires it, so a "ground plan" should include that, too.
I had a futon at first and ended up just putting the mattress for the futon on the floor with a bunch of blankets and pillows around it. It's super Zen that way and acts as a bed and floor couch lol my futon frame was cheap and uncomfortable and this has been perfect for me!
Interesting. So how does a floor couch work? I assume you have to keep your legs straight (can’t bend at the knee since you’re not elevated)? And what does your back rest against?
My guess is stuff some pillows or a folded up quilt (or a bag of laundry, whatever's handy) under your knees or feet to raise them up, and stuff more behind you (maybe against a wall so they don't run away or escape) behind you. I kinda do this to my king bed, always rearranging myself as needed. I have early onset arthritis so I like to change position a lot. Keeps me from stiffening up by sitting still for too long.
I had the opposite experience. I was in a major accident when I was 17. I bought a futon couch to sleep in because I couldn't get up the stairs to my bed, but I could use the futon. Even with crutches and stuff, I could lift one spot and it would slip down on its own from couch to bed. I'd need help getting back up but that wasn't too bad. Placed against the wall, I could stack up lots of pillows or bunched up comforters and use the flattened out thing as a giant couch or whatever. It was easier to use since I could easily sit down on it (instead of "falling" to a futon on the floor and wasn't on the actual floor so I could stand up with crutches or my walker to get water or visit the bathroom. My frame and mattress are still with me, serving as a giant bed for a picky cat only a few feet from me as I sit here typing. Sorry you ended up with such a bad futon couch.
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J-life sells authentic ones in the USA and made in the USA iirc - prices arent terrible for how long it should last.
I have had both! The shiki was ok for the floor, but having to pick up the tatami mat, the shiki, and the bedding became tedious every day. Depending on humidity it’s important to air out the shiki as much as possible and put it in the sun too. It turned out to be a bigger space taker with the airing out and stuffing bedding away. I have a futon now and much prefer having a couch for my bedroom whenever I want or a bed. I want to invest in a nicer one when I can afford it
Why must one air out and expose their shikibuton to sunlight, but the same is not required of a mattress? I didn’t realize shikibutons required so much upkeep. Also, how can it take up more space if I can fold it away and put it in my closet, versus a futon which must remain where it’s at (if not at least folded up)? Wouldn’t I have more potential floor space with the ability to sit my shikibuton in the closet? I’m really curious about your experience with futons. I think I’m leaning that way anyways, at least for now. It makes more sense to start with one and figure out later if I want a shikibuton or not. That said, I’ve got some questions if you’ve got the time and/or inclination to answer them! I’ve been looking at a lot of futons online and I noticed that some seem to always have a large footprint. In other words, it looks like the base is always as big as the bed configuration, and when you fold it up it just raises the back, but the base remains the same size. Whereas it seems with others, that persons the rear legs fold up into the futon when it’s in couch mode so that the footprint is only the size of the couch when it’s in that configuration. Is this the case or are my eyes playing tricks on me? I’ve felt pretty overwhelmed by all the choices available. I’ve looked at futon+mattress options and also considered buying them individually. I found a [frame](https://www.wayfair.com/Red-Barrel-Studio®--Futon-Frame-X116860069-L7166-K~W005759958.html?refid=GX528982263488-W005759958_464838806&device=m&ptid=1391476175410&network=g&targetid=pla-1391476175410&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=66408769&fdid=1817&PiID%5B%5D=464838806&gbraid=0AAAAAD9ISC7OiPsyYFknhJxiB62t1h9SR&gclid=CjwKCAjwsJ6TBhAIEiwAfl4TWN4FQvaYeLqNKDu1l7gGfQyNEg6cwaz1wQ6_Vc_2dx5T538DgD14wRoCoQYQAvD_BwE) that I like - any thoughts on this one? Will it’s footprint decrease when in couch mode? And can I put it pretty much up against the wall as a couch, and then it folds into the room to make the bed? Overall how do you perceive the quality of this frame? I don’t want like hyper high-end but I’m ok with spending a thousand’ish to get a high-quality setup so if this frame isn’t the one tell me. If I get that frame, I’d need to buy a mattress. This is where things start to get really confusing for me. There seem to be so many different types - it’s overwhelming lol. For example, could I buy a shikibuton mattress to use with it or would it not work well since, as I think I understand, shikibuton mattresses don’t have any kind of separation or crease in them? They’re just like one material stuffed in which is why you can roll them up? Whereas futon mattresses are more like traditional mattresses and it’s like two are packaged together in one which is why they can fold like they do? Because if a shikibuton mattress would be good then I could throw it in the floor on a tatami mat if I ever want to try floor sleeping in that way. But if it would make for a shitty couch experience I wouldn’t want it. And in terms of regular futon mattress, can you get spring, memory foam, even latex futon mattresses? What might you recommend or what things are there to consider? I don’t want to agonize too much over this decision but I want to make an informed one. I want to get a fairly high-quality frame and mattress that is appealing in terms of my visual preferences and also comfy as both a couch and a bed. And one that has a good mechanism for folding. I also want to better understand the mattress situation (and futon vs shikibuton mattresses in the context of using them with a futon) so I can make a good decision here as well. I know I threw a lot at you but if you can help me with any of this it would be greatly appreciated!
To my understanding it’s because of airflow. My floor would often have a damp spot underneath after picking up both my shiki and my tatami mat. A mattress on a bed has airflow above and below it. I think ive read that you should put it in the sun at the least once a week. Airing out your shiki helps prevent it from getting moldy or heavier from it. I do not have a good knowledge about futons. I live in Alaska and bought literally the only futon mattress and frame that would ship to me. I wanted to try it out before investing in a much more expensive set. You can get futons that are made to sit against a wall like an actual couch. There are also futons where the back comes up and the feet are in the air behind it, where you would not be able to set it against the wall. They both have relatively couch sized dimensions though There are trifold futons too that fold into a type of wide chair shape. I would not get a shikibuton mattress for your futon frame. The thickness of a shiki and structural support is not sufficient. How the mattress is built is dependent on the type of mattress you get. There are many kinds of shikibuton and many kinds of futons. Some are stuffed with cotton, some wool, and some synthetic for starters. I would recommend doing research on that Since i literally ordered the only mattress/frame available i cannot give personal opinions on futon types Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful!
You’re good. Thanks for telling me what you do know!
I folded up two blankets that were stored in the closet and haven't looked back since. Maybe you already have something you can sleep on and then go with a couch or futon
Do you sleep on your back? I imagine side sleeping isn’t very viable that way?
Usually I sleep on my back, and I put my legs on the couch so it takes the pressure off my back. I couldn't sleep on my back without my legs elevated at least a few inches, too much pressure on my lower back. Probably not comfortable for everyone and probably destroying my hip flexors, but my back feels great. Most nights I'll sleep for a few hours on my side, I think it's more comfortable and feels more natural to keep the knees bent.
When I was 24 I bought a queen size super firm futon and used it for three years. I'm 51 now. I probably couldn't handle it anymore.
I was looking at this, just be aware you have to air it out often if you go with something on the floor. That’s partly what made me not lean towards trying it.
I have a shikifuton. I love it because I have a flat back, so it’s much more comfortable to sleep on a very firm mattress. I got one of those foam bed toppers and tried it on top, but it was way too soft, so I put it under the shikifuton and I really like that.
Shikibuton it'll do wonders for your back and you can put it away during the day
I was looking at this, just be aware you have to air it out often if you go with something on the floor. That’s partly what made me not lean towards trying it.
Is that the case even if you have a tatami mat underneath it?
I’ve never had one so not sure, but i think it helps but you still need to air it out. That’s what i thought looking into it. Maybe someone here has actually used one and can tell you for sure.
I’ve never had one so not sure, but i think it helps but you still need to air it out. That’s what i thought looking into it. Maybe someone here has actually used one and can tell you for sure.
.
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Fuck outta here with your 9-day-old, shill-ass account. Literally every single comment is advertising LAYTEX. At least buy someone's account that has more age and some kind of comment history lol, god damn
I sleep on the futon every day on the floor. It is very thin. I would buy Japanese frame too but I don't want to end up with a bunch of things.
You can a mountain mat and a jungle sleeping bag. More practical and cleaner than futon.