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Reddit
reddit.com › r/minimalism › what do you guys think about a futon vs something like a shikibuton (japanese bedding that goes on the floor)? need some help thinking through this decision..
r/minimalism on Reddit: What do you guys think about a futon vs something like a shikibuton (Japanese bedding that goes on the floor)? Need some help thinking through this decision..
April 25, 2022 -

I’m moving into a rather small room and maximizing space is important to me but so is comfort. I’m considering a futon because it would allow me to more easily/comfortably entertain guests, and I could also set my TV up across the room from it. But, a shikibuton is very attractive to me as well because it can be easily folded and stored in the closet when more space is desired.

Just looking for someone to help me think through this decision. I guess I could get a shikibuton and a futon, but if I did that would it make more sense to buy a couch, instead? I’ve heard varying reviews on futons; some people hate them and some have slept on one for 10+ years and love it.

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J-Life International
jlifeinternational.com › pages › the-japanese-futon
About The Japanese Shikifuton, Shikibuton and Futon | J-Life International
A shikifuton—also called shiki futon, shikibuton, or shiki buton—is the classic Japanese mattress. Far from being a budget substitute for a bed, the shikifuton is a complete sleep system rooted in centuries of practical design.
Discussions

Shikibuton or Japanese Futon Help : minimalism
I have a bad back and have recently discovered sleeping on the floor with a couple yoga mats and folded blankets shockingly helps my back feel... More on old.reddit.com
🌐 r/minimalism
What do you guys think about a futon vs something like a shikibuton (Japanese bedding that goes on the floor)? Need some help thinking through this decision..
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. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/minimalism
29
67
April 25, 2022
Regular Mattress vs Thick Cotton Futon (Shikibuton)?
I prefer futons, I like how firm they are, that they can be washed, that they are easy to transport because they are flexible, but I'm going to be realistic here. no chemicals/gassing, and cotton is also good for hot sleepers. Pesticides are used in cotton production and fiber bleaching, they are harvested by diesel-powered machines and the textile industry is one of the biggest water polluters in existence. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/minimalism
7
15
January 7, 2025
Need recommendations on Japanese Shikibuton
I’m Australian and bought mine from a site called Japanache https://www.japanache.com.au/contents/en-us/d143_Japanese_Futons.html We got the king size and it was about $1130 AU with postage. It’s handmade in Japan and is 100% cotton. What exactly would you like to know? Our experience is pretty good. Was a bit disappointed that it was 5cms off (the whole way around) from the measurements they gave on the site. But the comfort level is good. We have it directly on hardwood floors but I’d like to get tatami mats once we can afford them. Took us about 3 nights to get used to the difference from a typical mattress. Love the space once it’s folded up. We have 2 of our kids co-sleeping with us and they never complained. We put it out in the sun once a week and it fluffs it up really nice. We use our trampoline for that. Any other questions, feel free to ask. More on reddit.com
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75
61
October 12, 2022
People also ask

What is the difference between a Shikibuton and a Western Futon?
A Shikibuton is a traditional Japanese mattress designed to be laid directly on the floor. It is thinner, firmer, and foldable for daily storage. A Western Futon is typically thicker, often contains foam or springs, and is designed to stay on a convertible sofa frame.
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comfortpure.com
comfortpure.com › blogs › lc › shikibutons-explained-health-benefits-how-to-choose-and-everything-you-need-to-know
Shikibutons Explained – Health Benefits, How to Choose & Everything ...
How do you store a Shikibuton?
Fold the mattress into thirds (tri-fold) or roll it up. Store it in a dry, ventilated area to prevent mildew. Traditional Japanese households store them in closets during the day to free up living space.
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comfortpure.com
comfortpure.com › blogs › lc › shikibutons-explained-health-benefits-how-to-choose-and-everything-you-need-to-know
Shikibutons Explained – Health Benefits, How to Choose & Everything ...
How thick should a Shikibuton be?
Traditional Shikibutons are typically 3 to 4 inches thick, offering firm support. Thicker versions (around 6 inches) are available for those who want the floor-sleeping experience with extra cushioning.
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comfortpure.com
comfortpure.com › blogs › lc › shikibutons-explained-health-benefits-how-to-choose-and-everything-you-need-to-know
Shikibutons Explained – Health Benefits, How to Choose & Everything ...
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Bio Sleep Concept
biosleepconcept.com › home › western futon mattress vs shikibutons: everything you need to know
Western Futon Mattress Vs Shikibutons: Everything You Need to Know
August 30, 2023 - A shikibuton is placed on the floor or sometimes over a mat. It can be easily folded and stored after use. Western-style futon mattresses are designed to place on futon frames.
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Futonland
futonland.com › blog › western-futon-mattress-vs-shikibutons
Western Futon Mattress vs Shikibutons – Futonland Blog
Flexibility: Shikibutons, placed directly on the floor or mats, offer enhanced flexibility, easily folded and stored. In contrast, Western-style futon mattresses, intended for futon frames, maintain thickness conducive to folding and stacking in cupboards.
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The Futon Shop
thefutonshop.com › home › futon mattresses › best selling futon mattresses › natural wool & organic cotton shiki futon bed - shikibuton japanese futon mattress - 3 or 5 inch - soft
Natural Wool & Organic Cotton Shiki Futon Bed - Shikibuton Japanese Futon Mattress - 3 or 5 Inch - Soft
Our Natural Wool & Organic Cotton Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress is made in the style of a traditional Japanese futon mattress. This classic design features organic cotton stuffing, wrapped in a layer of natural wool and encased in your choice of either organic or natural cotton fabric. No foam, synthetic fibers or chemical flame retardants are used in this version of our Shikibuton.
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Comfort Pure
comfortpure.com › blogs › lc › shikibutons-explained-health-benefits-how-to-choose-and-everything-you-need-to-know
Shikibutons Explained – Health Benefits, How to Choose & Everything You Need to Know
November 12, 2024 - Shikibutons are traditionally thinner and designed to be firm yet comfortable. They’re commonly paired with a tatami mat, which adds a touch of softness and support. Western Futon: In the West, a “futon” typically refers to a thicker mattress ...
Find elsewhere
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Japan Objects
japanobjects.com › features › futon
Choosing the Best Japanese Futon: 20 Things to Know
November 9, 2023 - And as they’re representative ... duvet or quilt, and shikibuton (敷き布団), meaning mattress, are two components of a Japanese futon set....
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Futon d'or
futondor.com › home › blog › japanese futon vs. western futon: key differences and benefits
Japanese Futon vs. Western Futon: Key Differences and Benefits - Futon d’or - Natural mattresses
November 14, 2024 - At Futon d’or, this age-old tradition meets Quebec craftsmanship … ... The shikibuton—also known as a Japanese futon—is a minimalist mattress designed for comfort, breathability, and flexibility.
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Futon Beds from Japan
futonbedsfromjapan.com › home
Shikibuton Japanese Futon – Japanese Mattress cover
FutonBedsFromJapan offers a wide selection of Shikibuton Japanese Futons, Mattress cover. Our futons are made with high-quality materials. Shop now and enjoy the perfect sleep.
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Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Futon
Futon - Wikipedia
November 7, 2025 - Futons are traditionally laid on ... under 1 by 2 meters, the same size as a Western twin bed. A traditional shikibuton is also about the size of a Western twin bed....
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The Futon Shop
thefutonshop.com › home › futon mattresses › shiki futons | japanese futon mattresses
Shiki Futons | Japanese Futon Floor Mattress | The Futon Shop
Japanese Futon Mattresses - Shiki Futons with Cotton, All Natural Latex, Wool, and Tri-Folding Eco-Foam. Eco Friendly Folding Futon Mattresses made locally.. Easy to Store and Affordable. On Sale Now.
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Futon d'or
futondor.com › home › blog › how to choose the perfect japanese futon mat: a comprehensive guide
A Comprehensive Guide To Choose Your Japanese Futon Mat - Futon d’or - Natural mattresses
October 2, 2025 - Futons are traditionally made from 100% cotton, which is breathable and environmentally friendly. However, synthetic materials like polyester and latex are becoming more common, offering durability and easier maintenance. Cotton Shikibutons: Authentic and breathable, cotton futon mats provide a traditional feel but require more maintenance, such as airing out to prevent moisture buildup​.
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Amouve
amouve.com › en-us › blogs › decor › futons-tatamis-shikibutons-and-mattresses-understanding-the-key-differences
Futons, Tatamis, Shikibutons, and Mattresses: Understanding the Key Di – Amouve
May 6, 2025 - These are traditional Japanese ... yet comfortable sleeping surface. Shikibutons, on the other hand, are similar to futons but thinner and more portable....
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Dengarden
dengarden.com › interior-design › Shikibuton-Japanese-Traditional-Futon
Shikibuton - The Traditional Japanese Futon ...
December 31, 2024 - Traditional shikibutons are slim, rectangular, cotton-stuffed sleeping cushions that are more versatile than the thicker futons most people know. In Japan, these simple mattresses are part of a style of minimalist living that goes back centuries.
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Healthline
healthline.com › health › sleep › i-threw-out-my-bed-what-i-sleep-on-instead-gives-me-the-best-sleep-of-my-life
Shikibuton: Benefits, Drawbacks & How To Use It
July 13, 2023 - A shikibuton promotes deep sleep by providing excellent blood circulation, says Brett Edmunds, a chiropractor in Drummoyne, Australia. “This helps ease muscle aches and stiffness caused by too much time sitting during the day or an active lifestyle, like going to the gym, hiking, or running,” he says. ... A firm, yet supportive futon mattress allows for natural alignment in the spine without the development of uncomfortable points of pressure, says Ali Mesiwala, a neurosurgeon in Newport Beach, California.
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Mattress Nut
mattressnut.com › japanese-futon-mattress-vs-mattress
Japanese Futon Mattress vs. Mattress (Western Futon) Guide
January 12, 2023 - Traditional Japanese futons, or “shikibutons,” are a little different than typical futons. However, these differences in design make them a very versatile product. Traditional Japanese futon mattresses are slim, have a rectangular design, ...
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Futon d'or
futondor.com › home › tatami mat & japanese futon › shikibuton › eucalyptus shikibuton
Eucalyptus Shikibuton Japanese futon
April 21, 2023 - The Shikibuton Japanese futon is a traditional bed usually used on tatamis and folded during the day to be stored. The cotton compresses over time and offers a firm comfort. In the West, these futons are used more often by persons who are looking for a very firm and grounded sleeping surface or travelers that have experienced this type of comfort.
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Insteading
insteading.com › shikibuton
Shikibuton • Insteading
January 19, 2024 - Unroll the futon. Shake or beat the shikibuton to get out fibers, dust, and pests like spiders.
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East West Futons
eastwestfutons.com › homepage › japanese futon
Japanese Futon Mattress & Shikibuton in Canada | East West Futons
Whether you're embracing a minimalist ... – elevate your sleep the Japanese way. ... The Eucalyptus Shikibuton is a new and improved version of the traditional all-cotton Shikibuton....
Price   $$
Address   126 Cartwright Ave., M6A 1V2, North York
(4.7)
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J-Life International
jlifeinternational.com › products › j-life-shikifuton
J-Life All-Natural Japanese Futon – J-Life International
True to Japanese custom, our futon is made from pure cotton. The J-Life Shikifuton has no wool, foam or innersprings. The cover is 100% unbleached cotton duck. The fill is also made from 100% American-grown cotton batting for comfort and natural air-flow.