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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

Sleeping on futon, floor or hammock
Sleeping on futon, floor or hammock More on forum.mrmoneymustache.com
🌐 forum.mrmoneymustache.com
May 11, 2019
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)?
Side sleeper here. I experimented sleeping on 2 different futon for 1 year (cotton and latex). I can sweat easily, so the latex one was terrible to me. I felt so warm, it was very uncomfortable. The cotton one was definitely better regarding this issue. I slept on it for 10 months. It relieved my back, realigned my spine. However, the futon got thinner and thinner (compressed, without getting its shape back). So I could really feel the floor while sleeping. I then went back to a normal mattress, but an expensive one, super thick and relatively firm. I sleep very well now. I don't know if that helps! More on reddit.com
🌐 r/japan
7
8
February 10, 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
🌐 r/minimalism
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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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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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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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 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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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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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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Comfort Pure
comfortpure.com › blogs › lc › what-is-a-shikibuton-anyway
What is a Shikibuton Anyway? - Comfort Pure
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 ...
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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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Comfort Pure
comfortpure.com › blogs › lc › how-does-a-futon-compare-to-a-regular-mattress
How Does a Futon Compare to a Regular Mattress? – Comfort Pure
November 13, 2024 - A shikibuton is a traditional Japanese floor mattress that is thinner and designed to be used on tatami mats. A “shiki futon” may refer to a similar minimalist style of bedding, often with slight variations in material or thickness.
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Quora
quora.com › Do-you-need-a-Kakebuton-if-you-get-a-Shikibuton
Do you need a Kakebuton if you get a Shikibuton? - Quora
For those who don’t know—which may include the anonymous person asking the question—a shikibuton is the futon that is laid out on the floor to be slept on, and a kakebuton is the futon(...
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Takaokaya
takaokaya-kyoto.com › collections › shikifutonmattress
Shiki Futon Mattress – Takaokaya
The Shiki Futon is a traditional Japanese hand-quilted mattress that is filled with cotton. The futon is rolled out on the floor at night for sleeping and can be easily rolled up and stored away during the day when they were not needed.At Takaokaya, ...
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Soaring Heart
soaringheart.com › blogs › soaring-heart-blog › 15433353-what-is-a-shikibuton-anyway
What is a Shikibuton? - Soaring Heart Natural Bed Company
Futon is a Sino-Japanese word that literally means 'round cushions filled with cattail flower spikes,' but refers to the entire bedroom set. The bedroom set, or futon, includes the shikibuton, which is the bed cushion, and the thick quilted ...
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YouTube
youtube.com › watch
6 Years on a Japanese Futon - What They Don’t Tell You - YouTube
For the past 6 years I have slept on a Japanese futon, aka a shikibuton. In this video I show you my new upgraded shikibuton platform bed! Below are the link...
Published   July 19, 2023
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ASEAN NOW
aseannow.com › thailand life - community forums › home improvements & energy › diy forum
Futon / Shikibuton .... or whatever else is out there that's similar - DIY Forum - Thailand News and Discussion Forum | ASEANNOW
December 21, 2021 - https://aseannow.com/topic/1243604-futon-shikibuton-or-whatever-else-is-out-there-thats-similar/ More sharing options... Followers 1 · You need to be a member in order to leave a comment · Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy! Register a new account ·