A Brief History Of Futons

A Brief History Of Futons

Originally from Japan, Futons are like bed mattresses but faded and made differently than in their home country.

Japanese Futons

Measuring two inches (5 cm)  thick and filled with cotton and/or synthetic batting, Japanese futons are typically flat and are designed to be spread out on tatami flooring, which is a special kind of flooring indigenous to Japanese architecture. Japanese futons are usually sold in sets consisting of the futon mattress (shikibuton), a comforter (kakebuton)  or blanket (moku), a summer towel-like blanket (towelket), and a bean- or plastic bead-filled pillow (makura) . This is equivalent to a western bed dwelling.

Japanese futons are usually stored in a closet, but must be left to air in the sunlight when not achieve away. These futons are typically beaten with bamboo to sustain them in shape.

Western Futons

Western futons are closer to mattresses; they are also stuffed with multiple layers of foam and/or batting, but they do not have springs. Western futons are placed on an adjustable frame resembling that of a couch, and are designed in the fashion of a sofa-bed—to be ancient as a couch and a bed. Western futons are constructed larger and thicker than Japanese futons, and are cheap compared to regular mattresses or beds.

Western futons are approved now in Japan. These futons, hand-made, have no synthetic filling; they are stuffed primarily with cotton. Western futons in Japan are sold as “earth-friendly,” and are not detached of any chemicals whatsoever, distinguishing them from the venerable bed plot.

Futons are very comfortable and, like sleeping bags, can also support as portable or transportable beds, depending on their size and weight. Although futons can be damaged, they can more easily be repaired than a obsolete mattress, since its interior matting is packed in a structured, layered blueprint. Futons are otherwise most convenient and economical and therefore preferable to people on-the-go or living in tiny spaces. They’re not only for the Japanese anymore!