The Futon Mattress and Your Sleeping Environment

If you have ever had problems sleeping or otherwise have had a difficult time feeling rested from sleep, then you are among a vast group of Americans who suffer with the similar situation.  The good news is that in most situations the problems have little to do with things that are beyond your control.  And the ones that are not under your control, well, those are a bit more a challenge.  We’ll get to that in a minute, but first consider how your futon mattress may play a role in helping you get better sleep.

Notice the clean lines and focal points.

Notice the clean lines and focal points.

Traditionally, the futon has not been the ‘go to’ choice regarding comfort and better sleep.  That is, not until recently.  This is all because of the designs in futon mattresses making them more user and, more importantly, sleeper friendly.   Improvements like with the memory foam, mattress toppers or inner coiled spring options have made the futon as much a part of any mattress comparison you might make.  The purpose of this article, however, is to make this whole notion of the sleeping environment with respect to your futon more of the focus.

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What Is The Sleeping Environment and How Does Your Futon Mattress Affect It?

This term ‘sleep environment’ is a relatively newer term and it relates to the space around which you get your nightly 6-8 hours of peaceful sleep.  Well, this is the hope any way.  So, this term is what refers to the entire environment:  the sights, the sounds, the smells, the bedding, your mattress, your mood, etc.  It basically refers to everything that might pertain to you entering into that dreamy state.  Since your futon mattress is what you lay your head down on each night, this is how it fits into the story.  And, because a futon fits into the décor and style of homes with other great sleep environment features, it is a good example to use.  Your traditional mattress can also be fine in helping to create a good sleep environment, but you’ll see why a futon bed is best.

Basically, it has to do with design.  The less visual clutter you see in your bedroom, the better.  It has everything to do with how anxious we feel when we see a lot of things and ‘stuff’ around us.  The simpler the better in the bedroom, at least this is what the researchers tell us.  Research has also suggested that the serene quality of calming music, a soothing aroma also contribute to a relaxing bedroom.  Some studies also suggest that you don’t need music or calming sounds, but even just good silence will work – no loud voices, car sounds, screaming kids, you know the drill.  But, you don’t need researchers to tell you how to get better sleep.  If it looks and feels calm, it probably is.

Notice the warmth and color choices here.

Notice the warmth and color choices here.

This is why Japanese Zen designs tend to work so well in a bedroom.  That peaceful and un-cluttered quality makes them a great way to decompress.  This necessary decompression is what lets you release the anxiety and tension from the day.  Clean lines and simple design don’t give your mind more stimulation when it is time to quiet down.  Since futon mattresses are part of a traditional Japanese bedroom, it just makes sense to use one if that is the design style you are after.  However you decide to create or enhance your sleeping environment, the key is to make it a place where your body can tune into its necessary rejuvenation and unwinding properties, allowing you to feel refreshed and alive each morning.

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Japanese Futon Mattress

Often times there is a misconception that simple means cheap or stripped down.  This is definitely not the case and doesn’t need to be true with your home or bedroom design either.  The futon mattress made popular from Japanese influences is just one example of this.  Times come and go, as do fads.  Interior design and trends in furniture, bedding, paint colors and layouts all change.  This is the nature of home and interior design.  However, some things are timeless.  Take for example the traditions of the far East – specifically the Japanese futon mattress.

You might not be aware of the fact that the traditional futon in Japan is to use a two-part system.  The upper portion of the futon is called the kake-buton or kake-futon and is often a soft, quilted layer.  The bottom portion is the mattress layer, called the shiki-buton or shiki-futon.  These are laid on the tatami, a traditional mat.

In the morning, these pieces are both taken out and beaten with a bamboo cane – another traditional – and then hung to dry in the morning air.  This is how they are cleaned and refreshed each day.  Then, the room in which they were used is open and has more space to allow the chi to flow more gracefully through.  This is another element to Japanese design and Oriental decor.

Japanese design has always shown simplicity of lines and elegance by way of using the harmony between design and function.  Throughout history, some cultures come by their way of style through necessity or lack of available resources.  There are certainly times in all countries where this is true.  However, Japanese design has made a large impact on many interior design concepts for decades here.  After all, it has been around for thousands of years.

Japanese Futon Beds And Decor

This is just a sample of one type of Japanese decor with a futon bed.

There is a simple elegance that you see and feel when you enter a home that has a Japanese inspired design.  You don’t necessarily have to want to have it for your own home, though you may once you enter one, but you must appreciate its understated elegance.  Japanese design is not just about futon beds and rice paper doors.  These are just elements that make up part of an overall continuation of an understated connection between indoor and outdoor space.

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Having less in the way of objects and clutter makes your space feel more relaxing and welcoming.  This is the case with the futon bed frame as well.  The more traditional style of Japanese mattress and bed frame design is to have it low to the ground.  These frames are often made of wood and are left in their natural wood finish.  Frames made of cedar or local wood source are common.  The traditional way to have a bedroom arranged is to have the futon sitting on tatami mats.  These mats were originally designed for nobility and the upper class.  So, you see, even this feature of simplicity has been passed down.

There is nothing wrong with adapting the Japanese style to your home.  You don’t have to be a purist or try to re-create a Japanese bedroom within your home, but you can use some of the elements to create a more peaceful living space.  Your Zen bedroom could simply be a futon mattress on top of a raised bed frame that you already own.  There are a variety of Japanese futon mattresses that are as comfortable as your current bed, you might be surprised.  You could also eliminate some of the clutter from your bed stands or shelves and choose to have a bed frame that incorporates some storage for you.  Many times, it is what you see that causes you to feel anxious or hurried.  If your clutter is out of site, but not out of reach, you may notice you feel more rested and relaxed in your sleeping space.
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Futon Mattress Beds For Children

There are so many choices when it comes to the types of beds, sheets, blankets, comforters, etc. you can buy.  It’s one thing if you are looking for such items for yourself, whether it is for your personal bed or your guest beds.  But, something strange happens when you start shopping for your child.  All of a sudden, you start to think about how cute or how cool the bed needs to be.  You also think about the off-gassing of the materials and the paint choices, colors and materials of the bed frame itself.  It gets even more important when you are talking about the various options for a baby crib set, bedding and all the rest.  These little people are very sensitive at this age.

You can actually get a traditional style of frame and use a futon mattress bed instead of the other.  You just have to ensure that the sizes will match up, of course.  This can be a little tricky unless you measure carefully before hand.  There are many styles of beds that are designed for children that you could use a futon mattress with.

Here is an example of a traditional bunk that you could likely fit a futon mattress on.

Here is an example of a traditional bunk that you could likely fit a futon mattress on.

Even bunk beds, like the one shown can accommodate a child-sized futon bed.  This is a bit of a contemporary looking bunk, but you could just as easily find a match for a white bunk bed or other painted or unfinished futon bunk beds and frames.  In the end, it really comes down to your tastes and the way you want your child’s room to look.  After they are done playing all day, they just need a comfortable play to rest their little heads.  If you find that the size is right, then you can get that futon mattress bed to be a perfect answer to the sleep equation.

Remember, kids could probably sleep in a sleeping bag on a pile of rocks or sticks and have no problems going to sleep or waking up feeling totally refreshed. This simply isn’t the case with you or I.  But, this doesn’t mean your child doesn’t deserve a really fun room to sleep and grow up in.  I remember my first bed.  It was a twin mattress which was probably a hand-me-down from someone else in the family.  Didn’t bother me one bit.  I slept just fine.  Kids don’t really care about sleeping in single beds or big king size mattresses.  But, think about what we know now compared to then.  The materials that the mattresses are made of now are much healthier overall because many people have found that they are sensitive either to the chemicals or allergens present in the mattresses themselves.

A futon mattress doesn’t necessarily solve this problem because they can contain some of these same harmful or even toxic agents unless you shop carefully.  Luckily, the internet has solved much of this dilemma for us.  Now, you don’t have to pollute the air as much looking for that perfect mattress for your child by driving all over town.  In addition to the comfort of a futon for your child, there are also other benefits.  For example, futon covers come in a variety of designs and patterns that are perfect for a kid’s room.  You can find all sorts of prints from your child’s favorite characters.  This makes certain aspects of making your child’s bed that much easier for you as well.



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How Important A Mattress Can Be

Sometimes, it’s surprising how easily we can loose site of how important the very notion of sleep is.  Given the way we all have so many demands these days with regard to our work, personal lives, kids’ schedules, social lives, and the list goes on and on – it’s more important then ever to get a restful night’s sleep.  And, it’s even more surprising that some people haven’t discovered the joy that a futon mattress can provide in helping you get that perfect night’s sleep.  Did you know that sleeping soundly is actually high on many people’s lists of health complaints when they see their doctor.  It’s right up there with back pain, headaches, anxiety, and all the other stress-related conditions.  Why do you think that is?

Sleep is actually a necessary biological function.

Sleep is actually a necessary biological function.

That’s Because So Many Of These Stress Related Conditions Affect Your Ability To Get A Good Night’s Sleep

So, the last thing you need is another reason not to be able to nod off into oblivion each night.  Some people’s mattresses are over 15 years old.  If you had the same shoes for that long, do you think it would affect your feet?  Your legs?  How about your back?  Of course it would!  So, if you’re having trouble sleeping, why do you settle for that old bed of yours night after restless night?  Well, futon mattresses could be the answer to your prayers if your answer was cost.  See, you can get a very healthy nights sleep on a simple futon style mattress.

Another thing to consider for your good night’s sleep is the right pillow.  There are many to choose from and I would suggest that you try some out before sticking to one.  Some popular choices are the cervical spine contoured pillows and the memory foam pillows.  Some people complain that their pillow gets too warm when they sleep.  In this case, you may find that using a buckwheat pillow is the right choice for you.  These pillows contain hulls from buckwheat plant stalks and are chopped up to make the filling.

To many people, a bed mattress is one of their most expensive purchases in the home.  And, yes, it should last for years.  The problem is that they simply don’t last forever.  And, unless you have a very expensive and healthy one, you may be sleeping on some pretty nasty off-gassing products each night.  These are mattress products that have any number of chemical substances that are used in their production and manufacturing that you breath in each night.  Some futon mattresses are also guilty of this.  But, there are other options as well.  Just like the higher end traditional mattresses; you can get a futon organic mattress that has all the same benefits for much less cost.  You can ever place your futon on top of your traditional box frame and use it like a larger topper if you like.  You don’t have to settle for the dorm room futon mattress on the floor image.  Even if you do choose to put it on a low bed frame, there are so many modern and elegant futon mattress covers to choose from, it can have a very Zen-like, spa appeal.



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The Modern Home’s Mattress Choices

Whether it is for your own personal sleeping arrangements, for your company in a guest room, or a convertible sleeping/lounging unit a futon mattress could fit the bill perfectly.  Often, the choice of what to use in a small space or designated area can get confusing and downright frustrating if you don’t have the know-how or financial resources to drop a serious dime on a designer or to simply buy the most modern furniture set as it comes out each season.

That’s Why Today’s Modern Futon Mattress Might Be Your Best Choice

A contemporary looking futon mattress.

A futon mattress with frame in a contemporary modern room decor.

In the event that you actually want your space to be appealing and functional, then you’ll need to consider some specific choices that you will encounter.  How large do you make the sitting area?  In most cases, you don’t need a designer (though one could be helpful if you are clueless about such things) to determine this.  It is basically a pleasing to the eye sort of gut feeling.  If you feel crammed into the space with a king size futon mattress, then this is not the right choice.  Similarly, if you feel like you’re miles away from your company teetering on a too small twin futon mattress, then that won’t work either.  In most cases, it comes down to proportion.  In the other cases, it comes down to positioning.  Often, just moving the objects about in your room can dramatically change the overall feel it has as you enter it.  Sometimes, in lieu of a designer you can ‘employ’ a friend.  Go in another room and have your friend (or friends when you are talking about moving furniture) move things around for you.  Then, when you come back into the room, you can look upon it with fresh eyes.  Maybe they will have come up with the best futon mattress placement for you – and the price was right, too!

What About Firmness of the Futon Mattress?

This is something to consider, especially depending upon where you will be using it.   If you go with some of the more traditional infill materials like cotton/poly blends, you may find that they get too soft or sag prematurely.  A wool futon mattress will also have a bit of flattening occur but appears to hold up because of its natural firmness.  Also, remember that an organic futon mattress is really the safest bet if you are concerned about chemical off gassing in your sleeping quarters.  Finally, if you want to add that modern flair to the age old futon of yours,  get yourself a futon cover worthy of the times.  Your futon mattress can serve a very valuable function in your entertaining plans, just make sure that you take of it and it will continue to take care of you – in this era and beyond.



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A Futon Mattress Comparison

How do you compare futon mattresses?  You’ll have to choose between futon mattress sizes, materials, and – if you choose – futon covers.  You will choose a frame based upon the whole decor of your room or space, but that discussion can be found in a different article on this site.  For now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty or soft and fluffy if you will of choosing the best futon mattress.

Here is what some older futon mattresses felt like you were sleeping on, but not any more...

Here is what some older futon mattresses felt like you were sleeping on, but not any more...

What Size Futon Mattress Are You Wanting?

This is the first question you’ll either need to answer for your space or you’ve already got that one figured out.  Say you’re going with a queen futon mattress.  OK.  Now, what brand?  What materials for the mattress itself?  How about the cover?  Then, there are futon covers that can range from whimsical to elegant that simply slide over and zip around the bed mattress for extra appeal.  First of all, determine the best overall size your bed should be in your room.  Most designers prefer to use smaller beds (usually traditional beds are used but the same rules apply for futon beds) as models because it makes rooms look larger.  You can capitalize on this strategy as well, making sure your bed size doesn’t overpower your room or space.  Positioning your futon at an angle or away from the wall with a stand or lights behind it are also ideas that can make your room appear more spacious.

Do Mattress Materials and Brands Really Make A Difference?

About mattress brands.  More than the brand itself, what is most important is the quality of craftsmanship and also the materials used.  You’ll know what brands stand out as you begin to see what materials are used as fillers in the futon mattress itself.  If it is sold as a set, you can get an idea as to quality based upon the frame material as well.  As a general rule, quality hardwoods and nicely formed metal frame pieces indicate better quality than cheaper unfinished wood choices and poorly assembled metal frames.

The Secret Ingredient In Futon Mattresses?

Infill and cover materials for your bed are very important if you consider how your health can be affected by the materials you rest your head on and breathe in for nearly 8 hours each night.  Some of the cheap futon mattress manufacturers will use materials that have properties to them that create off-gassing.  This means that you are breathing in the toxic fumes for hours at a time as you are sitting or sleeping.  The best choices in this regard are the cotton futon mattress, wool, organic cotton and even latex foam materials.  You see, there are more choices than you might have thought.  You can choose from materials that often are not financially readily available even with traditional mattresses.  One choice that is becoming more and more popular is the choice of organic cotton.  Organic cotton is made without the use of pesticides and does not create any harmful off-gassing products.  The standard futon cover (the one usually stitched over the mattress) can be made of organic cotton as well.  In fact, a common choice is to go with a cotton or cotton/wool infill mattress with an organic cotton cover.

Then, there are literally dozens of more decorative futon covers that can zip around your mattress to add another dimension of your personal taste.  As mentioned, you can also get a latex mattress  (think futon memory foam mattress) and even inner coil mattresses that are comparable to your traditional mattress style.  The most important thing next to getting the right size and materials is to get the right fit.  The right fit between your futon mattress and you that is.  Make sure it is comfortable.  With the right materials and the proper fit, you’ll enjoy your futon chair or mattress for years.



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Futon Bed Frames To Match Your Decor

If step 1 of getting the perfect fit between your mattress, futon bed frames, and covers is deciding on exactly what type of mattress – material & size – then step 2 could be considered getting the proper frame to match.  In this case, there are several types to choose from.  Are you going with the futon lounger type of decor or with the more traditional futon couch type of look.  In either case, there are many to choose from.  It’s more likely that you’ll find a lot more variety with the traditional style of futon mattress.  Though, there are more and more frame styles becoming available with the resurgence of retro styled futon chair and lounger styles.  These can look like those old chaise loungers from the earlier half of the 1900s.  This style can be complemented quite well by using any number of retro-themed futon covers as well.

Here is the classic futon bed frame.

Here is the classic futon bed frame.

For now, let’s concentrate on the aspect of frame choices and worry about the covers and room decor for another time.  You’ve seen the older ‘dorm room’ style of futon mattress frame.  It’s the classic.  Actually, saying it’s a dorm room style isn’t really fair.  This traditional type of Japanese futon mattress frame is made quite elegantly and can utilize any number of exotic woods.  It’s mentioned as the typical dorm-room style frame because of it’s simplicity and ease of setting up.  It basically has wooden slats that are arranged horizontally across the wooden pieces that support the slats on the floor.  The slats are aligned perpendicular to your body as you sleep.  It can be painted, stained and adorned any way that you may think that wood could be.  You may only see the sides of the frame, so it appears more simple or spartan when measured against others in this frame category.

The next most popular style is the armrest style.  With this model – several variations exist – there are armrests which can support the hinged mechanism, in order to be able to fold the futon mattress itself into couch seating.  These armrest sides can be designed to hold magazines, remote controls or custom built to really be anything that you (the owner) wish to have designed.  Off-the-floor models will mostly be limited to magazine racks and the like.  You will also find different styling to the frames themselves.  Some lend themselves to more of a cabin feel, with larger tree trunk or post looking members.  Others have a Mission style to them, reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs.  These can be quite timeless in appearance and add a touch of elegance to any room.  Matched with other pieces of the period and you’d never guess that the futon mattress you were sitting on is not a contemporary of the others.

Getting custom frames built is really the next step towards having your headboard or bed unit exactly how you like it.  With trends that tend to dip back and forth between eras gone by, one such popular frame now is something that is reminiscent of the 1950s.  This bed frame is fairly simple with an area available for books or lighting.  You will usually find a nice bed-time reading book there and you can just flip a switch nearby and roll over and go to sleep.  Pair your headboard with one or two glass retro table lamps and you will be back in time.  Better yet, you will have the hippest bedroom in the neighborhood.

There is another subset of bed frames or styles that should also be mentioned here.  These are the futon bunk beds or loft style of futons.  While they are less popular in terms of how many people have them in their homes, if you have the need for a bunk bed, these are the perfect fit.  They are just like any type of bunk, but they utilize a child’s futon for the mattress portion.  They come in the standard twin up top and twin mattress below set up.  Then, there is the twin on top and full size down below.  Basically, the same but with more room for a larger child or for more comfortable seating for visiting friends.  Finally, there is the loft style of bunk which has the mattress on top and then space below.  This type of bed frame can be great for allowing you to put a desk or some organizational products in your child’s room and still leave room to move about the space.



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Futon Mattress Help

As you will notice fairly quickly as you shop online for your futon mattress, it is nearly impossible to know exactly what you should be looking for.  You may know the size you are interested in, you might even know the materials you’d like, or what type of bed frame you will use, but there will likely be something that you could use help with.  That’s where we come in.  You can tell that we don’t have any futon mattresses for sale here.  Why?  Because this site is strictly for information regarding all things futon.

We’ll give you a basic run-down on what you need to know.  As you’re online, you can search for the specific missing links in your search criteria.  You’ve got the futon frame – check.  You know you want a full futon mattress – check.  You get the point.  That way, all you have to do is basically check pricing, shipping, and some other basic details and you’ll be sleeping on cloud 9 in no time.

A futon can give you a clean look like this.

A futon can give you a clean look like this.

So, first of all, we’ll need to start at the beginning.  No doubt, you know what a futon mattress is at this point.  Not trying to insult your intelligence, it’s just that people find our site searching several different ways.  What you might NOT know, is exactly what is in that mattress your head (or your guests) will be resting on for hours at a time.  There are many different qualities in these, just like in traditional mattresses.  That’s why there is a tremendous price range (and mark-up if you’re not careful).

Make sure you know what your futon mattress is made of.  The most common is a cotton futon mattress, occasionally a cotton/poly fill.  This is the most basic type and still the least expensive most times.  You’d be wise to check for any off-gassing materials that may be present in the particular brand you are considering. Off-gassing refers to the fumes/gasses that are emitted from certain materials.  If you’re buying a cheap futon, check this out for sure.  Some companies get their products from overseas where certain guidelines may be a bit, shall we say, looser.

Also, just like their traditional mattress cousins, a futon mattress can include latex foam materials often referred to as a memory foam mattress.  These latex materials can often be less of a bother to some as they are hypoallergenic.  Another common material for in-fill in a futon mattress is wool.  Again, a natural material and makes for a wonderfully supportive, yet dense sleeping surface.  They are quite comfortable and can help with moisture control as wool is capable of maintaining warmth when wet, unlike cotton.  Newer to the futon market is the coiled spring mattress.  These are the most like a traditional bed mattress with innerspring coils, often individually covered in fabric ‘tubes’.  This helps to keep noise and movement transfer to a minimum.  Well, that will get you started on your hunt for the perfect futon mattress.  Now, you can check out our site for info regarding the right frame choice for your new mattress.



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