If you're using a semi-double or double-sized futon and feel your room is cramped, considering switching to a single-sized futon might raise concerns such as "how much smaller will it be?" or "will it be inconvenient?"
To help you find the right futon size for you, we'll explain the basics of single-sized futons and how to choose one. If you've never used a single-sized futon or are unsure about what size futon to get, please refer to this information.
Various Single Futon Sizes
Even within the term "single size," dimensions vary for duvets, futons, mattresses, and duvet covers. Furthermore, sizes can differ slightly depending on the product and manufacturer, so be sure to check the product details when purchasing.
Standard Single Duvet Size
Generally, it is 150cm wide x 210cm long.
Standard Single Futon Size
Generally, it is 100cm wide x 210cm long.
Standard Single Mattress Size
Generally, it is 6-18cm thick x 95cm wide x 195cm long.
Most duvets and futons only list width and length, but mattresses also specify thickness.
Single Size Futon Dimensions Table
| Duvet | Futon | Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| 150cm wide × 210cm long | 100cm wide × 210cm long | 6-18cm thick × 95cm wide × 195-198cm long |
While futon sizes are stipulated by JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards), the names and dimensions generally circulating differ from these. The table above shows the "generally accepted" sizes.
Commonly circulated sizes include "single," "semi-double," "double," "queen," and "king," but JIS uses abbreviations like "S," "M," "L," and "SW."
Few manufacturers adopt JIS standard sizes, and sizes vary by manufacturer. Therefore, it's generally best to refer to commonly available sizes and check product details when making a purchase.
Also, for futons, be aware that sizes may differ, with those for direct floor use typically being 210cm long and those for beds being 200cm long.
How to Choose the Right Futon Size for You
Based on the names, you might think "single size" for one person and "double size" for two, but this isn't always the case. Here's how to choose the futon size that's right for you.
Choose by Body Type
While larger futons or mattresses might seem to offer more space to stretch out and turn freely, they also take up more room. To choose the optimal futon size, first determine the size that matches your body type.
The minimum required size for a futon is said to be "width = shoulder width + 30cm, length = height + 35cm."
Minimum required width for a futon
The average shoulder width for Japanese men is around 44cm, and for women it's around 39cm. So, the minimum required futon width for men is about 74cm (44 + 30cm), and for women it's about 69cm (39 + 30cm).
The sizes mentioned above are the bare minimum required widths, but in reality, it is recommended to choose a futon with a little more room.
When sleeping with arms slightly spread, it's said to be around 60cm for men and 55cm for women. Furthermore, to turn over smoothly, you want to add 20cm of space on both sides of your body, meaning men need about 100cm (60 + 20 + 20cm) and women need about 95cm (55 + 20 + 20cm) of width.
While it's not an issue for petite individuals or those who don't toss and turn much, taller individuals or those who move around a lot might find a single size a bit restrictive.
Minimum required futon length
Assuming an average height of 170cm for men and 160cm for women, the minimum required futon length would be approximately 205cm (170 + 35cm) for men and 195cm (160 + 35cm) for women.
Choose by Lifestyle
Choosing a futon that suits your lifestyle can make your entire life, not just your sleep, more comfortable.
When deciding on futon size, consider room space and ease of storage. For futons that are folded and stored during the day, check their lightness, ease of folding, and stored size.
Compact foldable mattresses are recommended for those who want to sleep on a resilient mattress but are concerned about room size.
Choose by Sleep Style
For healthy adults, it is said that the number of times one turns over during an 8-hour sleep is between 10 and 30, with an average of around 20. Fewer turns than this can lead to increased physical burden and a decline in sleep quality.
Therefore, if you toss and turn a lot, a slightly larger size is recommended. Furthermore, it's not just about the size of the bedding; if the elasticity and fit aren't right, you won't be able to turn over smoothly. So, choosing bedding that allows for easy turning is important.
How to Choose Futon Sheets and Covers
Pay attention to the size of duvet covers used for futons and duvets.
Generally, cover sizes are set as "width and length +5cm" for futons and "the same size as the duvet" for duvets. Because futons have thickness, covers are set with a little extra room, not the exact same size. Duvets also have thickness, but a difference of about 10cm is manageable, so the duvet and cover can be the same size.
As product sizes can vary slightly, it's safer to check the dimensions of your futon before purchasing a cover.
Futon Size Selection Chart
Refer to the table below to choose your futon size.
| Size | Duvet | Futon | Mattress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Size | 150cm wide × 210cm long | 100cm wide × 210cm long | 6-18cm thick × 95cm wide × 195-198cm long |
| Semi-double Size | 170cm wide × 210cm long | 120cm wide × 210cm long | 6-18cm thick × 120cm wide × 195-198cm long |
| Double Size | 190cm wide × 210cm long | 140cm wide × 210cm long | 6-18cm thick × 140cm wide × 195-198cm long |
| Queen Size | 210cm wide × 210cm long | 160cm wide × 210cm long | 6-18cm thick × 160cm wide × 195-198cm long |
| King Size | 230cm wide × 210cm long | 170-200cm wide × 210cm long | 6-18cm thick × 170-200cm wide × 195-198cm long |
Introducing Recommended Bedding
While choosing the appropriate size is crucial, selecting bedding that enhances sleep quality is equally important. Here, we introduce some recommended bedding.
1: Brain Sleep Mattress Float
The "Brain Sleep Mattress Float" is a medically inspired mattress featuring the latest patented "Float Technology" to regulate blood flow and body temperature.
Equipped with 3 technologies developed based on the mechanics of sleep
Featuring "Float Technology," inspired by the neutral posture people naturally adopt in zero gravity. The highly elastic tubular material intertwines three-dimensionally in various directions, conforming to the body's contours, thereby supporting the body from all directions and uniformly distributing pressure. It has a "5-gradation structure" where the center is softest, and elasticity increases outwards.
Furthermore, it supports you at three points: "the shoulder area which supports breathing," "the lower back which fits snugly, supported by three layers of highly elastic material," and "the leg area which is designed to be 4cm higher than the lower back." This allows you to unconsciously adopt the ultimate relaxed posture just by lying down. This is believed to improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage of accumulated blood and waste products during the day, enhancing the reduction of fatigue and swelling.
Over 90% air layer dissipates heat and moisture
Utilizes a unique three-dimensional structure called "Green Fiber." By combining tubular fibers with excellent elasticity, used in medical and nursing care settings, in a three-dimensional manner to trap air, high elasticity and ultra-breathability are achieved. Over 90% of the structure is an air layer, preventing heat and moisture from accumulating during sleep and creating a comfortable sleeping environment.
Mattress body can be rinsed with a shower
Similar to pillows, it can be easily washed with a shower. Regularly washing the mattress, which easily absorbs sweat and sebum, helps suppress the growth of dust mites and mold.
Furthermore, Brain Sleep's research has shown that the Brain Sleep Mattress, made of polyethylene material, outperforms low-rebound materials and coil-in-mattresses in terms of breathability, pressure distribution, ease of tossing and turning, cleanliness, portability, and durability. It was also found to have less body sinkage compared to urethane materials and down futons. Therefore, it reduces the burden on the body and provides a comfortable sleep experience.
2: Brain Sleep Comforter Weight Balance
The "Brain Sleep Comforter Weight Balance" is the ultimate medical comforter that surpasses down comforters and aids in resting the brain and mind.
Warmth exceeding down & side weight structure prevents heat loss
The newly developed Air-in Ball is made from fibers, each with approximately 1/3 of its core being hollow. This hollow portion traps air, creating a warm air layer that achieves warmth comparable to down, as well as the lightness and softness provided by air. It keeps you warm all the way to your toes.
Furthermore, it is said that people toss and turn about 20 to 30 times during sleep. If the comforter moves during these movements, cold air can enter the bedding, disrupting comfortable sleep. However, the "Brain Sleep Comforter Weight Balance" features a uniquely developed side weight structure (weights on both sides of the comforter) that prevents the comforter from shifting, thus maintaining warmth until morning.
"Weight Balancer" for resting the brain and body
To sleep naturally and relax, it is ideal to apply appropriate pressure (compressive stimulation). This is known as the "hug effect," which provides a sense of security similar to being hugged, allowing the brain and body to rest, thereby improving the quality of the sleep environment.
While typical weighted blankets make the entire body feel heavy and deviate from the inherent comfort of a duvet, Brain Sleep has uniquely developed the placement of the weight. By adding appropriate weight to the chest area with a weight balancer, it applies pressure to the body, creating a sensation similar to being hugged.
The balancer uses soft, breathable soft elasto-pipes. Its tubular shape prevents heat and stuffiness from building up, ensuring undisturbed sleep. Made of a special olefin resin, it is soft and produces no rustling sounds, maintaining a comfortable feel until morning.
Machine washable to maintain cleanliness
Unlike many down comforters that cannot be washed at home, this product can be machine washed in a household washing machine.
Down loses its oils and deflates with each wash, making it difficult to maintain its volume. However, the filling used in the "Brain Sleep Comforter Weight Balance" is spherical, so the fibers are less likely to break, and the fluffy volume is sustained.
Furthermore, the outer fabric features a down-proof finish, which crushes the gaps between threads to allow only air to pass through, preventing the filling from escaping.
Choose a Futon Size for Sound Sleep
We've introduced the basics and selection methods for single-sized futons. To achieve comfortable sleep, it's important to sleep on a futon that's larger than your ideal size, but fitting the size isn't the only factor.
No matter how well the size fits, if you're not sleeping soundly, it's all in vain. Therefore, choose a futon that allows for quality sleep, even in a compact single size.