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When buying new bedding, it's common to wonder whether to choose a mattress or a futon. You often ask yourself, "What's the difference between a mattress and a futon?" and "Which one is ultimately more comfortable to sleep on?"
Mattresses and futons each have their own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.
Also, the best bedding for you can change depending on your physical condition and lifestyle. So, in this article, we'll explain the differences between mattresses and futons, their respective features, and how to choose one. By reading this article, you'll be able to determine which is better suited for your physical condition and lifestyle!
If you've recently had trouble falling asleep or wake up with body aches, your bedding might not be right for you. Why not take this opportunity to re-evaluate your bedding?
1. How are mattresses and futons different?
When asked how mattresses and futons differ, many people might not be able to answer in detail. Many vaguely think, "Mattresses are for beds, and futons are for laying directly on the floor."
Here, we will explain the differences between mattresses and futons not only in terms of appearance but also in terms of function and impact on the body.
1-1. Mattress: High elasticity and resilience
Mattresses are generally thicker than futons. While thickness varies by product, they are typically 10cm or more.
Mattresses use materials with high elasticity and resilience, such as high-resilience urethane, low-resilience urethane, and pocket coils.
Futons, which have been used as bedding in Japan for a long time, had the significant drawback of low elasticity. Therefore, various improved futons, such as pressure-relieving futons, were developed, but their effectiveness was lower, and they were less comfortable than mattresses.
Therefore, if you want to minimize the burden on your body while sleeping, a mattress is suitable. Especially for those with back pain or other body aches, sleeping on a mattress should help reduce pain.
1-2. Shikibuton (Japanese mattress): No bed needed, easy to store and manage
Futons are thinner and less elastic than mattresses, but they are lighter, easier to carry, and simpler to maintain. Some futons can even be machine-washed nowadays.
Additionally, since futons are designed to be folded, they are an excellent choice of bedding when you want to use your room space more effectively. This is particularly true for those living in small spaces, like studio apartments in urban areas, where futons offer a distinct advantage for maximizing limited space.
2. Advantages and disadvantages of using a mattress
Both mattresses and futons naturally have their advantages and disadvantages.
2-1. Advantages: High durability and less strain on the body
When you lie down, a mattress distributes the pressure on your body evenly. Therefore, no single area bears an excessive burden.
Some people who sleep on futons experience back pain when they wake up in the morning, which is due to excessive pressure concentrated on their lower back.
Furthermore, the materials used in mattresses are highly durable, lasting about 5 to 10 years. Futons are said to sag after about three years, so if you want to use bedding comfortably for a long time, a mattress is recommended.
2-2. Disadvantages: Often large and hard to store, difficult to manage
The first disadvantage often cited for mattresses is their size. While some trifold mattresses can be folded and stored, they tend to be less comfortable.
Mattresses can be placed on the floor or on a bed, but if left in place, moisture can accumulate in the area where the mattress meets the floor or bed, often leading to mold growth.
While mattresses are designed to release moisture more easily than futons, it doesn't mean moisture won't accumulate at all.
To use a mattress comfortably, it's essential to dry it occasionally, like airing out a futon in the sun. However, moving a mattress can be challenging.
This is where specialized equipment like a futon dryer comes in handy.
Next, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using a futon, which has been used in Japan for a long time?
3-1. Advantages: Easy to move and manage
Futons are characterized by being much lighter and thinner compared to mattresses. While some can feel heavy depending on the filling material, none are too heavy to lift.
Therefore, they are easy to store in places like closets and simple to manage. Even in a small studio apartment, storing a futon allows you to use the room space more broadly.
Also, futons can be aired out or washed. If they become worn out or dirty, you can send them to a professional for cleaning or re-stuffing, making them usable as good as new.
3-2. Disadvantages: Prone to moisture accumulation, poor breathability
While there are various materials for shikibuton (Japanese mattresses), many, such as cotton, have high moisture absorption. As a result, with prolonged use, moisture can accumulate, making them heavy and prone to mold growth.
To keep a futon comfortable for a long time, regular maintenance, such as drying it in the sun or using a futon dryer, is essential.
However, sometimes it's not possible to maintain them due to a busy work schedule or lack of space for sun-drying. In such cases, the lifespan of the futon can be shortened.
Please note that poor futon maintenance can lead to dust mites and mold. Using a futon with dust mites or mold increases the risk of developing allergies, so regular maintenance is important.
4. Consider which is suitable based on the usage scenario
Futons and mattresses each have their pros and cons, which can make choosing difficult. It's recommended to consider how you'll use them when deciding between a futon and a mattress.
4-1. Scenarios where a mattress is suitable
Mattresses are suitable for homes that can secure a bedroom or sleeping space. Also, homes with only hardwood floors are well-suited for mattresses.
Regarding physical characteristics, mattresses are suitable for people with chronic conditions such as back pain or backaches, and for the elderly. As mentioned earlier, back pain and backaches can sometimes occur when a part of the body is subjected to too much pressure during sleep.
As people age, many find it more difficult to sit up. It's easier to get up from a mattress, which has some elevation, than to get up and stand from a futon, which is almost at floor level.
Additionally, if you can't perform frequent maintenance, a mattress is more recommended than a futon. Mattresses are also less prone to accumulating dust mites and other allergens, making them suitable for people with allergies.
4-2. Scenarios where a futon is suitable
Futons are suitable for homes with a Japanese-style room (washitsu).
Futons were originally designed to be laid on tatami mats in Japanese-style rooms. Thick futons are too hard for a wooden floor, and moisture also tends to accumulate easily.
On the other hand, tatami mats absorb moisture, making for a comfortable sleeping environment. Wooden floors are not ideal, as they can get damaged.
Also, if you want to make effective use of a small space, a futon is recommended. Since it can be stored, you can use the space widely during the day.
Furthermore, if you can maintain it regularly and want to continue using something as new as possible, a futon is also suitable. A shikibuton costs around 10,000 yen for one and can be machine-washed, so if you have it cleaned once a year, you can always sleep on a clean futon.
Summary: Understand the differences between mattresses and futons
Here's a summary of the article:
- Mattresses place less strain on the body and have higher durability.
- Futons are easy to manage and allow for more room space.
- Futons generally have a shorter lifespan compared to mattresses.
- Mattresses can be challenging to manage and maintain.
- Mattresses are suitable for rooms with wooden floors.
- Futons are suitable for rooms with tatami mats.
Mattresses and futons each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to choose based on your physical condition and lifestyle.
Comfort is important, but also consider whether you can manage it. Choosing the optimal bedding can even lead to improved performance!
