Introduction
Japanese futon mattresses, or shikibutons, are designed to be slept on every night, not just pulled out for the odd guest. When you choose the right one, you get a slim, supportive sleeping surface that can be folded and stored away during the day, freeing up valuable floor space while still giving you the comfort you expect from a regular bed.
Finding a Japanese futon that genuinely works for everyday sleeping can be a little confusing if you are used to deep, spring-filled mattresses. Thickness, firmness, the type of filling and even the way you use it on the floor or a frame all affect how comfortable it will feel long term. That is why it helps to understand how cotton, foam and latex shikibutons behave, what suits back or side sleepers, and how UK sizing fits with tatami mats or standard beds.
This buying guide pulls together practical advice on choosing a futon for nightly use, how to look after it, and where traditional designs differ from Western mattresses. If you want a deeper dive into the broader differences, you can also compare a Japanese futon vs a Western mattress, or explore the main types of Japanese futon mattresses and how they differ.
Key takeaways
- For everyday sleeping, aim for a futon with a medium-firm feel and at least medium thickness, especially if you are on a hard floor.
- Cotton shikibutons feel traditional and breathable, while foam and latex cores add cushioning and help side sleepers avoid pressure points.
- Back sleepers usually adapt more easily to firm futons, while side sleepers tend to benefit from slightly thicker, padded designs such as the MAXYOYO padded Japanese floor mattress.
- Proper care – regular airing, rotating and using a cover – keeps a futon supportive for much longer and helps with hygiene.
- You can use many Japanese futons on a low slatted bed frame or tatami base, but check thickness and size so they sit securely and feel supportive.
Why this category matters
A Japanese futon mattress for everyday sleeping is very different from a bulky sofa bed or occasional guest mattress. It is meant to be your primary bed, delivering enough support for your spine while keeping your sleeping setup light, foldable and easy to move. That makes it especially useful for studio flats, shared houses, multipurpose rooms or anyone who prefers minimalist, low-profile furniture.
Because a futon is thinner than a standard mattress, every detail matters more. The type of filling influences how your shoulders and hips sink in, the cover fabric affects how cool or warm you feel, and the thickness determines whether you notice the floor beneath you. Choose well and you get a stable, supportive sleep surface that can help you feel aligned and refreshed. Choose poorly and you may find yourself battling with pressure points, sagging and discomfort.
For UK homes, there is also the question of how a Japanese futon fits with local bed sizes, ceilings and room layouts. You might want a futon you can use directly on the floor, or a thinner one you can place on tatami mats or a low slatted base. Some people prefer the flexibility of rolling their mattress away each morning, while others simply like the firmer, more grounded sensation compared with a deep, soft mattress.
There is also a health angle. Many sleepers are curious about whether a firmer, thinner mattress is better for their back or posture. That is explored in detail in our dedicated guide on whether Japanese futon mattresses are good for your back, but in short, the right futon can support a neutral spine very effectively when matched to your body weight and sleeping style.
How to choose
When you are choosing a Japanese futon mattress for nightly use, start with where you will place it. On a hard wooden or laminate floor, most people need at least a medium-thick futon with enough padding to stop hips and shoulders digging in. On tatami mats or a slatted base, you can often go a little thinner because the surface underneath adds a touch of give. Think about whether you plan to fold and store it each day as well; a very thick, heavy futon can be awkward to move frequently.
Next, consider the filling. Traditional futons use layers of cotton, which feel firm at first but gradually mould to your body. They are breathable and natural but can compress over time, so they need regular airing and fluffing. Hybrid futons add foam or latex cores for extra cushioning and resilience. Foam-filled mattresses like the SUNYRISY foldable Japanese floor mattress prioritise softness and pressure relief, while cotton-rich pads like the Kiseely foldable tatami-style mattress lean more towards a traditional feel.
Firmness is another key factor. Back and stomach sleepers usually do best on medium-firm futons that keep their midsection from sagging. Side sleepers often prefer a slightly softer top surface so their shoulders can dip a little, reducing strain on the neck. If you are lighter in weight, you may find many futons feel firmer than described, whereas heavier sleepers might need extra thickness or denser fillings to avoid bottoming out.
Finally, check sizing and practicality. In the UK, look at single, small double and double options that align reasonably well with standard bed frames if you plan to use one. If you are pairing your futon with tatami mats, size becomes even more important so the mattress sits neatly on the mat layout. Also think about the cover material (cotton is breathable and easy to protect with a separate sheet) and whether you want a storage bag or straps included to make rolling and moving your futon easier.
Common mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is buying a Japanese futon mattress that is too thin for nightly use on a hard floor. While very slim shikibutons look authentic and are fine for lighter sleepers or short stays, many adults quickly notice their hips and shoulders pressing through to the floor over multiple nights. If you are heavier or sleep mostly on your side, a bit of extra thickness or padding is usually worth it for daily comfort.
Another error is treating a futon like a Western mattress and leaving it in one position for months at a time. Cotton-based futons, in particular, benefit from regular airing, rotating and fluffing so the fibres do not compress in one spot. Neglecting this can lead to dips and uneven support. For a deeper look at looking after your futon, it is worth reading our guide on how to care for and store a Japanese futon mattress.
Some people also underestimate how firm a floor-based sleeping setup can feel compared with a sprung mattress. They might jump straight to a very firm cotton futon and then struggle with shoulder or hip discomfort, especially if they are side sleepers. In those cases, choosing a futon with added padding, or layering a topper such as a padded floor mattress, can make a big difference. On the flip side, going too soft and plush can compromise alignment, which is not ideal for back support.
Finally, it is easy to overlook how a futon will fit into your daily routine. If your plan is to fold it away every morning, a very heavy, king-size floor mattress may become a chore to move around. Equally, if you intend to leave it out permanently on a frame, prioritise how it looks and how well it fits the base. Our article on choosing a Japanese futon mattress for your space goes into more detail on layout and storage planning.
Top Japanese futon mattress options
Below are three popular Japanese-style futon mattresses that suit different everyday sleeping scenarios. Each one balances thickness, foldability and support slightly differently, so think about where and how you will use yours as you read through the options.
All three can work for regular nightly use when matched to the right sleeper and setup, whether that is directly on a hard floor, over tatami mats or paired with a low, supportive bed frame.
Kiseely Foldable Tatami Mattress (Black, 150 x 200 cm)
This Kiseely foldable tatami-style mattress is a versatile option if you want a futon that can handle both nightly sleeping and occasional travel or guest duty. The 150 x 200 cm size is similar to a UK double, giving plenty of space for one person to stretch out or for two people who do not mind a closer fit. Its foldable, roll-up design, combined with the included bag and strap, makes it practical if you plan to move or store it regularly.
In use, this mattress aims for a balance between padding and portability. It offers more cushioning than a very thin traditional shikibuton, which many UK sleepers appreciate on hard floors, but it still feels relatively grounded and supportive. Back sleepers and combination sleepers are likely to get on well with this feel, especially if they like a medium-firm surface. If you are a heavier side sleeper, you might consider adding a thin topper or placing it over tatami mats for extra give. You can check the current details and sizes for the Kiseely foldable tatami mattress, or explore more reviews and feedback on the same product page here.
SUNYRISY Thicken Foldable Floor Mattress (Grey, Double)
The SUNYRISY thicken foldable bed mattress targets sleepers who want a softer, more cushioned feel than a classic cotton shikibuton. It is designed as a padded floor mattress and mattress topper, which means it can work both directly on the floor or on top of a firmer futon, sofa or existing mattress. For everyday use, it suits those who are used to a slightly plusher surface but still want the ability to roll and store their bed.
For side sleepers in particular, the extra thickness can help reduce pressure on shoulders and hips, making it easier to adapt to a low-profile sleep setup. It is also a practical option as a guest bed or for camping and car use, thanks to its roll-up design. However, if you are a strict stomach sleeper or you need a very firm feel for your back, you may want to pair this with a firmer base layer or choose a more traditional futon. You can see the full description of the SUNYRISY Japanese floor mattress, and browse other size options on the same listing here.
MAXYOYO Padded Japanese Floor Mattress (Black Floral, Single)
The MAXYOYO padded Japanese floor mattress in a single size is a good fit if you need a dedicated everyday bed for one person in a compact room. Its design focuses on extra thickness and quilting, aiming to deliver more cushioning than many very slim futons while still being foldable for daytime storage. This makes it attractive for studio flats, guest rooms and multipurpose spaces where you want a comfortable night’s sleep without giving up the whole floor.
Because of the padded construction, this mattress often appeals to side sleepers and those who are nervous about moving from a thick sprung mattress to a very firm futon. It is breathable enough for regular use when paired with a suitable sheet and occasional airing. If you are a heavier sleeper or plan to use it directly on a hard floor, you may appreciate the added depth compared with minimalist shikibutons. You can explore specifications and user feedback for the MAXYOYO extra thick Japanese floor mattress, and see other colours or sizes on the same page here.
If you are still unsure which style to pick, it can help to compare cotton vs foam futons side by side – our guide on cotton vs foam Japanese futon mattresses breaks down feel, durability and typical use cases in more detail.
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Conclusion
Choosing the best Japanese futon mattress for everyday sleeping comes down to matching thickness, firmness and filling to your body, your sleeping style and your space. Back sleepers and those who like a grounded, stable feel often do well with medium-firm cotton or hybrid futons, while side sleepers tend to appreciate extra padding or a slightly thicker, quilted design. Remember to allow for the floor type or base you will use, as this has a big impact on overall comfort.
If you are drawn to a more traditional feel with modern practicality, a foldable double mattress like the Kiseely black tatami-style futon offers a good balance. If you want extra cushioning or a softer transition away from a sprung mattress, the SUNYRISY thicken floor mattress or the MAXYOYO padded Japanese mattress can be reassuringly plush while remaining foldable.
Whichever route you choose, treat your futon as a long-term sleeping system rather than just a mat on the floor: use a breathable cover, rotate and air it regularly, and pair it with tatami or a suitable base if needed. That way, you can enjoy the space-saving benefits and grounded comfort of Japanese-style sleeping without sacrificing nightly support.
FAQ
Are Japanese futon mattresses good for your back when used every night?
They can be, provided the futon is firm enough to keep your spine relatively neutral but has enough padding to avoid pressure points. Many people find that a medium-firm shikibuton on a supportive base encourages better posture than an overly soft mattress. However, comfort is personal, and side sleepers or those with existing back issues may prefer a slightly thicker, padded futon such as the MAXYOYO floor mattress. For a fuller discussion, see our article on whether Japanese futon mattresses are good for your back.
Can you use a Japanese futon mattress on a bed frame?
Yes, you can use many Japanese futon mattresses on a low, solid or slatted bed frame, as long as the slats are not too far apart and the futon is sized to fit securely. A frame can lift you away from cold floors and improve airflow. Just bear in mind that placing a futon on a very soft sprung base may make it feel less firm than intended.
How thick should a Japanese futon be for everyday sleeping?
For most adults sleeping directly on a hard floor, a medium to thick futon (or a thinner futon plus a padded topper) gives the best balance of support and comfort. Lighter sleepers on tatami mats can sometimes go thinner. If you prefer extra cushioning, padded designs like the SUNYRISY thicken mattress are worth considering.
Do Japanese futon mattresses get hot to sleep on?
Traditional cotton futons are generally breathable and work well for most seasons, especially when covered with a natural-fibre sheet. Foam-heavy futons can feel a little warmer, particularly in well-insulated homes, but this can be managed with breathable bedding and good ventilation. If temperature regulation is a priority, choose cotton-rich covers and avoid heavy, non-breathable protectors.
