Types of Japanese Futon Mattresses and How They Differ

Key takeaways

• A traditional Japanese sleep set usually includes a shikibuton (floor mattress), a kakebuton (duvet) and often a tatami mat underneath for support and airflow.
• Shikibuton mattresses are generally thinner and firmer than Western beds, but modern versions range from slim cotton pads to thicker, foam or latex-cored futons for extra cushioning.
• Rolling or folding futons, such as a compact floor mattress like the Kiseely foldable Japanese mattress, are popular for small homes, guest rooms and multipurpose spaces.
• Tatami mats are not strictly essential on every floor, but they greatly improve comfort and moisture control, especially on hard or cold surfaces.
• The best futon for you depends on your body weight, preferred firmness, sleeping position and how often you plan to fold or store the mattress.

What is a Japanese futon set?

In everyday English, people often use the word ‘futon’ to mean any fold-out or floor bed. In Japan, though, a futon is a complete bedding set designed to be laid directly on the floor, used at night and then folded and stored away during the day.

A traditional set normally includes three main parts:

• Shikibuton – the mattress layer that you lie on
• Kakebuton – the duvet or quilt that goes on top of you
• Tatami mat – a firm mat made from compressed rice straw or similar materials, often used underneath for comfort and airflow

When people talk about ‘Japanese futon mattresses’ in the UK, they are usually referring specifically to the shikibuton. Modern versions range from ultra-traditional cotton pads to hybrid mattresses with foam or latex layers, but they all share the same core idea of a relatively low-profile bed that can be moved or stored with ease.

Shikibuton vs kakebuton: the core bedding pieces

The two main words you will encounter when looking into Japanese futons are shikibuton and kakebuton. Understanding the distinction helps you interpret product descriptions more accurately.

What is a shikibuton?

A shikibuton is the mattress part of the futon set. Traditionally it is a relatively thin, firm pad filled with cotton and encased in a strong cotton cover. It is designed to sit on top of tatami or a similar firm foundation and be folded or rolled away when not in use.

Modern shikibuton-style mattresses come in several forms:

• Classic cotton-filled pads that can be folded in thirds or rolled
• Hybrid cotton-and-foam designs that add some extra cushioning
• Thicker, quilted floor mattresses with a more mattress-topper feel

Products like the SUNYRISY foldable floor mattress sit in this modern category, offering the foldability of a shikibuton with a bit of extra loft and quilting for comfort.

What is a kakebuton?

A kakebuton is the top quilt or duvet. It is usually filled with cotton, wool or synthetic fibres and paired with a removable cover. While Western duvets are often used in place of a kakebuton, the key difference is that traditional kakebuton are sized and weighted to work well with the lower profile and firmer feel of a shikibuton.

From a mattress-buying perspective, you will usually be choosing the shikibuton first, then selecting an appropriate kakebuton or duvet to match your climate and personal warmth preferences.

Tatami mats and floor foundations

Tatami mats are historically made from compressed rice straw with a woven rush grass surface. Modern versions may use engineered cores, but the overall effect is similar: a slightly springy, firm base with natural breathability. They are an integral part of traditional Japanese sleeping setups.

For people outside Japan, this raises two common questions: whether tatami is strictly required, and what to do if you have a very different type of flooring at home.

Do you need a tatami mat under a Japanese futon?

You do not always need a tatami mat, but you do need a firm, supportive and reasonably breathable surface. Tatami excels at this, yet many UK homes use shikibuton on:

• Wooden or laminate floors
• Low platform beds or futon bases
• Thick rugs or carpet, sometimes with an additional rollable tatami-style mat on top

On very hard floors like concrete or tiles, adding a tatami-style mat or a firm floor pad beneath your shikibuton can significantly improve comfort and reduce cold rising from the ground.

If you are on a hard floor and find a traditional futon too firm, it is often better to add a supportive layer underneath (such as tatami) rather than jumping straight to an extremely thick, soft mattress that might compromise spinal alignment.

Main types of Japanese futon mattresses

Once you focus on the shikibuton itself, the main differences come down to material, thickness and construction. These factors shape how the futon feels, how easy it is to move, and how it behaves over time.

Traditional cotton shikibuton

Traditional shikibuton are densely packed with cotton or a cotton blend. They tend to be:

• Firm and supportive, particularly when new
• Relatively thin compared to Western mattresses, often in the 5–8 cm range
• Flexible enough to fold in thirds or roll

Cotton gradually compresses, so regular airing and occasionally beating or rolling the mattress helps keep it fluffy. Over time, this type of futon moulds a little to your body while still remaining considerably firmer than most sprung or memory foam beds.

Traditional cotton shikibuton suit people who want a minimalist, floor-level sleep experience and do not mind – or actively enjoy – a firm sleeping surface.

Foam and hybrid futon mattresses

To broaden the appeal of futons, many manufacturers now produce hybrid designs that combine cotton with foam or other cushioning materials. Some use a thin foam core wrapped in cotton, while others blend synthetic fibres throughout.

These hybrid futons tend to be:

• Slightly thicker and plusher than pure cotton pads
• Better at masking minor floor unevenness
• Slower to compress over time, requiring less intensive maintenance

Examples include quilted floor mattresses such as the MAXYOYO quilted floor mattress, which blends padding with a more substantial topper-like feel. These are popular in guest rooms and multipurpose spaces where users might appreciate a touch more softness than a very lean cotton shikibuton.

Latex and speciality-core futons

Some Japanese-style futons incorporate latex or specialised foam layers to refine support. Latex offers a springy, responsive feel that can be more forgiving of pressure points without losing the overall supportive nature associated with futons.

These designs are less common than cotton or straightforward foam hybrids, but they appeal to people who want something more portable than a full mattress while still enjoying a level of contouring that feels closer to premium Western bedding.

Thickness and firmness: how they differ

One of the biggest differences between types of Japanese futon mattresses is their thickness. Even a small change in loft can make the mattress feel quite different in practice.

Common thickness levels

While exact measurements vary by brand and region, many shikibuton fall into these rough categories:

• Thin (around 5–7 cm) – Very close to traditional style, firm and compact, easy to fold, best on tatami or similarly forgiving bases.
• Medium (around 8–10 cm) – Adds a little more cushioning while remaining quite portable; popular for nightly use on firmer floors.
• Thick (around 11–15 cm or more) – Starts to feel closer to a conventional mattress topper; improved comfort on hard floors but bulkier to roll and store.

Someone light in body weight may find a thinner futon perfectly comfortable, while a heavier person may prefer a medium or thicker option to reduce pressure on shoulders and hips.

Best thickness for different users

As a general guide:

• Back and stomach sleepers often do well with thinner or medium shikibuton, because the firm surface supports neutral spinal alignment.
• Side sleepers typically appreciate a little extra cushioning, especially around the shoulders and hips, making medium to thicker futons with some foam or latex content more appealing.
• Heavier users may sink more deeply and therefore find very thin cotton futons too unforgiving unless used on a slightly softer base such as tatami.

For more detailed discussion of how firmness interacts with posture, you may find it useful to explore whether Japanese futon mattresses are good for your back, as this dives deeper into alignment and comfort trade-offs.

Foldable and roll-up designs

Another major way that Japanese futon mattresses differ is in how they are intended to be stored. Both folding and roll-up designs aim to free up floor space during the day, but they feel slightly different to handle.

Folding futon mattresses

Many modern futons are designed to fold in two or three sections. They may have quilting lines or subtle panels that encourage the mattress to bend at set points.

Benefits include:

• Easy to carry and store in a cupboard or wardrobe
• Simpler to air out over a balcony or bed rail
• Useful for guest beds that live in a cupboard until needed

Foldable designs like the SUNYRISY double floor mattress strike a balance between comfort and practicality, especially where you want an occasional full-size bed that does not require a dedicated frame.

Roll-up futon mattresses

Roll-up futons are closer to the traditional Japanese approach of rolling the mattress into a cylinder and securing it with straps. They are usually thinner and more flexible, and often come with a storage bag.

These designs are particularly helpful when:

• You move your bed daily, for example transforming a bedroom into a living space each morning.
• You need a portable bed for travel, camping or visiting friends.
• You have very limited storage depth but enough height to stand a roll in a cupboard.

Options marketed as portable floor mattresses, such as the Kiseely portable tatami-style mattress, or thicker roll-up pads like the MAXYOYO folding sleeping pad, extend the idea of a shikibuton into camping and guest-bed territory.

Cotton vs foam vs latex: how materials differ

Material choice affects not only comfort but also weight, breathability and long-term maintenance. While there are many brand-specific blends, most Japanese-style futons fall into one of these broad material families.

Cotton futons

Pros of cotton-filled shikibuton include:

• Excellent breathability, helping regulate temperature
• Traditionally firm, supportive feel
• Relatively lightweight compared to dense foam

Cons include:

• Gradual compression over time, especially with daily use
• Need for regular airing and fluffing to stay at their best
• Can feel too firm on very hard floors for some sleepers

Foam and hybrid futons

Pros of foam or hybrid fillings include:

• More cushioning at low thickness levels
• Less dramatic settling or lumping than pure cotton
• Often better for side sleepers or those with sensitive joints

Cons include:

• Can be warmer, particularly for hot sleepers
• Heavier in some cases, making daily folding a little more effort
• May feel less ‘traditional’ if you are aiming for an authentic experience

For a deeper dive into the trade-offs, you can read a focused comparison of cotton vs foam Japanese futon mattresses, which explores comfort, durability and care in more detail.

Latex and speciality materials

Latex and other speciality cores typically sit at the premium end. They provide:

• A springy, resilient feel that resists permanent indentations
• Better pressure relief without sacrificing support
• Potentially good longevity if well cared for

However, they are often heavier, more expensive, and not as easy to roll tightly as lean cotton pads. They are best suited to users who prioritise comfort and durability over ultra-compact storage.

Which type of Japanese futon mattress suits which user?

To choose between the different types of futon mattresses, it helps to think in terms of your space, your body and how often you plan to move the mattress.

For everyday sleepers

If you plan to sleep on your futon every night:

• Consider a medium-thickness cotton or hybrid shikibuton on a supportive base such as tatami or a firm platform.
• Back and stomach sleepers often appreciate the classic cotton feel, while side sleepers might lean towards foam or latex hybrids for extra cushioning.
• Pay attention to your local climate: hot sleepers tend to prefer breathable cotton, while those in cooler rooms may welcome a slightly denser, more insulating core.

When used everyday, regular airing, rotating and occasional sun exposure help maintain loft and freshness. For more detailed habits that prolong lifespan, see advice on how to care for and store a Japanese futon mattress.

For guest rooms and occasional use

For a guest room or multipurpose space, flexible, slightly thicker futons are often ideal:

• Quilted, medium-to-thick foldable futons offer comfort across a wide range of body types.
• Roll-up designs with carry bags, like the Kiseely portable floor mattress, are convenient if you store the bed separately and bring it out for visitors.
• Hybrids such as the SUNYRISY tatami-style mattress can double as floor loungers for reading or film nights when not used as a bed.

For small spaces and minimalist living

If floor space is at a premium or you prefer a minimalist aesthetic:

• Thinner, roll-up cotton shikibuton are easiest to store vertically in cupboards or behind furniture.
• Look for futons supplied with straps or storage bags to make daily rolling and moving more practical.
• Consider pairing a slim mattress with a folding tatami mat to balance comfort and compactness.

In very compact homes, a futon can turn a single room into a flexible living and sleeping space, particularly when combined with other low-profile furniture.

For camping, travel and flexible use

Portable Japanese-style floor mattresses are increasingly used as comfortable upgrades to traditional camping mats or air beds. They can also be thrown over sofas to create makeshift sleeping surfaces.

Look for designs marketed as portable, roll-up or camping futons, often with included carry straps. Options such as the MAXYOYO breathable floor mattress can double as guest beds at home and sleeping pads in a campervan or tent.

When using a futon for travel or camping, remember that outdoor surfaces are often more uneven and colder than floors at home. In these situations, a slightly thicker, quilted mattress can make a noticeable difference to comfort.

Related articles

• How to choose a Japanese futon mattress for your space
• Best Japanese futon mattresses for everyday sleeping

FAQ

What is a shikibuton mattress?

A shikibuton is the mattress component of a traditional Japanese futon set. It is typically a relatively thin, firm pad filled with cotton or a similar material and designed to be placed directly on a firm base such as tatami or a solid floor. Many modern products marketed as Japanese floor mattresses or roll-up futons are shikibuton-style mattresses, sometimes with added foam or quilting for comfort.

Do you need a tatami mat under a Japanese futon?

You do not strictly need tatami, but you do need a firm, supportive, non-damp surface. Tatami excels because it is slightly springy and breathable, which helps with comfort and moisture control. On wooden or laminate floors, many people simply lay the futon directly down or add a thin tatami-style mat. On concrete or tiled floors, an additional base layer is strongly recommended to reduce hardness and cold.

What thickness is best for a Japanese futon mattress?

The best thickness depends on your weight, sleeping position and floor. Thin futons (around 5–7 cm) suit lighter back or stomach sleepers on forgiving bases like tatami. Medium thickness (around 8–10 cm) offers a balance of support and comfort for most users on firm floors. Thicker futons (above roughly 11 cm) provide more cushioning, especially for side sleepers or heavier users, but are bulkier to roll and store.

Can a Japanese futon be used as a permanent bed?

Yes, many people use shikibuton as their main bed. To do this comfortably, it is important to choose a futon with suitable firmness and thickness for your body and to place it on an appropriate base, such as tatami or a firm platform. Regular airing, rotating and occasional sun exposure help keep a daily-use futon fresh and supportive. For everyday sleeping, some people prefer slightly thicker, quilted models such as the MAXYOYO floor mattress, which add a little extra cushioning while maintaining the core advantages of a futon.