Have you ever wondered where the Japanese go to sleep to sleep? In traditional Japanese houses, regular beds are generally not found in each of their rooms. You can only see a wide space in the middle, with some furniture like a table and a cabinet neatly placed in the corner of the room. Even in the movies, they sleep on the floor using that soft mattress, not the typical beds we used to see. These are called futons.

Futon, originally from Japan, is its traditional term to refer to the mattress padded with quilted fabrics and pillows that are used mainly as beds. Japanese culture used these futons for several years in a row. Filled with soft materials like cotton, wool and synthetic wadding, Futon is comfortable to sleep on. Futons are usually placed on the floor for people to sleep in, however people find it soft and cozy just like regular beds placed on bed frames. Futons are often seen in Japanese specialty stores sold in packages that include the quilted futon mattress and the quilted comforter or blanket.

Aside from the softness and comfort it provides to the wearer, futons are helpful in keeping the room more spacious and serve the room for purposes other than the bedroom. These can be folded and stored in a closet while not in use. In addition, when stored, environmental dirt and dust are kept away from them.

As they become popular, futons are already adapted by western culture. It is based on the Japanese bed, although with some difference. First, the Japanese futons are placed on the floor for sleeping. Now Westerners built futons, usually from plywood or metal frames where the padded mattress is placed. This makes the futon serve dual purposes. It can be used as a bed at night and a comfortable sofa during the day, as the frames can be adjusted in both a sitting and reclining position.

Western-style futons are also made with multiple layers of foam and wadding, making them much larger and thicker than Japanese futons. They come with beautiful futon covers. The futon covers clean the mattress, and are available in different designs and colors to match the theme of the room. The futon covers also keep the mattress durable for many years.

Today, futons are not only used by the Japanese, but among all kinds of races around the world. People consider the futon to be the best form of bed, especially for families who live in a small house or an apartment where there is limited space for some furniture and beds. Perhaps, instead of saying “I’ll go to bed”, people will prefer to say “I’ll go to my futon.”