What's the actual difference between a mattress and a futon?

Many people have a general idea of the difference between a mattress and a futon, thinking things like, "Futons are thin and can be folded, while mattresses are thick." But do you know the detailed differences?

For those who have been using a futon and are considering switching to a mattress, or those who use a mattress and are thinking of switching to a futon, gugu Sleep, a company specializing in sleep, will clearly explain the differences between futons and mattresses.

What's the difference between a futon and a mattress?

First, let's briefly look at the differences between futons and mattresses.

Futons are primarily made of materials such as cotton, wool, and polyester. These cushioned materials support the body and create a natural sleeping posture.

These materials are highly absorbent and wick away moisture, such as sweat, making them ideal for Japan's hot and humid climate.

Also, unlike mattresses, futons are often thin, typically less than 10 cm thick, and are used directly on the floor.

Mattresses are primarily made of materials such as coils and urethane. Compared to futons, these materials are excellent at distributing body pressure, significantly alleviating the burden on your body.

If you're sleeping on a futon but experience body aches, we recommend using a mattress with excellent pressure distribution instead of a futon.

Also, unlike futons, mattresses are often thick, typically over 10 cm, and are used on a bed frame.

What are the pros and cons of futons and mattresses?

To find out whether a futon or a mattress is right for you, it's important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Let's take a closer look at these pros and cons.

Pros of Futons

There are four main advantages to using a futon: "Compact," "Easy to carry," "Easy to maintain," and "Wide price range and variety."

Compact and portable futons

Futons can be folded when not in use during the day, allowing you to make more extensive use of your room space. A typical single-size futon, when folded into three, measures approximately 100 x 70 cm, which helps maximize room space.

Also, depending on the material, a foldable futon typically weighs around 4 kg, which is lighter than a mattress. This makes it easy to move for relocations, redecorating, or deep cleaning.

Easy to maintain

A futon, weighing around 4 kg, can be easily air-dried in the sun when you're concerned about moisture, making it much easier to maintain compared to a mattress.

Wide price range and variety

Futons come in various types, materials, and constructions, with prices ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000. This wide selection allows you to choose one that fits your style.

Cons of Futons

There are four disadvantages to using a futon: "Poor pressure distribution," "Poor breathability," "Requires daily maintenance," and "Vulnerable to mold and dust."

Futons do not excel in pressure distribution.

Compared to mattresses, futons have poor pressure distribution, which can concentrate pressure on certain parts of the body, potentially leading to body aches upon waking up.

Additionally, as the material deteriorates with use, you might experience a sensation of your body touching the floor, often referred to as "bottoming out."

Poor breathability and requires daily care

Although futons are highly absorbent, their breathability is low, causing moisture to accumulate easily. Therefore, it's necessary to care for them daily by not leaving them spread out, and by regularly sun-drying them or using a futon dryer.

If you use a futon, be aware of dust and mold.

Unlike mattresses, futons are laid directly on the floor, making them close to the ground. This proximity can lead to inhaling accumulated dust from the floor, potentially triggering allergy symptoms.
Additionally, leaving a futon on the floor can cause mold to grow on the floor, so caution is advised.

Next, let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of mattresses.

Pros of Mattresses

There are four main advantages to using a mattress: "High functionality," "Elevated height, easy to get up," "No daily maintenance required," and "Low allergy risk."

Mattresses with high functionality, including elasticity, breathability, and durability

Compared to futons, mattresses excel in pressure distribution, preventing the concentration of pressure on specific body parts. This significantly reduces the physical burden compared to sleeping on a futon.

Mattresses with varying heights

The elevated height of a mattress makes it easier to get up, allowing even those with back pain to rise relatively easily.

Additionally, the elevated height reduces the risk of inhaling dust accumulated on the floor, thereby lowering the risk of allergy symptoms caused by dust inhalation.

Cons of Mattresses

There are three disadvantages to using a mattress: "Inconvenient to carry," "Requires room space," and "Difficult to maintain."

Mattresses are inconvenient to carry and difficult to maintain.

Compared to futons, mattresses are larger and heavier, making them cumbersome to move during events like relocation or deep cleaning.

Additionally, large and heavy mattresses are difficult to sun-dry easily like futons, making their maintenance more challenging compared to futons.

A mattress requires space in the room for installation.

Mattresses are large and, unlike futons, cannot be folded. They need to be permanently set up in a room, which requires a certain amount of space.

Which is better: a futon or a mattress?

You now understand the differences between futons and mattresses, as well as their pros and cons. But for those still wondering which is better, here are our recommendations based on common concerns and situations.