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Best Japanese futon mattress – data-driven performance tests

japanese futon beds in a bedroom

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Looking to try out a traditional Japanese futon mattress? Japanese futons are more minimalistic than Western-style futons, but they provide similar comfort and support and also a unique sleeping experience. To help you choose a futon, our team tested and reviewed 27 Japanese futon brands and narrowed it down to the top 10 best models. Our Editor’s Choice is the Airweave Futon.


Top 10 Best Japanese Futons

airweave logo

#1. Airweave Futon

Overall Best

  • Cooling
  • Lightweight
  • Suitable for back and stomach sleepers
the futon shop logo

#2. The Futon Shop Organic Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress

Best Eco-Friendly Futon

  • Comes in two thickness options
  • Pressure relieving
  • Suitable for all sleeper types
fuli japan logo

#3. FULI Japanese Futon Mattress

Best for Back Pain

  • Ideal for back pain
  • Foldable
  • Suitable for all sleeper types
maxyoyo logo

#4. MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress

Best for Budget Shoppers

  • Affordable
  • Comes in multiple colors
  • Suitable for all sleeper types
colorfulmart logo

#5. Colorful Mart

Best for Couples

  • Ideal for couples
  • High profile
  • Suitable for all sleeper types
zonli-logo

#6. ZonLi

Best for Back and Stomach Sleepers

  • Good spinal support
  • Ideal for back and stomach sleepers
  • Affordable
miina-logo

#7. MIINA Traditional Japanese Tatami Mattress

Best Tatami Mat

  • Excellent futon foundation
  • Made from all-natural materials
  • Convenient and easy to store

#8. MASVIS

Best Temperature Regulating Futon

  • Excellent temperature regulation
  • Good pressure relief
  • Suitable for back and stomach sleepers

#9. Dr. Futon

Best for Side Sleepers

  • Affordable
  • Easy storage
  • Ideal for side sleepers

#10. Auemtyn

Best Western-style Shikibuton Mattress

  • Budget-friendly
  • Pressure relieving
  • Suitable for all sleeper types

#1. Airweave Futon

airweave futon
Airweave Futon

Pros

Cons

Why it’s the overall best

The Airweave Futon is the best Japanese futon we’ve tested to date. 

It’s made with proprietary Airfiber®, which is much more responsive, supportive, and cooling than other competing brands. 

It’s 2.8 inches thick, and it has an innovative design that promotes rapid and continuous airflow to keep you cool all night. This futon is best suited for back and stomach sleepers and hot sleepers who prefer a minimalist mattress. 

The Airweave Futon showed excellent result in all our tests, but it is not ideal when it comes to soft cushioning and pressure relief. 

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 2.8 inches
Firmness levels Medium Firm
Materials 100% cotton cover (warm side), 55% polyester & 45% cotton (cool side), 100% polyester batting, 100% polyester lining
Free trial period 90 nights
Warranty length 3 years
Shipping Free

Airweave Futon performance

Our team rated the Airweave Futon an 8.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale

It’s 2.8 inches thick, and it’s made with resin fiber that’s been treated with proprietary technology to produce Airfiber®. We recommend this futon to back and stomach sleepers who need a firmer sleep surface to maintain spinal alignment and reduce back pain. 

The Airweave Futon got a 9 in our pressure relief test. 

It’s a firmer futon and it did not offer the best cushioning and pressure relief. We do not recommend it for strict side sleepers who need contouring for their shoulders and hips. 

The Airweave Futon got a 9.7 in our responsiveness test. 

We found the Airfiber® in the futon bouncy and responsive. It’s not like your typical Western-style futons, which are made with foam and innerspring coils. 

The Airweave Futon got a 9.9 in our temperature regulation test. 

The Airfiber® material allows continuous airflow due to its unique structure, which is shown to be more breathable than memory foam. It also has two different sides: a warm side and a cool side. You can flip it over to sleep on either side, depending on your needs.

The Airweave Futon got a 9.7 in our durability test. 

The proprietary material used in the futon is of high-quality. It provided firm support and it won’t sag prematurely.

Overall, the Airweave Futon garnered a total performance rating of 9.6 out of 10. 

FactorPerformance
FirmnessMedium Firm
Cooling9.9
Pressure relief9
Responsiveness9.7
Durability9.7
Mattress thickness (inches)2.8
Trial (days)90
Warranty (years)3

#2. The Futon Shop Organic Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress

The Futon Shop Organic Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress
The Futon Shop Organic Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress

Pros

Cons

Why it’s one of the best

The Futon Shop Organic Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress is the best eco-friendly futon that we’ve tested to date. 

It’s made from organic cotton, and it’s encased with cotton twill fabric. 

It comes in two thickness options: 3″ and 5″, and we found its firmness to be medium to medium-firm. It’s affordable, minimalistic, and it’s a great choice for those who are looking for a space-saving mattress. 

The Futon Shop Organic Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress did great in all our performance tests. The only drawback we found is that it’s not suitable for plus-size sleepers. 

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 3 inches, 5 inches
Firmness levels Medium, Medium Firm
Materials GOTS certified organic cotton fabric cover, 00% USDA certified organic cotton fiber, Lace tacking
Free trial period 30 days
Warranty length Lifetime
Shipping starts at $20

The Futon Shop Organic Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress performance

We rated the 3-inch version a 6.5 and the 5-inch version a 5.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale.  

The 5-inch model offered more cushioning and a bit more support than the 3-inch model. 

We recommend this futon mattress for all sleeper types, but it’s best suited for combination sleepers who switch between their side and back. 

Our testing showed that it’s not suitable for individuals who weigh over 300 lbs. or for heavier stomach sleepers

The Organic Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress got a 9.7 in our pressure relief test. 

The 5-inch model offered better contouring and pressure relief than the 3-inch version. If you mostly sleep on your side, you should go for the 5-inch version. But if you’re more of a back and stomach sleeper, choose the 3-inch version.

The Organic Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress got a 9.2 in our responsiveness test. 

The material used in the mattress does not have a quick response to pressure. That said, we didn’t find it too difficult to roll around and switch positions while lying on the futon. 

The Organic Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress got a 9.5 in our temperature regulation test. 

This futon mattress is highly breathable, and it kept me cool for the entire duration of our test. Both the organic cotton filling and cover promote airflow and are effective at wicking away moisture. 

The Organic Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress got a 9.4 in our durability test. 

With proper care and maintenance, this futon mattress should last at least 5 years. To prolong the lifespan of your futon, we recommend airing it outside regularly and rotating it every month

Overall, the Futon Shop Organic Japanese Shiki Futon Mattress garnered a performance rating of 9.4 out of 10. 

FactorPerformance
FirmnessMedium, Medium Firm
Cooling9.5
Pressure relief9.7
Responsiveness9.2
Durability9.4
Mattress thickness (inches)3/5
Trial (nights)30
Warranty (years)10

Alternate pick: The Futon Shop All Natural Latex Shikibuton Mattress

The Futon Shop All Natural Latex Shikibuton Mattress
The Futon Shop All Natural Latex Shikibuton Mattress

If you’re a fan of organic latex mattresses, The Futon Shop also offers an All Natural Latex Shikibuton Mattress

It’s a handmade Japanese style mattress that’s made with organic Dunlop latex and chemical-free virgin wool.

It’s 3 inches thick, and it has a responsive feel and it provides sturdy support for all sleeper types. We also recommend this futon mattress for hot sleepers and allergy sufferers. 


#3. FULI Japanese Futon Mattress

FULI Japanese Futon Mattress
FULI Japanese Futon Mattress

Pros

Cons

Why it’s one of the best

The FULI Japanese Futon Mattress is our top pick for those who suffer from back pain. 

We liked it because it offers adequate support to maintain spinal alignment and alleviate tension from the lower back.

It’s 2 inches thick (2.5″ for King size), and its stuffing is made of polyester and polyfoam. It features a breathable cotton cover that wicks away moisture to ensure that you always stay fresh while sleeping. 

The FULI Japanese Futon Mattress showed good results in our performance tests. One major downside of the mattress is that it is not suitable for sleepers who weigh over 300 lbs

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 2 inches, 2,5 inches
Firmness levels Medium Firm
Materials Breathable cotton cover, Polyester and polyfoam filling
Free trial period 100 days
Warranty length N/A
Shipping Free

FULI Japanese Futon Mattress performance

We rated the FULI Japanese Futon Mattress a 6.5 to 7 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. 

It’s thinner than your average mattress since it’s a traditional Japanese futon. We tried the mattress both on a bed base and on the floor.

When I tested the mattress on the floor, it felt more like a 7 out of 10, which is firmer than average. 

This firmness is better suited to back and stomach sleepers than side sleepers. We also don’t recommend this mattress for heavyweight sleepers because it’s going to be too thin for them to get ample support. 

The FULI Japanese Futon Mattress got a 9.1 in our pressure relief test. 

It felt a little too firm for side sleeping, especially for my body type and weight. For reference, I’m 6’2” and 171 lbs. I felt better contouring and support while sleeping on my back. 

The FULI Japanese Futon Mattress got a 9.7 in our responsiveness test. 

It showed very good responsiveness results. The polyfoam filling is bouncy and allows for ease of movement. If you’re someone with mobility issues, we recommend using the futon with a platform bed frame to make it easier to get in and out of bed. 

The FULI Japanese Futon Mattress got a 9.3 in our temperature regulation test. 

I slept on the mattress on the floor to get an authentic futon experience. The floor was cold due to the chilly weather but the futon kept me warm all night. I should also mention that I placed the futon on top of a tatami mat and not directly on the floor. 

The FULI Japanese Futon Mattress got a 9.2 in our durability test. 

It’s not made with the most durable materials but it should last for a few years with proper care and usage. We recommend using covers or sheets and regularly drying the futon out in the sun. 

Overall, the FULI Japanese Futon Mattress garnered a performance rating of 9.3 out of 10. 

FactorPerformance
FirmnessMedium Firm
Cooling9.3
Pressure relief9.1
Responsiveness9.7
Durability9.3
Mattress thickness (inches)2, 2.5
Trial (nights)100
Warranty (years)N/A

Alternate pick: FULI Japanese Tatami Mattress

FULI Japanese Tatami Mattress
FULI Japanese Tatami Mattress

If you’re looking for a high-quality tatami mat, check out the FULI Japanese Tatami Mattress.

This is not really an alternative but rather a supplement to the Japanese Futon Mattress. 

Made with 100% Japanese rush grass, it’s 0.5 inches thick, and it comes in all six standard futon mattress sizes.

The FULI Japanese Tatami Mat did great in our testing, and it excels at absorbing moisture and keeping the shikibuton free from mold. 


#4. MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress

MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress
MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress

Pros

Cons

Why it’s one of the best

If you’re looking for an affordable futon mattress, go for the MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress. 

It’s budget-friendly, and it’s made with a blend of polyester filling and high-density support foam for balanced comfort. 

It’s 4 inches thick, and it features a soft microfiber cover that comes in a vast array of colors including black and pink. It’s a great option for those who are concerned about aesthetics and style. The mattress is suitable for all sleeper types, including combination sleepers. 

The MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress showed good results in most of our performance tests, but it fell a bit short in the durability category. That said, we like that it comes with a storage bag so it can be folded and stored when not in use. 

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 4 inches
Firmness levels Medium Firm
Materials Soft microfiber cover, Polyester filling, High-density support foam, Storage bag
Free trial period 30 days
Warranty length N/A
Shipping Free

MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress performance

Our rated the MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress a 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. 

It felt slightly softer than average, but it might feel firmer for some lightweight individuals (130 lbs. and under). It’s suitable for all sleeping positions, and it provides adequate lumbar support to alleviate back pain and tension.

The MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress got a 9.4 in our pressure relief test. 

I really enjoyed side sleeping and back sleeping on the mattress. It gave me ample support, and it also provided nice cushioning for my joints. However, my hips did bow into the mattress a little bit when I switched to stomach sleeping. 

The MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress got a 9.5 in our responsiveness test. 

We didn’t experience any issues rolling around and switching positions while lying on the mattress. It’s a great option for combo sleepers and those who have mobility issues. 

The MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress got a 9.3 in our temperature regulation test. 

I slept temperature-neutral on the mattress. It doesn’t have any cooling materials, however, it did keep me warm even when I used it with a tatami mat on the floor. 

The MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress got an 8.9 in our durability test. 

Unfortunately, its low price range does come with a downside. The materials used in the mattress are not going to last as long as other costlier brands. That being said, this will also depend on how often you use the mattress and how well you care for it and maintain it. 

Overall, the MAXYOYO Japanese Floor Mattress garnered a performance rating of 9.3 out of 10. 

FactorPerformance
FirmnessMedium Firm
Cooling9.3
Pressure relief9.4
Responsiveness9.5
Durability8.9
Mattress thickness (inches)2/2.5
Trial (nights)30
Warranty (years)N/A

Alternate pick: MAXYOYO 6″ Extra Thick Floor Futon Mattress

MAXYOYO 6" Extra Thick Floor Futon Mattress
MAXYOYO 6″ Extra Thick Floor Futon Mattress

If you’re plus-size sleeper, we recommend checking out the MAXYOYO 6″ Extra Thick Floor Futon Mattress

It’s made with upgraded high-density support foam to accommodate individuals who weigh more than average.

It’s 6 inches thick, and we found it to be highly supportive for all body types and sleeping positions. In addition, the mattress is encased in a skin-friendly polyester cover that’s dustproof to keep the futon clean. 


#5. Colorful Mart

Colorful Mart futon
Colorful Mart Futon

Pros

Cons

Why it’s one of the best

The Colorful Mart futon is our top pick for best Japanese futon for couples. 

If you and your partner are minimalists, you can get a traditional Japanese futon experience on this mattress. It’s made with microfiber filling to give you a plush and comfy feel that’s perfect for side sleeping. 

It’s 10 inches thick, and it comes in four colors: Blue, Brown, Grey, and Red. In terms of feel, it’s softer than average and it’s great for cushioning and pressure relief. 

The Colorful Mart Japanese futon mattress did very well in all our performance tests. One drawback we found is that it’s too soft to be suitable for strict stomach sleepers who need support for their hips. 

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 10 inches
Firmness levels Medium
Materials Polyester fiber cover, Microfiber filling
Free trial period 30 days
Warranty length N/A
Shipping Free

Colorful Mart performance

We gave the Colorful Mart futon a 5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. 

It’s softer than average, and it offers lots of cushioning and pressure relief. We recommend it for all sleeper types, but it’s best suited for side sleepers and some back sleepers who prefer softer beds. 

The Colorful Mart futon got a 9.7 in our pressure relief test. 

I felt great sleeping on my side on the futon. There was no pressure buildup in my shoulders and hips, and I did not sink too much into mattress. 

Moving on to back sleeping, it gave me ample support to ensure that my spine remained in a neutral alignment. 

The Colorful Mart futon got a 9.1 in our responsiveness test. 

The soft filling in the mattress reduces responsiveness, which might make it harder for some sleepers to switch from one position to another. 

The Colorful Mart futon got a 9.4 in our temperature regulation test. 

It did an excellent job of keeping me warm while sleeping on a tatami mat and on the floor. Microfiber has higher thermal insulation that other common mattress materials.

The Colorful Mart futon got a 9.4 in our durability test. 

During our testing, we found that this mattress is made with high-quality materials which can last for five years or more. As long as you take proper care of the mattress, you can enjoy sleeping on it even longer than that. 

FactorPerformance
FirmnessMedium
Cooling9.4
Pressure relief9.7
Responsiveness9.1
Durability9.4
Mattress thickness (inches)6
Trial (nights)30
Warranty (years)N/A

#6. ZonLi

zonli futon
ZonLi Futon

Pros

Cons

Why it’s one of the best

We like the ZonLi Japanese Futon Mattress because it provides great comfort and support and it’s made with high-quality materials. 

It gives you a nice balance of squishiness and firmness and it only takes up minimal space. 

It’s 2.5 inches thick, and our testing showed that it’s best suited for back and stomach sleeping due to its sturdy support. We also appreciate the overall value it offers for the affordable price range. 

The ZonLi Futon Mattress showed great results in all our performance tests, but it might be a bit too firm for some side sleepers. Some consumers have also reported minor inconsistencies with the futon’s thickness. 

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 2.5 inches
Firmness levels Firm
Materials Breathable cotton cover, PP cotton filling, High-density 25D base foam
Free trial period 30 days
Warranty length N/A
Shipping Free

ZonLi performance

We rated the ZonLi futon a 7 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. 

In terms of feel, it’s firmer than average and it’s best suited for back and stomach sleepers.

The ZonLi futon got a 9.1 in our pressure relief test. 

I felt some pressure building up in my shoulders when I tried side sleeping on the mattress. It’s not the best mattress side sleeping. 

That said, it does provide excellent support for both back and stomach sleeping. Its high-density foam layer keeps your spine and hips in alignment. 

The ZonLi futon got a 9.6 in our responsiveness test. 

We did not have a hard time moving around and switching positions on the mattress. It has a good response time, and it’s a great option for individuals who have limited mobility.

The ZonLi futon got a 9.4 in our temperature regulation test. 

It’s a very breathable mattress, and it kept me cool when I slept on it. The cotton cover and PP cotton filling promote air circulation and wick away moisture. 

The ZonLi futon got a 9.7 in our durability test. 

We tested the futon’s materials and found it highly durable and long-lasting. The high-density foam is of high quality, and so are the cotton cover and comfort layer. 

Overall, the ZonLi futon mattress garnered a performance rating of 9.4 out of 10.

FactorPerformance
FirmnessFirm
Cooling9.4
Pressure relief9.1
Responsiveness9.6
Durability9.7
Mattress thickness (inches)2.5
Trial (nights)30
Warranty (years)N/A

#7. MIINA Traditional Japanese Tatami Mattress

MIINA tatami mattress
MIINA Traditional Japanese Tatami Mattress

Pros

Cons

Why it’s one of the best

The MIINA Traditional Japanese Tatami Mattress is the best tatami mat you can buy today. 

Unlike the other models on this list, this is a tatami mat, not a futon mattress. It’s made with 100% natural rush grass which blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design. 

It’s 0.4 inches thick, and it should be used below a shikibuton mattress. It’s very well-made, and it’s also suitable not only for Japanese futons but also for Western-style beds.

The MIINA Traditional Japanese Tatami Mattress showed great value and performance, and the only possible drawback is its natural grass odor.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels
Firmness levels
Materials
Free trial period
Warranty length
Shipping Free
  • 0.4 inches thick
  • Comes in 6 sizes
  • Made in Japan
  • Natural Japanese rush grass
  • Non-slip, non-woven fabric bottom
  • 30-day return period
  • Free shipping and returns

MIINA Traditional Japanese Tatami Mattress performance

Since this is a tatami mat, we simply reviewed its benefits instead of putting it through our usual mattress performance tests. 

The highlights for us were its durability, comfort, appearance, and ease of storage. 

In terms of durability, the MIINA Traditional Japanese Tatami Mat should last for 5-10 years (or more) depending on your usage and maintenance. 

Avoid wetting it and avoid exposure to direct sunlight to extend its lifespan. We recommend that you hang-dry your tatami mat every six months to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. 

With regards to comfort, it does not have a huge effect but it does provide you with a stable surface for your futon mattress. 

It also features a non-slip bottom which ensures that your futon stays in place all night long. 

It also looks elegant and we think it gives the room an ambience of tranquility. We found its design flexible and functional, and it’s also foldable and easy to store. 

Overall, the MIINA Traditional Japanese Tatami Mattress offers great value and it’s going to be a worthwhile investment. 

Alternate pick: MIINA Japanese Futon Mattress

MIINA Japanese Futon Mattress
MIINA Japanese Futon Mattress

If you’re looking for a futon mattress from the same brand, check out the MIINA Japanese Futon Mattress

It’s a 2-inch futon mattress that blends memory foam and cotton to create a pressure-relieving minimalist sleep surface.

It comes in two sizes, Twin and Full, and it’s suitable for all sleeper types: back, side, stomach, and combination. We recommend it for students and single people in particular because it does not come in queen-size


#8. MASVIS

masvis futon
MASVIS Futon

Pros

Cons

Why it’s one of the best

The MASVIS Japanese futon mattress is our top pick when it comes to temperature regulation. 

It’s made with a memory foam comfort layer and an insulating cotton layer to keep you warm when sleeping on the floor. 

It’s 2 inches thick, and it comes three sizes: Twin, Full, and Queen. It has a firmer feel that’s ideal for back and stomach sleepers who are looking for a supportive futon mattress.

The MASVIS Japanese futon mattress did very well in our performance tests, and it’s only major downside is that it’s a bit too firm for side sleepers with sensitive joints. 

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 2 inches
Firmness levels Firm
Materials Box quilting design, Breathable polyester cover, Insulating cotton layer, Memory foam comfort layer
Free trial period 30 days
Warranty length N/A
Shipping Free

MASVIS performance

Our team rated the MASVIS Japanese futon mattress a 7 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. 

It’s a firmer futon mattress, and we recommend it to back and stomach sleepers who prefer a minimalist sleeping surface. It’s going to be a little firm for some side sleepers, especially those who strictly sleep on their side. 

The MASVIS Japanese futon mattress got a 9 in our pressure relief test. 

I did not get enough cushioning for my shoulders when I tried side sleeping on the mattress. It’s more suited for back and stomach sleepers who need a firmer surface to maintain a neutral spinal alignment. 

The MASVIS Japanese futon mattress got a 9.6 in our responsiveness test. 

The memory foam used in the futon has a quicker response to pressure than traditional memory foam. It was easy to move around and switch positions on the mattress.

The MASVIS Japanese futon mattress got a 9.9 in our temperature regulation test. 

We noticed superb insulation on the mattress. I tried placing it directly on the floor and I didn’t feel cold sleeping on it. 

The MASVIS Japanese futon mattress got a 9.3 in our durability test. 

The materials used in the futon are of good-quality. We estimate that it will last 5 to 7 years with proper care. 

Overall, the MASVIS Japanese futon mattress garnered a performance rating of 9.4 out of 10.

FactorPerformance
FirmnessFirm
Cooling9.9
Pressure relief9
Responsiveness9.6
Durability9.3
Mattress thickness (inches)2
Trial (nights)30
Warranty (years)N/A

#9. Dr. Futon

dr. futon mattress
Dr. Futon

Pros

Cons

Why it’s one of the best

The Dr. Futon mattress gave us the best pressure relief for side sleeping. 

It’s a Japanese futon mattress that’s made with a high-quality blend of cotton and memory foam.

It’s 4.7 inches thick, and it comes in 3 sizes and 3 colors. It’s suitable for all sleeper types, but it offers much-needed cushioning and contouring for side sleepers. 

The Dr. Futon mattress showed great results in all our performance tests, and the only drawbacks we found are some minor size inaccuracies. 

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 4.7 inches
Firmness levels Medium
Materials Cotton layer, Memory foam middle layer
Free trial period 30 days
Warranty length N/A
Shipping Free

Dr. Futon performance

Our team rated the Dr. Futon mattress a 5.5 to 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. 

It’s a softer Japanese futon that’s slightly thicker than average. We recommend it for all sleeper types, but it’s most ideal for side sleepers. 

The Dr. Futon mattress got a 9.8 in our pressure relief test. 

I felt ample cushioning and pressure relief on my shoulders and hips while side sleeping on the futon. I also got some nice body contouring and lumbar support when I switched to back sleeping.

The Dr. Futon mattress got a 9.3 in our responsiveness test. 

The results were quite good, considering the slow-moving nature of memory foam. That said, individuals with mobility issues might have a harder time switching positions and getting in and out of the mattress.

The Dr. Futon mattress got a 9.2 in our temperature regulation test. 

I slept temperature-neutral on the mattress. It does not have any cooling properties, but it did keep me warm while I slept on it on the floor. 

The Dr. Futon mattress got a 9.5 in our durability test. 

It’s made with good-quality memory foam that’s more durable than typical futon mattress filling materials. 

Overall, the Dr. Futon mattress garnered a performance rating of 9.4 out of 10. 

FactorPerformance
FirmnessMedium
Cooling9.2
Pressure relief9.8
Responsiveness9.3
Durability9.5
Mattress thickness (inches)4.7
Trial (nights)30
Warranty (years)N/A

#10. Auemtyn

Auemtyn futon
Auemtyn

Pros

Cons

Why it’s one of the best

The Auemtyn is the best Western-style shikibuton mattress out of all the models we tested. 

It’s rooted in the Japanese shikibuton tradition, but it’s a thicker mattress that’s made with both polyester filling and high-density support foam.

It’s 4 inches thick, and it’s available in 4 colors so you can choose which one fits your room’s aesthetic the best. We recommend the mattress for all body types and sleeping positions. 

The Auemtyn shikibuton mattress did very well in all our performance tests. Its only downsides are slight off-gassing after unboxing and that it’s a bit harder to store than thinner shikibuton mattresses. 

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 4 inches
Firmness levels Medium Firm
Materials High-quality polyester cover, Polyester filling, Memory foam middle layer
Free trial period 30 days
Warranty length N/A
Shipping Free

Auemtyn performance

We gave the Auemtyn shikibuton mattress a 6.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. 

It feels like medium-firm bed to us and we recommend it for all sleeping positions: side, back, stomach, and combination. It has a slow-moving memory foam feel with added cushioning from the polyester filling beneath the cover. 

The Auemtyn shikibuton mattress got a 9.6 in our pressure relief test. 

We received ample pressure point relief while side sleeping on the mattress. We also felt well-supported while back sleeping and stomach sleeping. 

The Auemtyn shikibuton mattress got a 9.2 in our responsiveness test. 

The slow-moving feel of the mattress makes it a bit hard to switch positions, especially if you’re someone with mobility issues. But it should be fine for most individuals. 

The Auemtyn shikibuton mattress got a 9.3 in our temperature regulation test. 

It showed good insulation even when we placed it directly on the floor. It’s a great option for both warm and cold climates.

The Auemtyn shikibuton mattress got a 9.4 in our durability test. 

We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the materials in the futon. It should last 7 years or more with regular care, cleaning, and maintenance. 

Overall, the Auemtyn shikibuton mattress garnered a performance rating of 9.4 out of 10. 

FactorPerformance
FirmnessMedium Firm
Cooling9.3
Pressure relief9.6
Responsiveness9.2
Durability9.4
Mattress thickness (inches)4
Trial (nights)30
Warranty (years)N/A

How we picked these mattresses

A good Japanese futon mattress provides comfort, support, and durability while having a minimalist design. 

We considered factors such as firmness, pressure relief, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and durability. 

We also looked for Japanese futon mattresses that offer great value and all-around benefits. 

Here’s a brief description of each factor we considered while making this list:

  • Comfort  Comfort is subjective. That’s why we included futon mattresses that are suitable for different types of body types and sleeping positions. 
  • Support  In terms of support, we look for futon mattresses that can hold at least 400 lbs. without sagging prematurely. Adequate support is essential for keeping a sleeper’s spine in proper alignment.
  • Durability  A durable futon mattress is one that can provide a consistent level of comfort and support for a minimum of 5 years. We tested the mattresses to make sure that they could support lightweight sleepers all the way to 400 lb. individuals without comprising their structural integrity. The type of filling used in a futon mattress plays a major role in its durability.
  • Firmness  Each individual has unique firmness preferences that depend on their body type, weight and preferred sleeping position. For that reason, we looked for futon mattresses that are medium to medium-firm which is the firmness that fits the widest variety of sleepers. That said, some of the futons on our list are firmer than average and better suited for back and stomach sleepers. 
  • Pressure relief  Pressure relief refers to the ability of a futon mattress to redistribute your body weight to prevent pressure from building up on one spot. To test for pressure relief, we check if the futon mattress can contour to our bodies and evenly distribute body weight.
  • Responsiveness  This refers to how quickly a futon mattress snaps back to its original shape after pressure is released from it. We looked for futon beds that allow for ease of movement and that don’t give us a stuck-in-the-mud feeling.
  • Temperature regulation  A futon mattress with good temperature regulation keeps you warm when it’s cold and vice versa. We looked for futon mattresses that are made with cooling or insulating materials. Breathable covers are also a big plus in this category. 

Additional resources: Learn more about choosing a Shikibuton


Conclusion

Based on our findings, the futon beds we listed above are the best Japanese futons you can buy today. We tested each futon’s comfort, support, durability, firmness, pressure relief, and temperature regulation. 

The Japanese way of life has piqued the interest of many Americans for a couple decades now, especially with regards to their minimalistic sleeping style. This is why we put together a list of the best Japanese futon mattresses available in the online mattress space. 

If you still aren’t sure which futon to buy, go for the Airweave Futon. It’s the overall best Japanese futon out of all the brands we tested. It’s made with the unique Airfiber® material, and it excels in cooling, durability, and support.


How we rate mattresses

We personally test and rate mattresses using the following strict quantitative criteria:

  1. Comfort
  2. Structural integrity and durability
  3. Firmness and support
  4. Cooling capabilities
  5. Pressure relief
  6. Edge support
  7. Motion isolation

Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here


Michelline Norton

Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?