Ever Wondered Where theIdea of The Futon Bed Came From?
The culture that not only invented but also perfected the original idea of the mattress used for sleeping, were the Japanese. This original design consisted of a mattress and a cover. Nothing more.
And traditionally, they were placed on top of a mat on the floor, known as a ‘tatami’ to keep from hurting your back from the hard stone or wooden floors. If you ever frequent to Japan, one can witness these mattresses hanging out to dry in the sun to keep them from developing mold and mites. Nowadays you can even invest in a Futon dryer to dry it after a wash, if you cannot hang it outside.
This idea gained so much popularity within the Western society, thatin the 1980s, people like William Brouwer, who had in fact spent a significant amount of time in Japan and was a keen enthusiast of the Japanese design, took it a step further and invented the mattress bed which consisted of a wood frame incorporated underneath the bed which could be folded to turn it into a sofa.
Because these beds are flexible, they can be easily folded into a sofa or chair and this inventiontook off just as famously as the original design itself and 30 years later, these beds and sofas are used all round the world from Asia, Europe, Africa to the Middle-East.
They come in many shapes and sizes, and the materials that Futons are traditionally made of could be anything from:
• Cotton
• Polyester
• Wool
• An improved mix of Wool and Nylon
• Lurex
However, recently, due to technology and revolution, you can find a whole new range of materials to choose from:
• i-Fibre: which is a new type of fibre arranged in a non-conventional way i.e. horizontally. It acts like springs and avoid the problem of compression from laying on top of the pads. Resulting in a more comfortable lie-in.
• Rebound Polycotton: Is a mix of polyester and cotton but in a more thick and stable consistency to provide more comfort as well.
Why Is There So Much Hype About Them?
One can easily see how famous these are and if the Japanese have been sleeping on them for centuries, then there must be some good it can do for us too. So why are they so popular, even amongst medical practitioners, osteopaths, and health coaches? Let’s take a look at some of the many advantages of sleeping on a Futon mattress or bed.
The obvious reasons:
• You don’t need to worry about falling off your bed.
• It is one of the most portable items in your home. Lifting it up is as easy as rolling it and picking it up to position it elsewhere i.e. it’s a lot lighter than a bed.
• If you have a guest and don’t have a blow-up mattress or an extra room or couch for them – this would be the most suitable option for you to lay anywhere.
• Because it does not take up so much space, you can use your bedroom or sleeping room as a multi-purpose area. Not to mention the popularity of a minimalist lifestyle is just around the corner.
• It requires minimal storage space if you have more than one.
• You can clean it a lot easier than your bed, mattress, pillow, and blanket all put together. And you get dryers for them too. These inventions have air pockets between the layers, allowing them to air easily. However, with frequent use, they can get compressed or closed, which is why airing them is important in order to keep the cushioning and air pockets open.
The not too obvious, but more important, reasons:
• They are available in 100% Cotton material i.e. 100% Organic materials. Cotton is one of the most sterile materials in our environment.
• The most obvious reason for having one of these, it is good for your back – It keeps your spine aligned, and has been proven time and time again that sleeping on a hard surface is better for our spine health. Poor posture has been known to have harmful effects on your health. Read more here.
• You can easily layer them on top of each other for more cushion.
• Some people may think they are expensive, but that myth has been debunked a long time ago. A single Futon can range between $200 – $300. This, in comparison to a conventional bed, which can cost a minimum of around $1100 on average, seems far less a price to pay.
• It is for every season, even Winter. If you combine it with a warm duvet, this sleeping style gives you exceptional sleep during the winter months–it is light, soft, and some may even claim‘ultra-comfortable.’
• It is fair warning that these Futons are not for everyone. There is no – one size fits all. If youalready have back issues, it is advisable to speak to your practitioner first before buying one.
Now That You Have Decided to Invest in One – Congratulations! Which One Should You Go For?
Even though their originators sought them out to be as simple as possible, the 20th century has no-doubt added some more options for us. Now they come in different shapes, materials, sizes and for every person’s individual needs and choices.
Choosing one is more of a fun activity than a tedious chore. To make things even better, some sites likeryansbestreviews.com havegone to lengths to include different reviews on each one to help you out, including their pros and cons. It can’t get better than that!
From the more exclusive and expensive versions like Flottebo to the humbler Balkarp design, or even the cheeky namedLyckseleLovas, you will never run out of designs to try or get bored of one.
Lastbut Not least
If you were buying a conventional bed, you would stop to consider a few things. Similarly, to Futon beds, it is important to do somepersonal-homeworkbefore leaving the house to buy one. A few things to take into consideration:
- Space available in your room– Measuring this would save you a lot of hassles later. The mattress needs to lie completely flat on the floor and not be obstructed by any walls or objects in and around it.Think about how will you use it?
- What material would you like for the mattress and frame (if adding one)? Are you allergic to anything?
- Your budget for it?
- Make sure it is washable.
Enjoy your adventure!