A shikibuton is a 2-4 inch Japanese sleeping mat of natural fibers designed to lie on the floor or tatami and be folded away daily. A Western futon is a 6-8 inch hybrid mattress made for a convertible sofa frame. A conventional mattress is 10-14 inches, built to stay permanently on a bed base. The right choice depends on three things: how firm you like your sleep surface, whether you want your bedroom space back each morning, and your budget.
Comparison table
|
Shikibuton |
Western futon |
Conventional mattress |
| Thickness |
2-4″ |
6-8″ |
10-14″ |
| Feel |
Firm, grounded |
Medium-firm |
Soft to firm |
| Foldable daily |
Yes, it’s its purpose |
Folds on frame |
No |
| Weight |
15-25 lb |
40-60 lb |
70-120 lb |
| Best on |
Floor / tatami |
Sofa frame |
Bed base |
| Lifespan |
10-15 yrs with sun-airing |
8-12 yrs |
8-10 yrs |
| Price (Futon d’or, CAD) |
$219.99–$669.99 |
$239.99–$939.99 |
$610–$2,390 |
Weight and lifespan are typical ranges for each category.
Who should choose a shikibuton?
Choose a shikibuton if you sleep best on a firm surface, want a bedroom that converts to living space, or follow minimalist or floor-sleeping principles. It’s also the traveling and cottage favourite: a queen shikibuton rolls into a car trunk. Back-sleepers and stomach-sleepers adapt fastest; strict side-sleepers with pronounced hips may prefer layering two, or a futon.
Who should choose a Western futon?
Choose a futon when one room must do two jobs, guest room and office, or studio living, because it pairs with a convertible frame. A quality natural-fiber futon (cotton, wool, latex layers) sleeps like a real mattress nightly, unlike the foam slabs of big-box futons. Futon d’or has been making natural-fiber futons in Montreal since 1981.
Who should choose a conventional mattress?
Choose a conventional mattress if you want the plushest feel, sleep with a partner of a very different body weight, or never plan to move or fold your bed. Our natural mattresses use latex, wool and cotton instead of conventional polyurethane foam and chemical flame retardants.
Can you sleep on a shikibuton every night?
Yes, it’s how a large part of Japan sleeps daily. Two conditions: air it regularly (fold it each morning, sun it monthly) so the cotton batting stays lofted, and use it on a breathing surface: tatami or a slatted base, rather than directly on plastic or vinyl flooring.
FAQ
Is a shikibuton good for your back?
A firm, even surface keeps the spine neutral for back and stomach sleepers; many people report reduced morning stiffness after the 1-2 week adjustment period. It is not a medical device. Consult a professional for chronic conditions.
What’s the difference between a shikibuton and a Japanese futon?
None. “Shikibuton” (敷布団) is the Japanese word for the sleeping mat itself. “Japanese futon” is the common English name for the same object.
Do you need a tatami mat under a shikibuton?
No, but it’s the traditional pairing: tatami adds insulation, slight give, and airflow. On hardwood, a shikibuton works alone; on carpet, air it more often.
Browse our shikibutons, futon mattresses and natural mattresses, or read our tatami mat sizes guide.
