Dec 17, 2025
Readjusting to futons
Having just spent 5 months sleeping on a bed in my home country, Ireland, I have to once again readjust to sleeping on a futon. My Mom always had the best mattresses available . They are very comfortable and supposed to be good for your back. Despite that, my body seems to do better with futon!
I do prefer the height of a bed, but after a month of living in Ireland, I started to get a pain in my back. I'm pretty sure it was from sleeping on a thick bed mattress, after years of sleeping on a thin futon on the ground. However, I don't think my body will suffer from readjusting to a futon now. I think futons are better for my back, for me personally, but it's probably different for everybody.
Do you ever get back pain from changing the type of bed you sleep in? Which do you prefer and / or find better for your back - a mattress or a futon?
Former nickname was "Saitama". Changed it to save confusion on place review posts! Irish, 20+ years in Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com
2 Comments
TonetoEdo
on Dec 17
Japan's futons saved my back! I have been sleeping on futons for decades. In summer, "sembei futon", thin ones placed on tatami, and in winter, two futons for warmth and comfort. My back thanks me. When I travel abroad, a fluffy mattress messes me up! It takes a few nights to get used to softer bedding. When staying with family, I have pulled thin mattresses and comforters onto carpeted floors for better sleeps.
BigfamJapan
on Dec 17
@TonetoEdo high five! I am sorry to hear you also suffer if you sleep on a mattress, but glad its not in my head and that I am not alone! I think I will have to try doing what you do the next time - use a thin mattress and / or comforter on the floor. Thanks for the tip.