Do you sleep on a futon?

neko_girl22 · Oct 2, 2003, 22:28

Do you sleep on a futon? I love futon, it's so cosy ;)

Do you like futon or is sleeping on the floor incredibly uncomfortable??

kirei_na_me · Oct 2, 2003, 22:38

We don't sleep on a futon, but I've always wanted to try it. We can order real Japanese style futon here, but my husband is not very interested. He is used to sleeping in a bed, because he slept in one most of his life. He and his sister got their own beds and they each got their own room, while their parents slept on the futon.

**Uncle Frank** · Oct 2, 2003, 23:57

We have one in both bedrooms, extra firm. I made low platforms to get them up off the cold wood floors though. Plus, when you get old, it's harder to get up from so low!

Frank

fut0n · Oct 3, 2003, 02:08

weeeeee, love me love me

**jeisan** · Oct 3, 2003, 03:40

yeah i slept on one for a year or so. now i have a real bed again.

Mandylion · Oct 3, 2003, 10:45

I would add "Yes, because it is there" on the poll

I'll sleep on whatever is at hand. I just happen to have a futon now, so that is what I use. I don't have central heat/air, so I need to have bedding that can be moved into either the room with the air-con, or the room with the heater. If I had heat/air I would probably sleep on a bed (or a continually deployed futon) because I am lazy.

neko_girl22 · Oct 3, 2003, 17:56

sorry good point Mandylion - any idea how I can add that to my poll? edit button says only for moderators.....

Even in NZ we slept on a kind of futon.... Hubby hates soft beds and I'm ok with that because I grew up with a really firm bed.
I love futons, but sleeping on the floor does feel like I have more of a chance that bugs will crawl over me at night.........

**Uncle Frank** · Oct 3, 2003, 19:25

Yes, but no worries about monsters under the bed !

Frank

SalaryMan · Oct 3, 2003, 22:14

Ever wonder why Japan has such an abundancy in neck aches? Futons is the reason why. Well ... Even people who sleep on beds here get them often .. why? ... ever laid on a japanese bed? ... oh what's that you say ? you havn't ? .. hmm well have you ever laid on a slab on concrete? same thing! Japan has absolutely NO IDEA when it comes to comfort in the sleep department. I have this awful matress ... rock solid.. over that I put a futon ( like 3" thick " ) and rest my head on a real feather pillow. Still get awful muscle pains. Japan needs to think about REAL comfort ( like double layer , anti roll together , matresses ).

kirei_na_me · Oct 4, 2003, 00:51

The Japanese do like firm sleeping surfaces. The mattress I inherited via marriage is about as close to concrete as you can get, I think! I wound up putting the thickest, softest mattress pad I could buy on top of it, and then went out and bought a featherbed to go on top of that. It is now more like plywood instead of concrete...

**Iron Chef** · Oct 4, 2003, 04:51

I never slept on a futon until I came to Japan. Ever since then I sleep on them (even now) and I have no complaints. I tried sleeping on a waterbed a couple times... phfft.

mdchachi · Oct 4, 2003, 13:04

You forgot to give a plain "No" option on your poll. I only sleep on futon if I am visiting somebody in Japan or on vacation at a ryokan or onsen hotel. I like futons mainly because they are a novelty and hold vacation memories. I wouldn't want to sleep on one daily -- not a typical single-layer one anyway.

neko_girl22 · Oct 4, 2003, 13:48

yeah I know mdchachi, sorry!

If I could add it, I would, but uh not sure how I can do that......

budd · Oct 4, 2003, 13:58

i'll take anything (even sleeping standing up sgt decker) over a tatami
get up feeling like somebody beat with my grandma's rugs ALL over
oof

neko_girl22 · Oct 4, 2003, 15:22

haha Budd yeah if you've grown up on a soft bed I suppose it would be uncomfortable.

Who added the last option to my poll? Thanks, but if you had asked me first I would asked to add a plain "no" and a plain "yes" (as mentioned by Mandylion and mdchachi) ;)

budd · Oct 4, 2003, 15:27

"haha Budd yeah if you've grown up on a soft bed I suppose it would be uncomfortable."

yah, i'm a big ol wuss
well, like i was saying elsewhere, falling alseep on toilets is easy
but i walk around a tatami in a circle three times like a feline
trying to talk meself into it
mrrrow

Anguz · Oct 6, 2003, 01:11

I don't have a real futon, but it comes close... actually it's thinner and harder... yes, I like sleeping on the floor, much more if it's not hard as hard or cold as the actual floor, so even a blanket is good enough sometimes

I have a little pillow I put under my lower back and that helps it rest so much better

;)

my wife doesn't like it, though, she's used to beds, although she did accept to have the mattress on the floor, next to me hehe

Tiger · Oct 6, 2003, 01:56

Originally posted by SalaryMan
Ever wonder why Japan has such an abundancy in neck aches? Futons is the reason why. Well ... Even people who sleep on beds here get them often .. why? ... ever laid on a japanese bed? ... oh what's that you say ? you havn't ? .. hmm well have you ever laid on a slab on concrete? same thing! Japan has absolutely NO IDEA when it comes to comfort in the sleep department. I have this awful matress ... rock solid.. over that I put a futon ( like 3" thick " ) and rest my head on a real feather pillow. Still get awful muscle pains. Japan needs to think about REAL comfort ( like double layer , anti roll together , matresses ).

Nice try, but actually your statement is completely the opposite of the truth. Ask any physiotherapist or osteopath and they will tell you that a futon is a pretty good surface on which to sleep in order to maintain a well supported back and neck. It is in fact the soft mattresses of western countries that cause problems because your spine is in a curved position when sleeping.

Since when have people wondered why Japan has such an abundancy of neckaches? It's not something I've ever considered to be particularly prevalent here more than any other country. Japan doesn't "need" to think about anything. If you don't like the sleeping arrangements here, that's your problem, not Japan's.

Personally, myself and my girlfriend both sleep on 2 single futons next to each other. This is largely it's not worth buying a double, since we both had single futons when we met. Although I think we're planning to move to a new apartment in the new year, so we might get a new one then.

Tiger

SalaryMan · Oct 6, 2003, 07:51

Ask any physiotherapist or osteopath and they will tell you that a futon is a pretty good surface on which to sleep in order to maintain a well supported back and neck

wrong.. A natural position for your lower back is infact curved inward with your upper back out. This causes the least stress on the spine possible. How else do you explain the super soft "nasa" technology pillows and matresses avalible in many stores now .. even in japan ( i'm sure you know the ones ). They are very far off a futon. Whilst your' information appears to be educated due to your use of grammer. It is merely your oppinion.

I am not the only person who has ever wondered why Japan has such an abundancy in neck aches. Infact it was my own wife ( japanese ) who pointed it out to me in a discussion between her , her mother and I. My wife stated to me that she didn't suffer a single neck ache in my own country whilst she was there but now she gets them frequant. Try walking around osaka and taking note of the vast amount of people rubbing thier necks. Take note of the television commercials which frequantly address the subject of neck aches. Then get back to me when you've done so.

neko_girl22 · Oct 6, 2003, 10:48

hmmm I agree with Tiger. I always heard that firm mattresses are better for your back. My parents have back problems and I remember travelling with them and we HAD to find hotels that had firm mattresses hehe....
My mum also has osteoarthritis in her neck/shoulders and her pillow is quite firm. Not fluffy and soft.
Japanese pillows filled with buckwheat are supposed to be the best for necks. My hubby got a bad neck/backache from NZ pillows so I bought him a Japanese style pillow.

I inherited my Grandma's bed when I was a child which was especially designed for her bad back - it's really firm and that's why I have no problem sleeping on the floor - although I prefer a futon

kirei_na_me · Oct 6, 2003, 10:52

I seem to think that hard surfaces are better for necks and backs too. I remember my doctor telling me to lie on the wood floor, flat on my back, to help my back pain. I thought that lying on a hard surface was better for keeping the vertebrae in line?

mdchachi · Oct 6, 2003, 12:35

> Try walking around osaka and taking note of the vast amount of people rubbing thier necks.
> Take note of the television commercials which frequantly address the subject of neck aches. Then get back to me when you've done so.

And note how many people sleep sitting down on the train with their heads down, only held up only by their neck muscles. If that ain't a major source of neck pain I don't know what is.

Oct 6, 2003, 12:51

I've tracked down some official medical advice. Of course, each to their own and you can sleep however you want! Excercise is the best remedy in my opinion. Stay fit with stretching and/or yoga along with other preventative techniques. Here are a few I found:

"Sleep smart. Lie on a firm mattress. Use pillows for support, but don't use a pillow that forces your neck up at a severe angle." Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA .

"When sleeping
* Use a firm mattress.
* Lie on your side with your knees bent.
* Place a pillow between your knees if it is more comfortable.
(University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, 2002).
Sleeping:
Use a firm mattress for sleeping. A feather pillow or rolled-up towel will support your neck when you are sleeping on your side or back. Don't use a pillow when you sleep on your stomach. A 1-1 1/2 inch roll can be used to help maintain your lower inward curve. ( Cornell University Health Services)

The only contrary (soft mattress) info i found was supplied by mattress manufacturers.

Anguz · Oct 6, 2003, 14:34

thanks!

neko_girl22 · Oct 6, 2003, 15:51

I wish I knew who kept adding to my poll lol

View Poll Results: Do you sleep on a futon?
Yes, and I love it!	56	30.94%
Yes, but it's soo uncomfortable	9	4.97%
No, I'd like to but there is no futon in my country	33	18.23%
No, I have never tried	31	17.13%
Bed or futon, it makes no difference !	23	12.71%
No, not regularly	29	16.02%
Voters: 181. You may not vote on this poll

Oct 2, 2003, 22:28	#1
neko_girl22 Regular Member Join Date: May 14, 2003 Posts: 459	Do you sleep on a futon? Do you sleep on a futon? I love futon, it's so cosy ;) Do you like futon or is sleeping on the floor incredibly uncomfortable??

Oct 2, 2003, 22:38	#2
kirei_na_me Where I'm Supposed to Be Join Date: Jan 31, 2003 Location: Virginia Age: 33 Posts: 3,922	We don't sleep on a futon, but I've always wanted to try it. We can order real Japanese style futon here, but my husband is not very interested. He is used to sleeping in a bed, because he slept in one most of his life. He and his sister got their own beds and they each got their own room, while their parents slept on the futon. __________________ *i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)*

Oct 2, 2003, 23:57	#3
Uncle Frank You SPAM/We BAN ! Join Date: May 21, 2003 Location: State of Maine Age: 60 Posts: 6,727	Love um ! We have one in both bedrooms, extra firm. I made low platforms to get them up off the cold wood floors though. Plus, when you get old, it's harder to get up from so low! Frank

Oct 3, 2003, 03:40	#5
jeisan Kongming Join Date: Feb 24, 2003 Location: san antonio, texas Age: 27 Posts: 2,848	yeah i slept on one for a year or so. now i have a real bed again. __________________ Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity. =[Signature Guidelines]==[User Titles]==[Forum Rules]=

Oct 3, 2003, 02:08	#4
fut0n Junior Member Join Date: Jul 31, 2003 Age: 22 Posts: 13	weeeeee, love me love me

Oct 3, 2003, 10:45	#6
Mandylion Omnipotence personified Join Date: Mar 15, 2003 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,121	I would add "Yes, because it is there" on the poll I'll sleep on whatever is at hand. I just happen to have a futon now, so that is what I use. I don't have central heat/air, so I need to have bedding that can be moved into either the room with the air-con, or the room with the heater. If I had heat/air I would probably sleep on a bed (or a continually deployed futon) because I am lazy. __________________ "It's a dn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word." - Andrew Jackson**

Oct 3, 2003, 17:56	#7
neko_girl22 Regular Member Join Date: May 14, 2003 Posts: 459	sorry good point Mandylion - any idea how I can add that to my poll? edit button says only for moderators..... Even in NZ we slept on a kind of futon.... Hubby hates soft beds and I'm ok with that because I grew up with a really firm bed. I love futons, but sleeping on the floor does feel like I have more of a chance that bugs will crawl over me at night.........

Oct 3, 2003, 19:25	#8
Uncle Frank You SPAM/We BAN ! Join Date: May 21, 2003 Location: State of Maine Age: 60 Posts: 6,727	Advantages ! Yes, but no worries about monsters under the bed ! Frank

Oct 3, 2003, 22:14	#9
SalaryMan Regular Member Join Date: Sep 1, 2003 Posts: 74	Ever wonder why Japan has such an abundancy in neck aches? Futons is the reason why. Well ... Even people who sleep on beds here get them often .. why? ... ever laid on a japanese bed? ... oh what's that you say ? you havn't ? .. hmm well have you ever laid on a slab on concrete? same thing! Japan has absolutely NO IDEA when it comes to comfort in the sleep department. I have this awful matress ... rock solid.. over that I put a futon ( like 3" thick " ) and rest my head on a real feather pillow. Still get awful muscle pains. Japan needs to think about REAL comfort ( like double layer , anti roll together , matresses ).

Oct 4, 2003, 00:51	#10
kirei_na_me Where I'm Supposed to Be Join Date: Jan 31, 2003 Location: Virginia Age: 33 Posts: 3,922	The Japanese do like firm sleeping surfaces. The mattress I inherited via marriage is about as close to concrete as you can get, I think! I wound up putting the thickest, softest mattress pad I could buy on top of it, and then went out and bought a featherbed to go on top of that. It is now more like plywood instead of concrete...

Oct 4, 2003, 04:51	#11
Iron Chef Villain Join Date: Feb 26, 2003 Location: Fukuoka (current), Nagoya, Sapporo Age: 38 Posts: 1,963	I never slept on a futon until I came to Japan. Ever since then I sleep on them (even now) and I have no complaints. I tried sleeping on a waterbed a couple times... phfft.

Oct 4, 2003, 13:04	#12
mdchachi Taicho Join Date: Mar 6, 2003 Location: USA (Detroit area) Posts: 687	You forgot to give a plain "No" option on your poll. I only sleep on futon if I am visiting somebody in Japan or on vacation at a ryokan or onsen hotel. I like futons mainly because they are a novelty and hold vacation memories. I wouldn't want to sleep on one daily -- not a typical single-layer one anyway.

Oct 4, 2003, 13:48	#13
neko_girl22 Regular Member Join Date: May 14, 2003 Posts: 459	yeah I know mdchachi, sorry! If I could add it, I would, but uh not sure how I can do that......

Oct 4, 2003, 13:58	#14
budd __________ Join Date: Jul 10, 2003 Posts: 1,972	it depends on on key factor i'll take anything (even sleeping standing up sgt decker) over a tatami get up feeling like somebody beat with my grandma's rugs ALL over oof __________________ ttp://www.tcvb.or.jp/

Oct 4, 2003, 15:22	#15
neko_girl22 Regular Member Join Date: May 14, 2003 Posts: 459	haha Budd yeah if you've grown up on a soft bed I suppose it would be uncomfortable. Who added the last option to my poll? Thanks, but if you had asked me first I would asked to add a plain "no" and a plain "yes" (as mentioned by Mandylion and mdchachi) ;)

Oct 4, 2003, 15:27	#16
budd __________ Join Date: Jul 10, 2003 Posts: 1,972	"haha Budd yeah if you've grown up on a soft bed I suppose it would be uncomfortable." yah, i'm a big ol wuss well, like i was saying elsewhere, falling alseep on toilets is easy but i walk around a tatami in a circle three times like a feline trying to talk meself into it mrrrow

Oct 6, 2003, 01:11	#17
Anguz Junior Member Join Date: Aug 27, 2003 Location: Taxco, Mexico. Age: 33 Posts: 13	I don't have a real futon, but it comes close... actually it's thinner and harder... yes, I like sleeping on the floor, much more if it's not hard as hard or cold as the actual floor, so even a blanket is good enough sometimes I have a little pillow I put under my lower back and that helps it rest so much better ;) my wife doesn't like it, though, she's used to beds, although she did accept to have the mattress on the floor, next to me hehe

Oct 6, 2003, 01:56	#18
Tiger Regular Member Join Date: Nov 24, 2002 Age: 37 Posts: 127	Originally posted by SalaryMan Ever wonder why Japan has such an abundancy in neck aches? Futons is the reason why. Well ... Even people who sleep on beds here get them often .. why? ... ever laid on a japanese bed? ... oh what's that you say ? you havn't ? .. hmm well have you ever laid on a slab on concrete? same thing! Japan has absolutely NO IDEA when it comes to comfort in the sleep department. I have this awful matress ... rock solid.. over that I put a futon ( like 3" thick " ) and rest my head on a real feather pillow. Still get awful muscle pains. Japan needs to think about REAL comfort ( like double layer , anti roll together , matresses ). Nice try, but actually your statement is completely the opposite of the truth. Ask any physiotherapist or osteopath and they will tell you that a futon is a pretty good surface on which to sleep in order to maintain a well supported back and neck. It is in fact the soft mattresses of western countries that cause problems because your spine is in a curved position when sleeping. Since when have people wondered why Japan has such an abundancy of neckaches? It's not something I've ever considered to be particularly prevalent here more than any other country. Japan doesn't "need" to think about anything. If you don't like the sleeping arrangements here, that's your problem, not Japan's. Personally, myself and my girlfriend both sleep on 2 single futons next to each other. This is largely it's not worth buying a double, since we both had single futons when we met. Although I think we're planning to move to a new apartment in the new year, so we might get a new one then. Tiger

Oct 6, 2003, 07:51	#19
SalaryMan Regular Member Join Date: Sep 1, 2003 Posts: 74	Ask any physiotherapist or osteopath and they will tell you that a futon is a pretty good surface on which to sleep in order to maintain a well supported back and neck wrong.. A natural position for your lower back is infact curved inward with your upper back out. This causes the least stress on the spine possible. How else do you explain the super soft "nasa" technology pillows and matresses avalible in many stores now .. even in japan ( i'm sure you know the ones ). They are very far off a futon. Whilst your' information appears to be educated due to your use of grammer. It is merely your oppinion. I am not the only person who has ever wondered why Japan has such an abundancy in neck aches. Infact it was my own wife ( japanese ) who pointed it out to me in a discussion between her , her mother and I. My wife stated to me that she didn't suffer a single neck ache in my own country whilst she was there but now she gets them frequant. Try walking around osaka and taking note of the vast amount of people rubbing thier necks. Take note of the television commercials which frequantly address the subject of neck aches. Then get back to me when you've done so.

Oct 6, 2003, 10:48	#20
neko_girl22 Regular Member Join Date: May 14, 2003 Posts: 459	hmmm I agree with Tiger. I always heard that firm mattresses are better for your back. My parents have back problems and I remember travelling with them and we HAD to find hotels that had firm mattresses hehe.... My mum also has osteoarthritis in her neck/shoulders and her pillow is quite firm. Not fluffy and soft. Japanese pillows filled with buckwheat are supposed to be the best for necks. My hubby got a bad neck/backache from NZ pillows so I bought him a Japanese style pillow. I inherited my Grandma's bed when I was a child which was especially designed for her bad back - it's really firm and that's why I have no problem sleeping on the floor - although I prefer a futon

Oct 6, 2003, 10:52	#21
kirei_na_me Where I'm Supposed to Be Join Date: Jan 31, 2003 Location: Virginia Age: 33 Posts: 3,922	I seem to think that hard surfaces are better for necks and backs too. I remember my doctor telling me to lie on the wood floor, flat on my back, to help my back pain. I thought that lying on a hard surface was better for keeping the vertebrae in line?

Oct 6, 2003, 12:35	#22
mdchachi Taicho Join Date: Mar 6, 2003 Location: USA (Detroit area) Posts: 687	> Try walking around osaka and taking note of the vast amount of people rubbing thier necks. > Take note of the television commercials which frequantly address the subject of neck aches. Then get back to me when you've done so. And note how many people sleep sitting down on the train with their heads down, only held up only by their neck muscles. If that ain't a major source of neck pain I don't know what is.

Oct 6, 2003, 12:51	#23
futureproof Guest Posts: n/a	I've tracked down some official medical advice. Of course, each to their own and you can sleep however you want! Excercise is the best remedy in my opinion. Stay fit with stretching and/or yoga along with other preventative techniques. Here are a few I found: "Sleep smart. Lie on a firm mattress. Use pillows for support, but don't use a pillow that forces your neck up at a severe angle." Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA . "When sleeping * Use a firm mattress. * Lie on your side with your knees bent. * Place a pillow between your knees if it is more comfortable. (University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, 2002). Sleeping: Use a firm mattress for sleeping. A feather pillow or rolled-up towel will support your neck when you are sleeping on your side or back. Don't use a pillow when you sleep on your stomach. A 1-1 1/2 inch roll can be used to help maintain your lower inward curve. ( Cornell University Health Services) The only contrary (soft mattress) info i found was supplied by mattress manufacturers.

Oct 6, 2003, 14:34	#24
Anguz Junior Member Join Date: Aug 27, 2003 Location: Taxco, Mexico. Age: 33 Posts: 13	thanks!

Oct 6, 2003, 15:51	#25
neko_girl22 Regular Member Join Date: May 14, 2003 Posts: 459	I wish I knew who kept adding to my poll lol

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