Do you have a clear understanding of whether a bed or a futon is better suited to your future lifestyle?

If you don't have many opportunities to replace your bedding, you rarely have the opportunity to gain knowledge about it. For this reason, many people who are moving out or starting to live alone or with a partner are unsure whether to get a bed or a futon.

Some people may be thinking of simply choosing based on preference, but it is ideal to understand the advantages and disadvantages and make a choice taking into consideration your own environment and future lifestyle.

On this page, we will explain whether a bed or a futon is recommended for people living alone or with one other person, which is better for people who are concerned about their health, and what style is best for families with children, depending on your situation.

[Author introduction]

Senior Sleep Health Instructor (No. 733). Sleep and bedding expert. I used to use a futon, but now that I've tried a mattress, I can't go back to a futon. I've bought and tried over 50 mattresses in a year. → Good Sleep Hacks

Japanese people have used futons since ancient times, but in recent years, the number of people sleeping on beds has increased. Some data shows that more than half of the population sleeps on beds today.

Generally, choosing between a bed or a futon is based on your lifestyle and preferences. However, each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's best to consider these before making your decision.

First, let's look at the pros and cons of each bed.

The main benefits of this bed are:

• Does not easily absorb dust
• Looks like a stylish room
• You can get a comfortable sleep

Here we will explain the benefits of using a bed.

Beds have the advantage of being higher, so they are less likely to absorb dust than futons. In bedrooms with many fabric products such as duvets and mattresses, dust is likely to accumulate.

Dust in the bedroom can cause allergies because it contains dust mites, mold, sebum, and dandruff that grow on bedding. Because it can pose a risk to your health, you want to avoid inhaling dust in the bedroom as much as possible.

It is said that dust can only rise up to 30cm above the floor, so if your bed is far from the floor, you can avoid the risk of inhaling dust while you sleep.

There are many different types of beds, and you can choose one that suits your taste and the atmosphere of your room. For example, a low bed will make the room look larger because it will create more space to the ceiling.

In addition, leather bed frames can create a luxurious feel. By using not only the bed frame but also cushions and side tables to place on the bed, you can create a more stylish bedroom. This bed is highly recommended for those who want to create a stylish bedroom.

Most mattresses used on beds are designed to support a comfortable sleep. Although it depends on the thickness and hardness, most mattresses are designed to help you sleep in a good position.

Sleeping in the right position will help relieve fatigue and reduce pain. In addition, the high resilience of the bed makes it easy to turn over in your sleep, improving the quality of your sleep. Another benefit of beds is that there is a wide range of options, so you can choose one that suits your body type and preferences.

By the way, there is no problem with using a futon on a bed, but a mattress has many advantages. A mattress is basically not moved and has poor breathability, so it is a very good match with a bed.

The disadvantages include the following:

• There is an initial cost
• Take up space
• Moving is difficult

We will also briefly explain the disadvantages of beds.

Many people hesitate to purchase a bed because of the initial cost. Even if you choose a cheap bed frame, the reality is that it will cost at least several tens of thousands of yen.

Depending on the design and preference, some mattresses can cost hundreds of thousands of yen. While it is possible to place the mattress directly on the surface, this is not recommended as it can lead to mold and dust mites. Moisture can also cause the mattress to wear out easily, shortening its lifespan.

Beds generally cannot be stored away. They take up a large part of the room even when not in use, so depending on the size of the room, they can feel cramped. They can also make the whole room feel cramped.

If you have limited space in your room, you need to be especially careful. A compact bed, such as a semi-single or single, will help reduce the feeling of oppression. Also, a folding bed or a bed with storage will help you make effective use of the space.

Beds are large, so they become a burden when moving. Even if you disassemble them and transport them, they will still be a large burden. It will also be a hassle to reassemble them after transporting them to your new home. If even one part goes missing during the move, there is a risk that you will not be able to assemble the bed.

If you can bring it in as is, there's no need to assemble it, but depending on the layout of the room and the size of the entrance, the bed may not fit. There's also a risk of damaging the walls or floor, so you need to be careful.

Furthermore, even if you try to dispose of it when you move, it will take time and money. Some manufacturers will collect your old mattress when you purchase a new one, so it is recommended that you use such a service.

Next, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of futons.

The benefits of the mattress are as follows:

• Can be dried in the sun
• Don't lounge around in your room
• Can be laid anywhere

Let's take a closer look at the benefits of each.

Futons can be easily dried in the sun, so they can always be used in a clean condition. It is said that we sweat a cup's worth while sleeping, so frequently drying them in the sun will help to release moisture.

In Japan, where humidity is high, it is natural that futons that can be frequently dried in the sun have become popular. Recently, futons that can be washed completely have also become available. If you have a large washing machine, washing them completely will keep them cleaner.

In most households that use futons, it is common to fold and store them in the morning. The bed is in the room during the day, so if you have time, you will want to lie down on it even during the day. On the other hand, a futon cannot be used unless it is laid out when you go to sleep.

Folding and storing your futon in the morning and laying it out before going to bed at night will add structure to your life. It will also allow you to use the room more spaciously during the day. This is a great advantage if you have limited space in your room or if you have a large family.

Futons can be laid out anywhere, so you can sleep anywhere. You can carry your futon with you depending on your mood and the time of day you want to sleep. If you lay it out by the window, the morning sunlight will let in and you'll wake up feeling refreshed, and on your days off, you can place it against the wall and sleep without worrying about the time.

Furthermore, when you have guests over, you can leave the bedroom for them and bring the futon to the living room to sleep in. A futon that is easy to carry around is especially convenient when you have to go back and forth between the loft and the second floor.

The disadvantages of futons include:

• My body gets cold in the winter
• Mold grows easily
• It's hard to get up

We will explain the disadvantages of each.

Futons are laid directly on the floor, so the downside is that they are susceptible to cold air from the floor. Even if they are cool in the summer, many people find it too cold to sleep in the winter. This is especially true if you have a wooden floor, as the floor is prone to getting cold.

In recent years, more and more rooms have wooden floors than tatami mats, but wooden floors and futons do not go well together. It is difficult to get a comfortable sleep unless you use a winter mattress pad or blanket.

It's a hassle to lift and put away your futon, so many people end up leaving it lying around. If you leave it lying around, it will be more likely to develop mold due to the moisture absorbed by the futon, so you need to be careful.

If you use a humidifier indoors just because the air is dry, it will make it even more susceptible to mold. It can also lead to the growth of dust mites, so you need to be careful about managing the humidity in your futon. You can let the moisture escape by laying a slatted mat or moisture-absorbing sheet.

Even if it wasn't a problem when you were younger, as you get older it can become quite difficult to get up from bed. For people with knee or back pain in particular, getting up from bed can be a big strain on the body.

In this regard, a bed is high enough that you can sit on the edge and then get up. If the bed's height can be adjusted by changing the legs, you can adjust it to the optimal height for sitting.

If you live alone, you probably have limited space in your room. If you want to use the room more spaciously, a futon is recommended. If you put a bed in a one-room apartment, most of the space in the room will be taken up by the bed.

However, if you don't have space to store futons, a bed is also recommended. Leaving futons lying out can lead to mold and dust mites, so it's important to choose between a bed or a futon based on the size of your room and the storage space you have.

Even if you're a couple living together or a married couple, you should decide based on the size of the room and storage space. The room is often larger than if you were living alone, but adding a bed can make the room feel too crowded.

It's not uncommon for it to be a nuisance when guests come over. Also, if you're a married couple, there's a chance you might have children in the future. If there's a possibility you might move, it's a good idea to use a futon for the time being.

However, a bed will greatly increase your satisfaction with life, so if you want to create a more fulfilling sleeping environment, a bed is the way to go.

This bed is recommended for people who suffer from back pain or other physical pain, or for those who are concerned about their health, such as allergies. The mattress helps you maintain proper sleeping posture, which has the advantage of reducing back pain, stiff shoulders, and other physical pain. The resilience also makes it easier to turn over in bed.

Furthermore, coldness can have a significant impact on physical discomfort. When the body is cold, blood circulation becomes poor, making it more likely to suffer from stiff shoulders and back pain. Inhaling dust from the floor can also make you more susceptible to developing allergic rhinitis. A higher bed is recommended than a futon, which is closer to the floor, as it is less likely to inhale dust.

If you have small children, you need to be especially careful about the risk of them falling and allergens such as house dust. We will introduce some points to keep in mind when choosing a bed and a futon.

Because beds are high, parents need to be careful not to fall off the bed. It is not uncommon for parents to fall off the bed while trying not to crush their children.

To reduce the risk of your child falling, consider options such as a crib with railings or a low bed.

You should also pay attention to the size of the mattress. Ideally, you should combine multiple mattresses so that your children can use them independently as they grow older. If you have two children, we recommend using two semi-double mattresses or a semi-double and a double mattress side by side.

Futons are ideal for families with babies and toddlers because there's no risk of them falling off or getting injured by bumping into the corners of the bed frame.

However, when it comes to futons, you need to be careful about hygiene issues such as house dust, mites, and mold. If you neglect maintenance such as regularly drying them in the sun, it could lead to health problems.

Here we will explain how to choose a bed and a futon.

There are two main points to consider when choosing a bed:

• The frame is designed for breathability
• The mattress is durable and firm enough to suit your weight.

A common way to maintain a mattress is to lean it against a wall frequently to let moisture escape. However, since the mattress itself is heavy, it can be a hassle to lean it against a wall frequently. Therefore, it is important to use a frame that is well-ventilated and keep it hygienic at all times.

In particular, if you use a frame with a slatted base, the gaps between the boards will allow moisture that accumulates in the mattress to escape. A slatted base frame is recommended to keep your mattress hygienic.

We recommend using a mattress rather than a futon on a slatted bed. Mattresses are thicker than futons and tend to have poor breathability. They are a perfect match for a slatted bed, which requires little maintenance and helps with ventilation.

There are many different types of mattresses, including materials and firmness, but it's important to choose one that is durable and suited to your weight. Mattresses with low durability tend to wear out easily, which can lead to physical discomfort and a decline in the quality of your sleep. Since you'll need to replace your mattress more frequently, choosing a durable mattress is generally more cost-effective overall.

Firmness is a matter of preference, but it's best to choose based on your weight. Petite people will find a softer mattress that wraps around their body a good fit, but larger people will find that their body sinks too much, so a firmer mattress will help them maintain the correct sleeping position.

If you want to find the perfect mattress for you, please refer to the following article for more detailed information.

The main points to consider when choosing a mattress are as follows:

• Highly moisture-absorbent and moisture-releasing material
• Single size is recommended for easy portability
• Check the hygiene aspect

From here on, we will explain in detail the points to consider when choosing a futon.

All sweat that you sweat while sleeping is absorbed by the futon, so it is important to choose a futon that has excellent moisture absorption and release properties. If the futon has low moisture absorption, the sweat that is not absorbed by the futon will remain in the air between the comforter and the mattress.

This will result in high humidity, which will prevent your body temperature from dropping properly and lead to poor quality sleep. Not only that, but there is also the risk that mold and dust mites will grow more easily. Be sure to choose a futon that is highly moisture-absorbent and moisture-releasing, such as cotton or wool.

Futons require regular maintenance, such as frequent sun drying. Heavy futons can be a pain to carry around. We recommend a compact single size futon, which is easy to carry to the balcony.

You might think that a larger size is better for a more comfortable sleep, but a single size futon is perfectly comfortable because there's no need to worry about it falling off even if it hangs over.It also doesn't take up much storage space, so you can make the most of your limited space.

Purchasing a futon that cannot be used hygienically can lead to health problems. To ensure hygienic use, it is recommended to choose a futon made of cotton or fabric that has been treated with antibacterial and anti-mite properties.

Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of futons that can be washed completely. Even if your washing machine at home is small, you can still wash your futon at a coin laundry, so it's a good idea to consider a washable type.

We have explained the advantages and disadvantages of beds and futons. Many beds are designed to help you maintain the correct sleeping position, which helps you sleep comfortably. On the other hand, they take up a lot of room, which can make a small room feel cramped.

On the other hand, futons can be stored away, allowing you to use the room more spaciously during the day. However, they are prone to mold, so frequent maintenance such as drying them in the sun is necessary. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to choose one that suits your family composition and lifestyle.

After this sentence, I would like to add a link to the "How to Choose a Mattress" article. Please add a sentence so that the link can be added smoothly.