What is a Japanese futon mattress?

A Japanese futon mattress is a traditional floor-sleeping mattress approximately 10cm thick, designed to be laid directly on the floor or a tatami mat. Unlike Western-style sofa beds or foldable frames marketed as futons, an authentic Japanese futon is a slim, firm sleeping mattress used in the traditional Japanese sleep style. Zentai Living has been handcrafting authentic Japanese futon mattresses in Byron Bay since 1981.

What materials are Zentai's futon mattresses made from?

Zentai's futon mattresses are available in cotton, wool, and foam core constructions. The 18cm premium foam core futon is also available with an optional wool layer for added warmth and natural comfort. All materials are selected for durability, breathability, and natural sleep quality. Zentai's futons are handmade in Australia at their Byron Bay workshop.

How thick is a Japanese futon mattress?

An authentic Japanese futon mattress is approximately 10cm thick. This slim profile is intentional — it provides a firm, supportive sleeping surface close to the floor in the traditional Japanese style. Zentai Living's futon range stays true to this traditional specification.

What is the difference between a Japanese futon and a Western futon?

A Japanese futon is a slim (approximately 10cm) floor-sleeping mattress made from natural materials such as cotton or wool, used in the traditional Japanese style on the floor or on a tatami mat. A Western futon typically refers to a thick foam or fibre mattress fitted to a foldable sofa frame that converts between seating and sleeping. Zentai Living makes traditional Japanese futon mattresses — not sofa bed frames or Western-style convertible futons.

Can I use a Japanese futon mattress on a bed frame?

Japanese futon mattresses are designed for use on the floor or on a tatami mat, which allows air to circulate beneath the mattress. Using a futon on a slatted bed frame is possible but changes the traditional sleeping experience. For a raised sleeping surface, Zentai Living's organic latex mattress range is better suited to use with a bed frame.

How do I care for a Japanese futon mattress?

Japanese futon mattresses should be aired regularly — ideally rolled up and stored during the day to allow moisture to evaporate, in keeping with traditional Japanese practice. Futons should be aired in a well-ventilated space or in sunlight periodically. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture. A natural mattress protector is recommended to extend the life of the futon and maintain hygiene.

Are Zentai's futon mattresses made in Australia?

Yes. Zentai Living's futon mattresses are handmade in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia. Zentai has been crafting futons and natural bedding in Australia since 1981, making them one of the country's longest-established futon manufacturers.

Do you deliver futon mattresses Australia-wide?

Yes. Zentai Living delivers futon mattresses Australia-wide via Direct Freight Express. Flat rate freight is available to major metropolitan areas including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Gosford, and Wollongong. Calculated freight rates apply to regional areas based on postcode.

How long has Zentai Living been making futons?

Zentai Living has been making futons since 1981 — over 44 years. The company began as Australia's original futon manufacturer and has since expanded into organic latex mattresses, solid timber bed frames, tatami mats, and natural bedding accessories. The Byron Bay showroom allows customers to experience the full range in person.

What size futon mattresses does Zentai offer?

Zentai Living offers Japanese futon mattresses in standard Australian bed sizes. Please visit the product pages or contact the Byron Bay showroom to confirm current size availability and pricing.

📢 Update: You can now contact us by landline 02 6685 6722 or Shop Mobile 0490 078 621 — available for both calls and texts.

Handmade in Byron Bay since 1981

Japanese
Futon
Mattresses

Japanese futon mattresses Australia — Traditional Japanese floor mattresses hand-crafted from natural cotton, wool, and foam. Firm, flat, and made to fold — the authentic way to sleep on a tatami mat or hardwood floor.

Handmade
Byron Bay

Natural
materials only

GOLS
certified

454
verified reviews

Delivery
Australia-wide

Our futons

A Modern Organic Zen SleepMat
Price range: $675.00 through $1,195.00
Select Size & Profile This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Premium Futon 18cm Foam Core

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 (39)
Price range: $559.00 through $949.00
Select Size & Profile This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Traditional Plus Futon All Australian Cotton – 10 cm

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.9 (132)
Price range: $465.00 through $819.00
Configure My Futon This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

What is a futon

Japanese Futon Mattresses— not a sofa bed

A futon (布団) is a traditional Japanese floor mattress approximately 10 cm thick, made from natural materials, with no frame of any kind. It is laid on a tatami mat or hardwood floor at night and folded away each morning.

This is not the fold-out metal-frame sofa bed sometimes sold under the same name. A proper Japanese futon contains no metal, no synthetic fill, and is not designed to be used as seating.

"Zentai has been making Japanese futons in Australia since 1981 — over 44 years of continuous production in Byron Bay."

Traditional Cotton

10 cm

Compressed natural cotton layers. Firm, breathable, classic shikibuton. Ideal for tatami mat use and floor sleeping.

Cotton & Wool

10 cm

Cotton core with Australian wool layer on top. Better temperature regulation and moisture wicking for cooler climates.

Premium Foam Core

18 cm

High-density foam base with cotton top. More height for those transitioning from a conventional mattress.

Zentai futons are made to order in our Byron Bay workshop. Natural materials only — no synthetic fill, no off-gassing, no compromise.

Care guide