Shikibuton · Shikifuton · Japanese futon mattress
What is a shikibuton mattress?
A shikibuton is a foldable Japanese futon mattress. It is the bedding you sleep on; a futon sofa bed is a piece of furniture, and tatami is a separate supporting mat.
One object, several English spellings.
Shikibuton, shikifuton, and shiki futon are English romanizations used for the Japanese term 敷き布団. On this site, they refer to the same category of bedding.
It is the sleeping layer, not the floor mat.
The shikibuton supports the sleeper. Tatami, a suitable platform, a ventilated frame, or an appropriate floor setup supports the shikibuton. Keep those two roles distinct when planning the room.
Movement is part of care.
Raise, fold, air, rotate, and turn the bedding regularly. Do not leave moisture sealed between the underside and its base, and never store it while damp.
Japanese dimensions come first.
Do not choose by a standard UK bed-size name alone. Compare the official centimetre dimensions to the exact available floor, platform, or frame area.