Myth: Sleeping on the floor on a Japanese bed can lead to back problems and you may wake up aching and sore in the mornings.

Fact: Contrary to the common myth above, it is incorrect to think that a Japanese bed is the same as "sleeping on the floor." The shiki futon is an actual mattress that provides up to 4 inches of firm comfort. For adjustable extra softness, a tri-fold mattress pad can be used directly beneath the shiki futon.

If you have been sleeping on a typical spring mattress, the Japanese bed will be heaven in comparison. Or if you have been sleeping on a Tempur-Pedic or very soft pillow-top mattress, you may find the Japanese bed supportive and a bit firm.

Your body and all its muscles adjust to your sleeping surface over time (average adjustment time is 1 week to any new surface). Just as you may wake up feeling sore or uncomfortable or get a poor night's sleep in a hotel room, you may have a short adjustment period to a Japanese bed.