If you’re like us, you’re majorly skeptical of marketing hype and unsubstantiated claims. Unfortunately, when it comes to sleeping systems, there’s a lot of just that. Walk into a mattress store and you'll immediately notice the sleazy marketing tactics for Tempur-Pedic beds and pillows. But did you know you can find comfort in simplicity? Proven by centuries of history, we introduce the Japanese bed.

Are the benefits of a Japanese bed backed by scientific proof? We made it our mission to find out. Fortunately for us, we didn’t have to look that hard as there have been a plethora of scientific and medical studies. Let’s take a look at a few of the more important ones.

Health and the Japanese Bed

The best proof for the health benefits of a Japanese bed can be found in the people who have slept on it for all their lives. Let's take a closer look at the Japanese elderly community that has grown up sleeping on shiki futons.

Physical Health Study #1
A case-control study of hip fracture among the Japanese elderly was carried out in order to assess the risk factors for fractures.

Study Conclusion: The traditional Japanese bed prevents hip fractures among the Japanese elderly when compared to rates of occurrence and sleeping habits in Western society.
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Physical Health Study #2
Researchers address concepts, definitions, and measurements of functional capacity among the Japanese elderly.

Study Conclusion: Sleeping on a Japanese bed rather than Western-style beds helps the Japanese elderly maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
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Japanese Bed Care & Maintenance

Another part of health benefits is the cleanliness promoted by the Japanese bed. A Japanese bed contains and accumulates much less dust mites and allergens than a Western bed -- especially one with springs. The following studies demonstrate how to maintain the top-notch hygiene of a Japanese bed so that you can enjoy a long, healthy life.

Japanese Bed Cleaning Study
Different cleaning treatments of Japanese bed were evaluated: vacuuming, beating, and washing in water. Before and after these treatments, small amounts of cotton were taken out of the futon and mite allergens were extracted from the cotton into water.

After experimentation, researchers found that vacuuming and beating reduces allergen contents by 40%, while a more extreme measure, washing in water, reduces allergen contents by 90%.

Study Conclusion: Periodically clean your Japanese bed by vacuuming or beating. For best results, you may wash it in water.
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Shiki Futon Cover Study
Researchers studied the effectiveness of a shiki futon cover on a Japanese bed. After experimentation with weighing dust from Japanese beds with and without the covers, there was a significant difference in the dust levels

Study Conclusion: A shiki futon cover is a useful tool to avoid mite allergen exposure by reducing not only the concentration of mite allergens but also the amount of dust.
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