As a classic, ground level area for sleeping, futon has a 2,000 year long tradition in Japan. In literal translation, the word futon means fabric body/quilt and refers to traditional Japanese bedding in general.
A traditional futon consists of multiple layers of carded cotton with a maximum height of 10 cm. To always ensure the best sleeping comfort, the amount of futons increases with increasing age.
Consequently, even the sleep requirements of older people are fulfilled without changing the functional basic structure of the futon.
But despite having the best conditions for a healthy sleeping climate, futon has been increasingly pushed aside by European styled mattresses since the 1990s. Today, only about half of the Japanese people sleep on a futon.