Do you wish to know what a tatami futon mattress is?
Today, let’s look at a natural and healthy product made by hand, which has existed for a few millennia and is also very practical for your daily sleeping arrangements. You recognized it, and it was Tatami.
I will tell you everything you need to know about a tatami in this article.
Let’s go.
Also, read: How to choose your futon.
What is a tatami mat? All You Need To Know
Tatami mats have their origins in Japan. Since the 8th century, we have found “traces” of their use.
They are traditionally used as flooring both in homes and in dojos for the practice of martial arts. Today, tatami mats are a unit of measurement for the area of a room.
We are talking about Jō, which corresponds to the standard Japanese dimension, namely 91cm x 182 cm.
But what is the composition of a tatami?
Traditional tatamis are made of 3 natural materials. Namely, rice straw, rush mat, and cotton for braids (it rhymes, incredible).
No other materials are used in the manufacture, no polystyrene, no fantasies or absurd things.
The rice straw is compressed to obtain a thickness of about 5.8 cm then it is covered with a rush mat. Finally, cotton braids are sewn on each side. They provide a finish.
At my futon, the braids are black because we think it’s pretty and sober black on tatami mats.
What are the different dimensions for your tatamis?
We have seen previously that the standard dimension for a Japanese tatami is 91cm x 182cm.
At My futon and almost all tatami merchants, the size of this standard has become 90 cm x 180 cm. We also offer a dimension of 90 cm x 90 cm.
But why these two dimensions will you tell me? Well, offer a perfect square composed of 4 tatamis 90 cm x 180 cm plus a tatami 90 cm x 90 cm.
You place everything on your room’s floor and get an Issho composition with the most beautiful effect.
It’s nice this story of tradition with your height of 180 cm, but my husband is 1 meter 93. How do I do, sir? You are right, Kate (sorry for the Kate, it is the first name that comes to us when writing this article).
We also offer tatami mats with a length of 200 cm. The widths are available in 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 cm.
How to use the mats?
Depending on your mood, your desires for decoration, or the configuration of your room, several options are available to you.
If you want to create a special atmosphere in your room and are a fan of Japan and Asia, Hayao Miyazaki‘s films hold no secrets. You find this decoration idea nice, and so in In this case, you can opt for tatami mats placed directly on your floor.
No need for preparation. The tatamis can be used directly on a carpet, parquet, or concrete floor. For architects or special dimensions, we offer custom-made tatamis.
Arm yourself with your calculator and choose from our Yuko or Kuro range.
The second possibility is in a futon bed base. With a futon or traditional mattress, 2 or 3 tatamis will do the trick! To find out more, discover our tatami futon sets.
Again, you put the tatamis on your floor or use them with your fixed slatted base.
But why use it for my bedding?
Well, because that’s how it is! The head of the tatamis has decided so. No, let’s be serious. The tatamis offer extra firmness to your bedding. They promote good ventilation of your mattress, draining perspiration.
In addition, if you have a futon or are considering ordering one, you certainly know that a futon mattress perfectly matches the curves of your body while providing very good support.
So, if you put your futon on a slatted base with a large gap (if the lift is not optimal), your mattress will perfectly fit the slats. The tatami mats will therefore ensure optimal wear for your futon.
Tatami maintenance?
Very simple vacuum. To remove stains, use steam or a non-aggressive natural product. Consider exposing your Tatami to the sun whenever possible or during your annual spring cleaning.
Good to know
Tatami mats may smell like straw when new. This smell fades over time. However, you can use natural essential oils if the scent is too strong. It is harmless for your tatamis and very good for your sleep.
Can You Sleep Directly On Tatami?
Yes, you can sleep straight on a tatami mat (and many Japanese do), but it could take some getting used to if you have yet to do it. A very firm mattress would be how the tatami mat would behave.
How Often Should A Tatami Be Replaced?
Japanese Tatami can last long if they are well looked after but don’t last forever. Landlords will often replace Tatami after a tenant vacates a building. I would recommend 8–10 years before you return them.
How Do You Take Care Of Tatami Mats?
Very simple to maintain. Simply vacuum (removes dust and maybe mites) every few days, taking care not to damage the matting with heavy or pointed furniture.
Spills are readily cleaned with a wet towel. Avoid exposing the matting to direct sunlight (it will fade faster). Otherwise, the matting mellows naturally to a wonderful golden tawny tone and lasts around ten years before needing to be changed.
The aroma of fresh green Tatami is overwhelming and delightful! I sleep on a futon, and the fragrance of our tatami flooring reminds me of calm and slumber.
How Do I Spot A Fake Tatami Mat?
That is entirely based on your definition of phony.
However, a genuine Tatami mat will use a special herb plant called Igusa or soft rush straw.
When it is fresh, it has a very unique aroma.
When you order a new tatami mat, it should have a particular aroma. If it does not, they are most likely utilizing a substitute substance that looks like one.
The classic version’s core should be crushed rice straw, producing a distinct aroma. But in the modern version, foam or other material is frequently substituted.
However, true tatami mats made with the traditional technique require a lot of upkeep. As a result, it is uncommon to find 100% conventional Tatami commissioned in a regular Japanese family.
They are typically made of a mix of modern and traditional materials. But they should still utilize Igusa to proclaim themselves true Tatami.
So, I’d say the differentiator is whether or not you use Igusa. So, the smell test is the best option.
Conclusion
There you go, you know more about traditional tatami mats. Now you can shine at a dinner party or consider signing up for a game show on general knowledge.
I have an extended article stating: Is a futon good for sleeping?