Hey everyone. Just wanted to stick an affiliate link here - jlifeinternational.com/?rfsn=4799779.e2fd4d If this video was helpful to you and your next stop happens to be jumping over to the Jlife website to check it our for yourself ... it would be SUPER RAD of you to get to their website by clicking the link above, then go about your browsing and buying as normal. No difference in your experience on the site, or the prices that you see - it just shows Jlife that there was a purchase made because of this video, and I make a few dollars on stuff you would be buying anyways. Pretty futuristic and a cool opportunity if you ask me! Gotta have those side hustles nowadays.. :) Thanks for understanding - I sincerely appreciate the support!!
Yo put this link in the description too, I'm going to get one and really wanted to go through an affiliate link for you, glad I came back to look through comments before buying. Great job btw, cheers!
The mats are meant for airflow, to let the matress breathe. The cotton stuffing is susceptible to molding if not aired out regularly, the mats are just to help alleviate that.
Right on, thanks Joey. I can see how that definitely helps to prevent the onset of mold along with laying the futon out in the sun. Thanks for checking out the video!
@@cbryce9243 In my country (France) pretty much every apartment has heated flooring. Houses don't, as they have a chimney or heaters, but buildings do. Mandatory to make sure everyone has access to heating. Tho not everyone has a good isolation so...
I slept on a shikibuton for years and loved it. I’ve gone back to a regular foam mattress and bed frame since moving into my first apartment and I honestly do miss my futon.
Great video. I've bought from J-Life before and I've always wondered what their futons were like. Now with this video and the one you made to go with it I know. Thanks for the honest review!
Thanks so much...I have been dealing with a car accident left over spinal injuries from a year ago and got rid of mattress after wasting money on buying 2 different types. I've been contemplating purchasing this complete setup and I TRULY appreciate you taking the time to extensively review this from beginning to end!
Ah, sorry to hear of your injuries, I'm sure the recovery has been tricky to manage. Glad you found the video useful and I hope this can be part of the answer for you!
@Snuggle Bunny: I am with you regarding wasting money on mattresses. I am DONE and OVER with spending a ridiculous amount of money on a mattress, which in my opinion, does not benefit our Backs and Spine. In my opinion, the mattresses we sleep on here in the U.S. does more harm to our bodies in the long run than we know. I really look forward to getting a Japanese mattress to sleep on.
@@SFM1123 I bought this whole setup and I've had it for about 3 weeks now. It's great! Of course, I would say...if you are someone who has NEVER slept on the floor before...you would probably want to do that first. Also, you should get the 4" and the proper tatami mats to go with it, IMHO. I have had to sleep on the floor for over a year due to a car accident. So, the transition was a slow one for me to the futon, as I couldn't have gone from car accident to futon. Either way I hope you get what's healthiest for your body and your sleep health!
Will, This was an excellent product review. I'm waiting for my J-Life order now so I really appreciate this in-depth review. You have a great demeanor and it was nice to see your satisfaction with the quality of the bedding. Thank you! -Eric
Eric! Happy to help out - I tried to include as much random information as I could! Hope you enjoy your setup, I'm still loving mine and will be doing a 6 month follow up video soon. Take care and I appreciate the kind words!
You are the fucking best dude, I've been contemplating this setup for a while and after coming off a year of struggling to find my own place I decided to commit and this was exactly what I needed to reassure me. I appreciate the hell out of you and really cant thank you enough for doing this
Dude I so appreciate the comment - that was my intention, to help other people with some extra information and kind of that hands-on close look at all of these products. I literally had no idea what to expect but sigh of relief when I got this super quality stuff. Hope you enoy the new shikibuton!! Take care brother!
🙏 thank you. There isn’t really a lot on tatami mat/ shikibuton so this was so helpful! I hope you can give us an update on long term sleeping on the floor.
Sounds awesome, and I know exactly what you mean about it being a seat when you fold it up. Once you own it for a while, you start to get ideas of different ways to use it. Thanks for checking out the video!
I agree I live in the French Quarter, New Orleans in a 170 year old 300 sq/ft apartment. My living space is only 10x13 with a brick fireplace in it. I only have the cot size from J-Life and the tatami mat(had it for 2+ years) but it’s definitely a necessity living in a place that small. At least in my opinion. However I found you definitely start a ritual cleaning every night before you go to bed and one when you wake up. Definitely helps start your day. Cold shower, make up/put away bed, have coffee in the courtyard.
Hey John, couldn't agree more. That's cool you have the cot setup. So easy to move around and the tatami mats are awesome! Sounds like you got it all figured out! The courtyard sounds awesome for coffee too. Thanks for checking out the video!
@@willpopemusic no problem. Thank you for the video. I was debating on getting the pillows and the covers(cause they ain’t cheap. However, definitely going to now after seeing how they actually look and hold up.
Wow.. so happy to hear, Gary. That's really great to discover something that makes a difference. Glad it's working for you and I appreciate you checking out the video!
Hubby was born in Mexico. I am a NY girl of Italian background. We are not Japanese...but have been sleeping "Asian style' for decades. And love it. Not a hint of back trouble, ever. It is a simpler, neater, far more cozy way to restfully slumber each night. I cannot say enough about this type of bed. In fact: whenever we drive to visit my mother in law, who lives a few hours away, we may stay late, so we get a motel room for the night once our family time is over. And guess what? In conventional motel beds? Hubby and I wake up exhausted, miserable... and sore.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Cynthia - honestly couldn't agree more. It really is a fascinating discovery when the light bulb finally goes off in your head - at least it was that way for me! I haven't slept in a spring mattress bed since and don't think I will be going back. Nothing but positive in my experience, glad you are enjoying it as well! Happy holidays to you and your family, enjoy your futon!
I found this video VERY useful. I have bought products from J-Life before but shied away from futons and tatami mats because I've heard pros and cons about them. This video takes my doubts away. I myself am tending toward a minimalist look and Japanese design with its "less is more" philosophy really fills the bill. Thanks for sharing.
I really appreciate the kind words. The effort in putting the video together really is worth it to know that it helped! I can tell you, the tatami mats have "broken in" gently over the months and are now perfect and very comfortable as a platform for the shikibuton. Stay tuned for a 6 month update video!! Really.. thank you for the comment. Enjoy the discovery of less is more!
seriously thank you so much for putting this together. I've been researching and researching and you're the only one who did a video on the j life futon. About to buy one bc Im moving out of my parents and this really helped solidify the decision for me! thank you!!
You're very welcome and that's exactly the reason why I did this video! As I was researching for my purchase, I remember thinking - youtube needs a really thorough look at all this stuff!.. Hope you enjoy and cheers 🥂 to a smooth move!
I've been thinking the same thing! About time for a follow up. I still love my futon and sleep on it every night. I'll work out a new video, thanks for the comment 👍
this is the best setup for scoliosis and degenerative disk disease! I'd just like to know the difference between the organic shiki and the cotton. Is there less risk of humidification when using the organic? Do they feel different?
Thanks for the review. I was looking to replace my old ass mattress with one of these to help clear up floor space in my room when I'm not sleeping. I want to get an electronic drum kit down the line so I needed more room. This helped me pull the trigger on my purchase.
The perfect solution! I used to have a Roland TD4K, so I completely understand the space issue - and that wasn't even considered big for an electronic kit. Glad the video helped and hope you enjoy the new setup!! It's crazy the amount of space available in a bedroom that most people didn't even know they could have!
Thank you so much for your truly comprehensive review! This has been so helpful for me, I appreciate your being so detailed. It’s been a true struggle for a decade to find relief from pain and I’m hopeful a futon will be of some service to me. Haven’t been able to sleep on a mattress for ten years. I’m not expecting a miracle but some lesser pain would be a God send. Hoping you’re still enjoying. You chose a wonderful color palette by the way. Thank you again. Take care, Grace
Hey Grace. So sorry to hear you've been struggling with managing pain for ten years - That's a long time. I'm glad the video was helpful, I still use my Jlife futons every night and love them! I've been asked a few times for a follow up video and am planning to make one. I hope you find some relief from your pain soon. Take care ❤️
Awesome! Hope you get some useful information. Thanks for checking out the video! I wonder if you could hang your IKEA one outside and beat it with a stick or tennis racket. That may fluff it up a bit
thanks for the review!! I'm thinking of getting a shikibuton too and I want to know everything I can regarding it. this is very helpful and I love your set up!
I know how you feel, I was in your shoes not too long ago. I understand that phase of trying to collect all the information that you can, haha. I give two thumbs up to the Jlife setup, it's been awesome so far!! Thanks for checking out the video and happy holidays!
Banjaresse in South Kalimantan, Indonesia sleep on the floor too.... They use a bed fill with kapuk randu (Ceiba petandra). The bed also can roll up and make free space.
aaaah this was so helpful!! ive been trying to my own research on shikibutons its important to me that I bought authentic and as traditional as possible, I really didn't want to order from amazon. There are not manny videos on this and they are usually all by minimalist when thats not the thing im looking for exactly, to ty tysm your videos is a breath of fresh air and sooo helpful to me THANK YOU!!!
Awesome, glad the information was useful for you. I approached it the exact same way! Wanted something authentic that wasn't from Amazon 😂. Hope you enjoy if you end up buying one, thanks for checking out the video!
Thank you Fatma! I'm glad the info was helpful for you. I still sleep on this exact setup and love it. Thanks for watching the video, god bless you too.
Yep - and I'm telling ya... the feeling of getting everything put together and then taking a looooong nap is awesome. I've been sleeping on these every night for almost 6 months now and no issues from quality. The blanket is the best thing in the world, seriously. Thanks for checking out the video!
Purchased the JLife twin Shikibuton. I have my own sheet set on it. But I may also buy the cover for a better fit. One month so far. Still trying to get used to it. But it has helped by sleep apnea a ton! That’s huge for me!
I appreciate you making this video a lot! The typical high beds with thick mattresses have always bothered me a lot. This seems like an amazing alternative.
Great video, super helpful to those interested in the Japanese sleep system. I was also looking at J-Life products…gotta say your video just made my life so much easier 🙏🏻✨
Thanks so much Gabriela! I remember when I was doing my research, I was looking for a video too. Hope you enjoy, I'm still sleeping on my futon every night and it's amazing. Thanks for checking out the video 👍 💯
Oh hell yeah, me too!! Mine still have the tiniest bit of rush grass scent if you put your nose right to them, especially in the summer when it's humid. Those are 78" long and 27.5" wide each (makes the necessary 55" when you put them together). They are like a modified size as far as I'm concerned. Thanks for checking out the video Michael!
I have bought both the 4-inch and 3-inch shikibuton from J life, honestly, it was a bit too heavy to effectively hang it, the 4-inch weighs about 45 lbs and 3 inch is about 30ish lbs. Seems like real shikibuton in Japan is actually a lot lighter. And 3-inch shikibuton is quite firm even for me (110lb female)
Thanks for the comparison, Lijun! They are indeed heavy and mostly bulky and awkward to hang. I have gotten along just fine without sunning it and I live in the humid midwest. I can only speak for myself and my experience though. Thanks for sharing what you learned!
The kanji script is from an old Japanese poem that reads: "The fragrant, colored flowers are delicately scattered. Who can remain unchanged in this world? Transcend the present world, do not dream fleeting dreams, do not act out."
Great video thank you! You have the mulberry silk duvet, how warm is it? I had own the silk duvet once but it had strange cool feel and I was cold most nights. I switched to wool (winter quality) and use it all year round. The temperature in my bedroom could fall to 10deg Celsius in winter, that is why I switched to wool. I also got myself a woollen futon which seems very comfortable but due to thickness (15cm) is very heavy and not easy to air. (Can't fold it either) I think the idea of raised beds was to keep them on higher levels where the air was warmer. So question is will the cotton set be warm enough for cool and drafty Scottish properties? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Lucy, thanks so much for the question and I'm glad the video gave you some helpful information! The silk duvet with the cover is warm enough year round for me, but my house doesn't go below 18C. I totally understand why you went with a wool option. My question.. do you think you could use a combination of both?? The silk duvet will not be warm enough on its own.. I say anything below 18C and you might start to feel a little chilly. Now, throw a wool blanket over the top and you would definitely be warm down to 10. Interesting factoid about raised beds.. I can totally understand why someone would do that, since heats obviously rises.. warmer than the floor.. I think you would really love the silk duvet (its truly amazing), but layering would definitely come into play during colder nights. Hope that helps, thanks for checking out the video!
. thanks for the review. I have been wanting to get almost this exact set-up. what size thickness did you get for the shikifuton? and do you feel the seam where the tatami mats meet while laying down?
It's a great setup, I still sleep on it every night. I went with the 3" super firm style. When you have owned the futon for a while and it sets in + you lay directly in the middle, yeah you can feel it sometimes. The thing is that even when I'm sleeping by myself, I usually sleep on the left side. It just works out that way. Thanks for checking out the video! 💯
Thank you so much for doing this. I am looking to buy one of these but like you said, it's a big investment and your video is really helpful. Thank you.
Makes it all worth it to read your comment, thanks for checking out the video! I was in your shoes a short time ago and know how you feel - hope you follow through with it. Personally, switching from a normal mattress/frame has been such a good decision! Enjoy!
Love this review! V helpful, I have been looking for a through review for jlife futon so this was wonderful. For anyone who is considering shikibuton, make sure to air it and your kakebuton out at least once weekly, ideally on a sunny day, for most of the day. Hang it outside with good air circulation. It helps prevent dust mites, mold, and bacteria. Futon maintenance is v important to the longevity of your futon! Also if you have tatami, make sure to remove your futon from them fully every day so they can air out. Sweep and wipe with a soft dry cloth with the grain of the weave about 1x a day. It helps remove excess moisture and keeps its oils evenly distributed.
Emily, thank you for the comment and for mentioning the importance of taking care of your futon and tatami mats! There is definitely some special consideration that comes with owning these products and always good to hear. When you unbox your shikubuton, Jlife provides a paper that has detailed instructions on how to care for it, basically a carbon copy of what you suggest. A good thing to keep on hand to refer to. Thanks for checking out the video, take care!
@@Gnarcap I literally just saw this, sorry! For winter, I recommend hanging on a laundry drying rack indoors, especially if your garage tends to get damp
@@AntonioBanderasTheKing a kakebuton is the "blanket" that you sleep under. There are kakebuton covers that are typically used that protect the silk. But the kakebuton itself doesn't provide protection from mold, and traditional kakebuton covers are open on the top.
Thanks for the great review! I have a question though. Do you feel the floor/tatami mat when laying down, especially when you're on your side (like the hip area in particular), through the matress?
Thanks for the question, Nico! When the mattress gets worn in (after a few months of using it everynight) you will notice the areas of most pressure (hip area for me) get matted down a little more than the rest. Do I feel it? on the tatami mats - nope. Super comfy for me on carpet - nope, feels great directly on hardwood - yep, I can feel the floor with my hipbones when I side sleep. Believe it or not, I sleep most nights directly on the hardwood and I'm used to it. As long as you use a tatami mat or sleep in a carpeted room, you won't have to worry. Thanks for checking out the video!
This is so awesome! Love your set-up! Thank you for sharing! Been considering buying bedding from J-Life for a few months now. I think my mind is made up now!
Awesome, I'm happy the video helped you in your decision! I just seriously had my 2nd one delivered today, haha. The full size for the main bed and a cot size for movies and lounging in different rooms (because it's super lightweight and easy to move around) Hope you enjoy yours when you get it!
😂 haha I forgot I was sitting on that, lol. It was my sleeping pad for when I go backpacking. It's called a Nemo Switchback. Thanks for checking out the video, appreciate the comment!
Thank you! Hope you enjoy yours if you go for it! I actually just got another one (cot size) for lounging around in different rooms/movie time and went with the gold color with the dragonflies on it. They are all awesome!! Thanks for checking out the video!
Sleeping great! I still use the pillow every night and love it. I think some people might only use the pillow for relaxing/reading but I like it for sleep too. I have removed quite a bit of hulls from how it was originally sent (stuffed full) and I have them saved in a ziploc bag for down the road when I need to rotate some fresh ones in there. I am going to be doing a 6 month follow up video soon if you want to check it out. I'll include lots of my findings and new tips! Hope you are well, enjoy the pillow - I definitely recommend!
Awesome, glad the video helped with some more info and thanks for watching. Hope you enjoy it if you end up going with the Jlife setup! I've been digging it, don't see myself ever going back to a mattress!
Sweet product review man. I totally love space saving and i have been contemplating going with a Japanese style futon for some time now but all the reviews ive seen online have been wanting. Your review really pushed me to actually going ahead with a purchase. Ill prob grab the TwinXl.
Sup emachine! Glad the video was informative for you! I went down that same path - started researching on youtube and seeing all these people enjoying their minimal setup. Ended up going for it and love the switch, it really works well for me. That Twin XL sounds great, hope you enjoy if you end up buying one. Thanks for checking out the video!
I'm not sure what a tikibusha is, sorry. I searched on Google and it didn't turn any results. The comforter is called a Kakefuton, is that what you mean? Hope you enjoy your futon! Watch out for prices that seem "too good to be true" - often times they are. Thanks for checking out the video, enjoy your day!!
@@UnicornRyder04 ooooh ok I gotcha. Also, very sorry for the late reply. I missed your response. The shikibuton is the futon mattress, the kakebuton is the comforter. Hope you enjoy the futon if you ended up buying one!
Thanks for the vid Man I always wanted to find a way to make my room smaller and more minimal and heard about Shikibhutons and just didn’t know whether it was worth it but this definitely change my mind
Sounds like you're going down the same path that I went down when I started researching them. Hope you enjoy if you end up buying one and thanks for checking out the video. Happy new year bro!
Do you think this would be comfortable for side sleepers? I bought a cheaper queen shikibuton years ago and ended up tossing it because my partner and I (both side sleepers) still felt the floor underneath and woke up with back pain. It would be nice to try again with something a little more comfortable.
Good question. I'm a side sleeper like you and find this shikibuton to be plenty padded for me. If you are concerned about it, I recommend going with the 4" version and include the Tatami mats. I feel like there is also a little adjustment period with anything new. It can take a bit of time for your body to get used to sleeping on a different surface. When I first started backpacking, I would wake up very stiff because of the thin sleeping pad (plus lugging around all that gear), but now I sleep on a 1/2" foam pad directly on the ground and it doesn't bother me at all. Good luck, hope you enjoy it you end up giving it another shot!!
Thanks so much for making this video, it's by far the most informative and definitely the best video I could find on RUclips about futons. I do just have one question remaining, which is that do you think a tatami mat is necessary? One thing I like about the futon is that it can be nicely rolled up and put away, so having a tatami mat kind of defeats that purpose. Could I just lay the futon straight on carpet, or floorboards?
Thanks for asking. I honestly can only give my opinion on Jlife since it's what I own. I checked out thefutonshop.com and their organic cotton shikifutons look nice just from their product image and description. Here's what I can tell you.. I'm very happy with everything that I've purchased from Jlife. I think it's high quality and have never regretted my decision. I think you would be happy with Jlife. They have cool styling and lots of different accessories to pair up with your mattress. The variety and customization is really what won me over in the first place. Either way you go, I hope you enjoy!!
Thank you Yvonne! I went with the 3" myself. That's a good question about the 4" but I am thinking it would be a problem. Especially after it settles in. Hope you enjoy if you try one! Thanks for checking out the video!
@@willpopemusic Thank you sir! I ended up getting the queen because that's what my mattress prior was. I find it's easier for the cotton to be spaced out inside such a big mattress. Leaving spaces that constantly need to be fluffed every couple days. I think in a couple years I'll get the full size
@@danielcalma2138 heck yeah, congrats on the purchase!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Sometimes I grab each of the 4 corners and give it a little shake just to keep it alive, if you know what I mean. Enjoy that queen man, you'll have plenty of room to sleep on either side if you want. Enjoy!
@@willpopemusic been about 2 almost 3 months and so far I don't ever wanna go back to a western style mattress. Got my friend to buy one too. Hopefully you feel the same as well as anyone else who purchases one. These things are friggin great!
Is the Tatami Mat necessary? Because I would love to roll up the Shakefuton to have more space. This advantage would be lost with the tatami mats. I would like to place a little rug where I put the shakefuton on
Hey Johannes. In my opinion, the tatami mats enhance the experience (great platform for the tatami to lay on) but are not 100% necessary. I understand your interest to fold the futon up and open up space. You can always buy the tatami later if you want to. Good luck in your decision and thanks for the question!
That's the spirit! Yeah.. I have seen some comments about how "expensive" these are for a futon, but when you compare them to a western bed they are actually a good bit more affordable! Hope you enjoy the flexibility if you end up trying it. Thanks for the comment and checking out the video!
@@willpopemusic I priced out everything for a Twin XL and it was just under $1,000. Good luck finding everything for a western style bed for that little. Just the mattress would be close to $1,000.
There's tan stains on my white futon, whats the best way to clean? Also, I have no clue what the stains could be besides possibly coffe/tea and maybe weed vape residue
Sounds like you're living it up with your futon, glad to hear it 👍 I would maybe dilute some bleach with water, then use a Qtip to apply it to the spots. Wait 30-60 minutes, then mist it with water from a spray bottle to try and blot up excess bleach. Just be sure not to let the cotton filling get saturated with water. That will lead to mildew. I hope this helps.. definitely proceed at your own risk. Appreciate you checking out the video 👍
Thanks for this detailed review. Can you update your experience with it since then? I'd love to know if you are still using and enjoying it or not. Thanks again.
Yes, and thank you for the motivation to do my follow-up 6 month review (more like 8 months now) haha.. I've been quite the procrastinator and need to get to it! I can tell you that I added a second futon (cot size) and I absolutely love them. I slept in a hotel bed a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to get back to the futon.
Thank you so much for cutting so much time out of my decision making bro. It really is appreciated. Excellent video. I also wanna ask, how do you go about washing the mattress and the tatami mats?
Okay I bought the mattress after watching your video - I ordered the 3" but I wish I would have gotten the thicker one. I am very boney and I feel my hips digging into the floor. I have to use a mattress topper with mine 😩
I also have the 3" and am very thin. Have you considered tatami mats underneath? They provide support and a surface for the futon to lay on. I think that when coming from a mattress, it can feel like a big change and the futon will feel a little less forgiving at first. I urge you to stick with it and give your body time to adjust! Are you sleeping in a carpeted room? Also.. no harm in using a mattress topper if that makes it more comfortable for you!
Hey David! One would think that a high humidity environment with no space to sun it would be a no-go, but I live in Ohio which is pretty humid most of the time and I confess to never sunning the futon.. mine is fine and doesn't have any funk to it. I don't recommend never sunning it since you're supposed to and I plan to do it soon to try to change my habit. To answer your question, I don't think it's a dealbreaker. Obviously avoid getting it wet and fold it regularly during the day. Sometimes if the sun is coming through the window really strong, I'll just lay it in the sunny patch. Hope that helps, thanks for checking out the video!
Do you still like this? Also- 1. How do you feel it would be for a petite side sleeper? 2. Do you think it would be okay as a topper for a very stiff bed? 3. Did you get the regular 4" inch, or the 3" super firm?
Yep, still love it! I don't think I'll be going back to a normal western bed/mattress for a long time. I actually just got a 2nd shikibuton from Jlife that is smaller. I'll do a 6 month follow up review soon. 1. I think these shikibutons are great for anyone, but especially smaller people under 6'3" or so. I am also a side sleeper and have had no issues with any sleeping position. If your futon develops a thinner area/valley where your hips go, you can smack it with your hand and fluff it up. 2. I don't think this would be a good fit as a topper. It is a little too thick and you would probably sink down in it, especially over time. It's just not designed for that. The good thing is there are definitely other toppers that you can buy that are specifically made for using with a mattress. 3. I wen with the 3" super firm version. I personally like a more compact sleeping surface and prefer it to be on the firmer side. Hope that helps! Grab some blankets and make a little bed on the carpet. Give it a shot for a couple nights and see how you feel about it. Good luck and enjoy your weekend!
The ease of this setup is my main reason for purchasing, do you have to remove the bed from the removable cover before you put it out in the sun - or can you upkeep them together?
Yep - it's super easy to maintain and it leaves you with a lot of flexibility and space - I dig it... as for sunning the futon, I think you could do it either way, but it would be more effective with the cover off. Maybe sun the futon each time you are washing the cover.. Just be careful not to sun the futon under a tree with birds hanging out in it, if you know what I mean. You can't wash the futon itself. Thanks for checking out the video!
i recently got the twin and so far loving it but sadly already made a dent in the middle is there any way to fix that or getting a topper help? i like to sleep on my back and side mostly
Hey Sarah! So glad you enjoy it. The valley that your body creates is inevitable. The best way to help with that os to rotate your futon every week or so and sun it on a clear, sunny day. Also, just know that it's normal and since you got it recently you are probably adjusting to it. I have had mine for a little over a year now and still sleep straight on the hardwood floor, on my side, back, or stomach and it all works. Hope you stick with it, thanks for checking out the video!
Nope - the tatami mats don't shift when I sleep. Maybe once a week I'll have to nudge it about a half inch, but nothing noticeable. Thanks for checking out the video!
Hey Konnie. As long as the dimensions fit then I don't think it will be a problem. The more slats the better, since that will give the tatami mat the most support. If you are still unsure, I would consider reaching out to Jlife with your question at info@jlifeinternational.com Have a great day!
Excellent video...I have everything in this video and love it all. One question tho....I've had shikibuton for almost 2 months and doesn't seem to be fully expanded in spots. I went with the traditional firmness. How long did it take for yours to fully expanded after you unboxed? I went with queen size. I have not aired it out in the sun yet. Cool color scheme btw
Thanks for writing, Michael - I appreciate you checking out the video! In my opinion, I think lumps and thicker/thinner spots is inevitable. I had them when I first got the futon, and I still have them now. Sometimes I try to punch or smack the cotton around, or even grab a corner of the futon while it's on the ground and give it some hefty shakes. Can't tell if it works or not. I think my futon is fully expanded at this point (I'm at about 6 months). Yep, I'm sure that queen size is a bear to get out in the sun and prop up on something so it won't get dirty. I can understand why you have been avoiding that! Maybe the sun will help, I'm not sure.. I imagine over time, the cotton will always be shifting. Try to rotate and/or flip the futon every week or two and sleep on different sides. Take care brother!
Awesome, thanks John. After 6 months or so, I'm so happy I made the switch. I slept in a hotel bed the other week on vacation and couldn't wait to get back to the futon. Hope you and your wife enjoy the setup!
@@willpopemusic Thanks! Yeah, we're moving to Nashville in a month and decided to dump our 20 year old bedroom set and start fresh with J life. Thanks again. Be well. JHS
Nice! I had never even heard of them before getting this Jlife setup. Took longer to get used to the pillow than the Shikibuton for me, but damn I am settled into it now and you're right. Curious.. have you ever had to change the hulls out? How long did they last for you before you decided to put some new ones in? Thanks for checking out the video!
@@willpopemusic I never put new ones in. One I got 18 years ago sprung a tear, I still have it in a closet because I loved it so much thinking I might fix it one day. I got another like 10 or so years ago and have been using that one ever since, every night. I air it out in the sun from time to time but have never messed with the hulls. I also find the buckwheat pillow cooler on my head which I love. I got an 18 years ago when I hadn’t slept for a while and I saw it somewhere and I remember someone‘s mom had said something about it so I tried it and never looked back, I never want to sleep with that one it’s the best. Mine is bigger than the smaller ones though it’s like a normal pillow size, and you can scrunch it up while you’re sleeping To make it higher if it crushes down,Rather than having a smaller one which might actually be firmer and harder to squish down, good for neck support though. I like the noise it makes when you flip it’s slightly satisfying too and the fact that the other side is usually always cool sometimes I constantly flip it at night when I sleep. What I do know though is that no matter how high-tech a pillow gets I don’t think you can ever get anything that is superior to this classic japanese buckwheat hull design, also great video super informative the futon looks awesome and super comfortable!
Are you still using these products? I've been sleeping on a cheap amazon tatami and futon for 4 months now and it's great but I'm ready to upgrade to something larger and high quality.
Yep, I've used this exact setup every night since I got it - LOVE IT. Haven't had to include extra blankets yet either, the Kakefuton is so awesome and warm. That's a great idea to test the waters with some more affordable stuff to see if you like it! Honestly can't recommend Jlife enough, it's definitely a more legit setup that is made to last. Enjoy, thanks for checking out the video!
...so, for a lack of a better way to phrase it, what do you think about hooking up on it? i want one but am apprehensive about it being a bit uncomfortably firm for that purpose. lol.
Hey Alexa! Hooking up on the futon is awesome. It's rock solid, so no creaking and no shifting. The firmness of the futon is great, not bouncy/springy/sinky like a mattress. It's just a really solid platform and isn't influenced by all of the enthusiastic movement associated with "doing it". Also, the buckwheat pillow and neck roll are firm and work great for getting some lift if you need it, for a different angle. The only downside is that the guy can't stand on the side of the bed. A normal bed is often the perfect height for that, but the futon is on the floor. You just have to adapt to that. Hope that helps, thanks for checking out the video!
Don't mind at all. The whole setup cost $1,296 with a 10% off discount. This includes the Tatami mats and everything. Shipping was free. They offered a 10% off discount on my first purchase when I made my account on their website, so don't miss that. Not sure if they still do it, but that saved me over $100
@@willpopemusic i want to buy just the mattress which website or store would you recommend me? i did a quick google search and it said only 200$ but i just want to double check on the price.
@@Finn-gx6ir so what I would do is visit the Jlife website by clicking here - jlifeinternational.com/?rfsn=4799779.e2fd4d and then you can buy the shikibuton by itself. Two other comments.. 1. I do recommend spending the extra money on the custom cover option to protect your investment, and 2. These are authentic shikibuton mattresses so may cost a little bit more than a cheap mattress on Amazon. They are much higher quality and will be more comfortable and last longer. Good luck and thanks for checking out the video!!
I unfortunately don't know what kind of chair that is. It was a gift from someone. I think they call them barrel style swivel chairs. Good luck. I'll reply again if I find out what it is 👍
Can you tell me what size futon you got and what size kakefuton. I want to get a queen size futon but the queen size kakefuton seems so much bigger on measurements.
Quick question -- Could the shikibuton fold longways? I am in a small room and want to use a full-sized shikibuton as a single sleeper for half the time, so that when I fold it, I will be folding it down the middle into a narrow bed. Would the material/fabric accommodate this style of folding?
Hey Domenic. I have the full size - tried out the fold longways and it definitely worked. It's a lot more padded that way too - good idea, never thought to try that. I think it will work just fine in the way that you're describing. Keep in mind though that the width is only 27" when folded in half, so it's pretty narrow. If you don't fidget around too much in your sleep, then you'll be fine! Hope that helps, take care!
One last question -- how would the futon manage if you folded it longways and then used one half as a sort of back cushion, like a traditional futon or couch. Would it flop over, or would it stay firm against the wall? This could be a good way to divide it unevenly so that there's more sleeping room.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey everyone. Just wanted to stick an affiliate link here - jlifeinternational.com/?rfsn=4799779.e2fd4d
If this video was helpful to you and your next stop happens to be jumping over to the Jlife website to check it our for yourself ... it would be SUPER RAD of you to get to their website by clicking the link above, then go about your browsing and buying as normal. No difference in your experience on the site, or the prices that you see - it just shows Jlife that there was a purchase made because of this video, and I make a few dollars on stuff you would be buying anyways. Pretty futuristic and a cool opportunity if you ask me! Gotta have those side hustles nowadays.. :) Thanks for understanding - I sincerely appreciate the support!!
When you said it allows more room for activities it reminded me of Step Brothers! 😄👍 Great video.
@@tylermiller7080 dude me too, so much!! LOL I kept remembering that scene when I was editing the video 😂
@@tylermiller7080 thanks man, glad you enjoyed the video!
@@willpopemusic Thats awesome hahaha. Great minds think alike!
Yo put this link in the description too, I'm going to get one and really wanted to go through an affiliate link for you, glad I came back to look through comments before buying. Great job btw, cheers!
The mats are meant for airflow, to let the matress breathe. The cotton stuffing is susceptible to molding if not aired out regularly, the mats are just to help alleviate that.
Right on, thanks Joey. I can see how that definitely helps to prevent the onset of mold along with laying the futon out in the sun. Thanks for checking out the video!
@@SimonWoodburyForget I've never known anyone to have heated flooring in the US. That would be nice!
@@cbryce9243 In my country (France) pretty much every apartment has heated flooring. Houses don't, as they have a chimney or heaters, but buildings do. Mandatory to make sure everyone has access to heating. Tho not everyone has a good isolation so...
Is this still applicable if you purchase the protective cover they sell? It’s suppose to prevent any moisture even getting to the mattress
I slept on a shikibuton for years and loved it. I’ve gone back to a regular foam mattress and bed frame since moving into my first apartment and I honestly do miss my futon.
Great video. I've bought from J-Life before and I've always wondered what their futons were like. Now with this video and the one you made to go with it I know. Thanks for the honest review!
Thank you for taking the time to review the products! Everything came together beautifully, love your set up.
No problem, glad you found the content helpful! I agree, it has been an absolute dream - I am loving the setup!
Thanks so much...I have been dealing with a car accident left over spinal injuries from a year ago and got rid of mattress after wasting money on buying 2 different types. I've been contemplating purchasing this complete setup and I TRULY appreciate you taking the time to extensively review this from beginning to end!
Ah, sorry to hear of your injuries, I'm sure the recovery has been tricky to manage. Glad you found the video useful and I hope this can be part of the answer for you!
@@willpopemusic Thank you! I have been contemplating for about 3 months. Do you still like it overall?
@Snuggle Bunny: I am with you regarding wasting money on mattresses. I am DONE and OVER with spending a ridiculous amount of money on a mattress, which in my opinion, does not benefit our Backs and Spine. In my opinion, the mattresses we sleep on here in the U.S. does more harm to our bodies in the long run than we know. I really look forward to getting a Japanese mattress to sleep on.
@@SFM1123 I bought this whole setup and I've had it for about 3 weeks now. It's great! Of course, I would say...if you are someone who has NEVER slept on the floor before...you would probably want to do that first. Also, you should get the 4" and the proper tatami mats to go with it, IMHO. I have had to sleep on the floor for over a year due to a car accident. So, the transition was a slow one for me to the futon, as I couldn't have gone from car accident to futon. Either way I hope you get what's healthiest for your body and your sleep health!
@@SnuggleBunny. So I am considering the 3" or 4", do you really think the 4" is worth it in comparison?
Will, This was an excellent product review. I'm waiting for my J-Life order now so I really appreciate this in-depth review. You have a great demeanor and it was nice to see your satisfaction with the quality of the bedding. Thank you! -Eric
Eric! Happy to help out - I tried to include as much random information as I could! Hope you enjoy your setup, I'm still loving mine and will be doing a 6 month follow up video soon. Take care and I appreciate the kind words!
You are the fucking best dude, I've been contemplating this setup for a while and after coming off a year of struggling to find my own place I decided to commit and this was exactly what I needed to reassure me. I appreciate the hell out of you and really cant thank you enough for doing this
Dude I so appreciate the comment - that was my intention, to help other people with some extra information and kind of that hands-on close look at all of these products. I literally had no idea what to expect but sigh of relief when I got this super quality stuff. Hope you enoy the new shikibuton!! Take care brother!
🙏 thank you. There isn’t really a lot on tatami mat/ shikibuton so this was so helpful! I hope you can give us an update on long term sleeping on the floor.
@@WokOverEasy I just did an 8 month follow up video if you want to check it out. On my channel! Cheers :)
I've got a Twin XL, 4" thick J-life shikibuton. I really love it. Actually makes a nice seat too when you fold it up.
Sounds awesome, and I know exactly what you mean about it being a seat when you fold it up. Once you own it for a while, you start to get ideas of different ways to use it. Thanks for checking out the video!
I’m contemplating with a twin XL or a full size. I’m 5’10 and want enough space to move around. Which would be better?
@@imtired5401full xl for the length I’m 6 2 and have one
This is the video i was looking for. i just pulled the trigger on this purchase. I went with the queen size for now.
Nice!! Can't go wrong with the queen size, you'll have plenty of room. Hope you enjoy and thanks for checking out the video!
How has it been since you got one?
@@brendonmonson4053 Man its amazing. I really wish i got one way before. My back feels amazing.
I agree I live in the French Quarter, New Orleans in a 170 year old 300 sq/ft apartment. My living space is only 10x13 with a brick fireplace in it. I only have the cot size from J-Life and the tatami mat(had it for 2+ years) but it’s definitely a necessity living in a place that small. At least in my opinion. However I found you definitely start a ritual cleaning every night before you go to bed and one when you wake up. Definitely helps start your day. Cold shower, make up/put away bed, have coffee in the courtyard.
Hey John, couldn't agree more. That's cool you have the cot setup. So easy to move around and the tatami mats are awesome! Sounds like you got it all figured out! The courtyard sounds awesome for coffee too. Thanks for checking out the video!
@@willpopemusic no problem. Thank you for the video. I was debating on getting the pillows and the covers(cause they ain’t cheap. However, definitely going to now after seeing how they actually look and hold up.
Very beautiful choice of colors. I've bought from J-Life before and ever since have been in the market for a futon. You've made up my mind. Thanks!
This video has changed my life, medically. Thank u from my spine
Wow.. so happy to hear, Gary. That's really great to discover something that makes a difference. Glad it's working for you and I appreciate you checking out the video!
Hubby was born in Mexico. I am a NY girl of Italian background. We are not Japanese...but have been sleeping "Asian style' for decades. And love it. Not a hint of back trouble, ever. It is a simpler, neater, far more cozy way to restfully slumber each night. I cannot say enough about this type of bed. In fact: whenever we drive to visit my mother in law, who lives a few hours away, we may stay late, so we get a motel room for the night once our family time is over. And guess what? In conventional motel beds? Hubby and I wake up exhausted, miserable... and sore.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Cynthia - honestly couldn't agree more. It really is a fascinating discovery when the light bulb finally goes off in your head - at least it was that way for me! I haven't slept in a spring mattress bed since and don't think I will be going back. Nothing but positive in my experience, glad you are enjoying it as well! Happy holidays to you and your family, enjoy your futon!
I love this
I think it's very interesting how floor sleeping is considered absurd by western standards when it's the norm for a lot of Asian countries
Yeah, agreed... It's just where we choose to lay down 😊 thanks for checking out the video 📸
omg if my pillows had lavender i'd never leave my bed 😭 i looove that
Haha yeah it's pretty amazing! You can buy the pillow or neckroll separately if you want to try it. Thanks for checking out the video!
I found this video VERY useful. I have bought products from J-Life before but shied away from futons and tatami mats because I've heard pros and cons about them. This video takes my doubts away. I myself am tending toward a minimalist look and Japanese design with its "less is more" philosophy really fills the bill. Thanks for sharing.
I really appreciate the kind words. The effort in putting the video together really is worth it to know that it helped! I can tell you, the tatami mats have "broken in" gently over the months and are now perfect and very comfortable as a platform for the shikibuton. Stay tuned for a 6 month update video!! Really.. thank you for the comment. Enjoy the discovery of less is more!
seriously thank you so much for putting this together. I've been researching and researching and you're the only one who did a video on the j life futon. About to buy one bc Im moving out of my parents and this really helped solidify the decision for me! thank you!!
You're very welcome and that's exactly the reason why I did this video! As I was researching for my purchase, I remember thinking - youtube needs a really thorough look at all this stuff!.. Hope you enjoy and cheers 🥂 to a smooth move!
@@willpopemusic thank you!! does it wash well in a washing machine? do the colors bleed at all?
I have a neck U shaped buck wheet pillows. You can take some of the hulls out to make them more flexible
Would love to see a 2 year follow up , how it’s holding out , wash, material comfort etc Thank you
I've been thinking the same thing! About time for a follow up. I still love my futon and sleep on it every night. I'll work out a new video, thanks for the comment 👍
Nice! About to open my jlife boxes today! 2 boxes of futon and 2 tatami! Thanks for posting
Awesome!! Sounds like the makings of a great day and even better night sleep! 💤😴
this is the best setup for scoliosis and degenerative disk disease! I'd just like to know the difference between the organic shiki and the cotton. Is there less risk of humidification when using the organic? Do they feel different?
Thanks for the review. I was looking to replace my old ass mattress with one of these to help clear up floor space in my room when I'm not sleeping. I want to get an electronic drum kit down the line so I needed more room. This helped me pull the trigger on my purchase.
The perfect solution! I used to have a Roland TD4K, so I completely understand the space issue - and that wasn't even considered big for an electronic kit. Glad the video helped and hope you enjoy the new setup!! It's crazy the amount of space available in a bedroom that most people didn't even know they could have!
Thank you so much for your truly comprehensive review! This has been so helpful for me, I appreciate your being so detailed. It’s been a true struggle for a decade to find relief from pain and I’m hopeful a futon will be of some service to me. Haven’t been able to sleep on a mattress for ten years. I’m not expecting a miracle but some lesser pain would be a God send. Hoping you’re still enjoying. You chose a wonderful color palette by the way. Thank you again. Take care, Grace
Hey Grace. So sorry to hear you've been struggling with managing pain for ten years - That's a long time. I'm glad the video was helpful, I still use my Jlife futons every night and love them! I've been asked a few times for a follow up video and am planning to make one. I hope you find some relief from your pain soon. Take care ❤️
This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. I've been sleeping on a futon from IKEA for the last few years and my back is killing me. Thankyou so much
Awesome! Hope you get some useful information. Thanks for checking out the video! I wonder if you could hang your IKEA one outside and beat it with a stick or tennis racket. That may fluff it up a bit
Ikea makes absolute garbage
thanks for the review!! I'm thinking of getting a shikibuton too and I want to know everything I can regarding it. this is very helpful and I love your set up!
I know how you feel, I was in your shoes not too long ago. I understand that phase of trying to collect all the information that you can, haha. I give two thumbs up to the Jlife setup, it's been awesome so far!! Thanks for checking out the video and happy holidays!
So glad I watched this. As a a new minimalist, I can’t wait to purchase one. So, cheers for a great review..
Thanks Stevie! I've been loving my futon, hope you enjoy yours! 💯 Thanks for checking out the video!
Banjaresse in South Kalimantan, Indonesia sleep on the floor too.... They use a bed fill with kapuk randu (Ceiba petandra). The bed also can roll up and make free space.
Wow this is really cool! Thanks for sharing, the kapuk randu gets so fluffy! I bet it's very comfortable. Diah, I hope you have a great day!
aaaah this was so helpful!! ive been trying to my own research on shikibutons its important to me that I bought authentic and as traditional as possible, I really didn't want to order from amazon. There are not manny videos on this and they are usually all by minimalist when thats not the thing im looking for exactly, to ty tysm your videos is a breath of fresh air and sooo helpful to me THANK YOU!!!
Awesome, glad the information was useful for you. I approached it the exact same way! Wanted something authentic that wasn't from Amazon 😂. Hope you enjoy if you end up buying one, thanks for checking out the video!
That was beautifully usefyl. You have gone through every little detail to explain for us the whole experience. God bless you.
Thank you Fatma! I'm glad the info was helpful for you. I still sleep on this exact setup and love it. Thanks for watching the video, god bless you too.
I like how high-quality everything looks... a investment for my back for sure...
Yep - and I'm telling ya... the feeling of getting everything put together and then taking a looooong nap is awesome. I've been sleeping on these every night for almost 6 months now and no issues from quality. The blanket is the best thing in the world, seriously. Thanks for checking out the video!
Purchased the JLife twin Shikibuton. I have my own sheet set on it. But I may also buy the cover for a better fit. One month so far. Still trying to get used to it. But it has helped by sleep apnea a ton! That’s huge for me!
I appreciate you making this video a lot! The typical high beds with thick mattresses have always bothered me a lot. This seems like an amazing alternative.
Glad you stumbled upon the video, thanks for checking it out!
Great video, super helpful to those interested in the Japanese sleep system. I was also looking at J-Life products…gotta say your video just made my life so much easier 🙏🏻✨
Thanks so much Gabriela! I remember when I was doing my research, I was looking for a video too. Hope you enjoy, I'm still sleeping on my futon every night and it's amazing. Thanks for checking out the video 👍 💯
You have a pleasant personality, thank you for the review!
You're very welcome, so do you! I appreciate you checking out the video, enjoy your weekend!
Thank you for an awesome job sharing this info!
Thanks my friend! I appreciate you checking out the video 💯
love the smell of new tatami mats!....what size are those?????? the traditional mat is 36 x 72.
Oh hell yeah, me too!! Mine still have the tiniest bit of rush grass scent if you put your nose right to them, especially in the summer when it's humid. Those are 78" long and 27.5" wide each (makes the necessary 55" when you put them together). They are like a modified size as far as I'm concerned. Thanks for checking out the video Michael!
This is a well-needed review, thanks!
You're very welcome! Hope it was helpful for you and thanks for checking out the video!
This is by far the best review I've seen of this kind of set up. I think I've made up my mind to do this for myself soon. Thanks for posting!
Thanks a bunch Brady, I appreciate the comment and glad the info was helpful. Hope you love the new setup!
Thanks for this amazing and helpful video! ❤
I have bought both the 4-inch and 3-inch shikibuton from J life, honestly, it was a bit too heavy to effectively hang it, the 4-inch weighs about 45 lbs and 3 inch is about 30ish lbs. Seems like real shikibuton in Japan is actually a lot lighter. And 3-inch shikibuton is quite firm even for me (110lb female)
Thanks for the comparison, Lijun! They are indeed heavy and mostly bulky and awkward to hang. I have gotten along just fine without sunning it and I live in the humid midwest. I can only speak for myself and my experience though. Thanks for sharing what you learned!
The kanji script is from an old Japanese poem that reads:
"The fragrant, colored flowers are delicately scattered. Who can remain unchanged in this world?
Transcend the present world, do not dream fleeting dreams, do not act out."
Benjaminn, thank you so much for the comment! Those are really beautiful words. Thanks for checking out the video 👍
Your welcome. I want to make a purchase, however they don't ship to the UK. 😭
Great video thank you! You have the mulberry silk duvet, how warm is it? I had own the silk duvet once but it had strange cool feel and I was cold most nights. I switched to wool (winter quality) and use it all year round. The temperature in my bedroom could fall to 10deg Celsius in winter, that is why I switched to wool. I also got myself a woollen futon which seems very comfortable but due to thickness (15cm) is very heavy and not easy to air. (Can't fold it either) I think the idea of raised beds was to keep them on higher levels where the air was warmer. So question is will the cotton set be warm enough for cool and drafty Scottish properties? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Lucy, thanks so much for the question and I'm glad the video gave you some helpful information! The silk duvet with the cover is warm enough year round for me, but my house doesn't go below 18C. I totally understand why you went with a wool option. My question.. do you think you could use a combination of both?? The silk duvet will not be warm enough on its own.. I say anything below 18C and you might start to feel a little chilly. Now, throw a wool blanket over the top and you would definitely be warm down to 10. Interesting factoid about raised beds.. I can totally understand why someone would do that, since heats obviously rises.. warmer than the floor..
I think you would really love the silk duvet (its truly amazing), but layering would definitely come into play during colder nights. Hope that helps, thanks for checking out the video!
. thanks for the review. I have been wanting to get almost this exact set-up. what size thickness did you get for the shikifuton? and do you feel the seam where the tatami mats meet while laying down?
It's a great setup, I still sleep on it every night. I went with the 3" super firm style. When you have owned the futon for a while and it sets in + you lay directly in the middle, yeah you can feel it sometimes. The thing is that even when I'm sleeping by myself, I usually sleep on the left side. It just works out that way. Thanks for checking out the video! 💯
Great and very thorough review. Thank you, man. God Bless!
Thanks so much, I appreciate you checking out the video! God bless and Happy Holidays!
Thank you so much for doing this. I am looking to buy one of these but like you said, it's a big investment and your video is really helpful. Thank you.
Hey Carla, happy to help and glad the information was useful. Hope you enjoy if you end up with one!
Great video man ive been looking for this exact product review. and when I move I definitely want a more minimalist style thank you so much.
Makes it all worth it to read your comment, thanks for checking out the video! I was in your shoes a short time ago and know how you feel - hope you follow through with it. Personally, switching from a normal mattress/frame has been such a good decision! Enjoy!
Love this review! V helpful, I have been looking for a through review for jlife futon so this was wonderful. For anyone who is considering shikibuton, make sure to air it and your kakebuton out at least once weekly, ideally on a sunny day, for most of the day. Hang it outside with good air circulation. It helps prevent dust mites, mold, and bacteria. Futon maintenance is v important to the longevity of your futon! Also if you have tatami, make sure to remove your futon from them fully every day so they can air out. Sweep and wipe with a soft dry cloth with the grain of the weave about 1x a day. It helps remove excess moisture and keeps its oils evenly distributed.
Emily, thank you for the comment and for mentioning the importance of taking care of your futon and tatami mats! There is definitely some special consideration that comes with owning these products and always good to hear. When you unbox your shikubuton, Jlife provides a paper that has detailed instructions on how to care for it, basically a carbon copy of what you suggest. A good thing to keep on hand to refer to. Thanks for checking out the video, take care!
Hey there! Any advice on winter months when it’s raining a lot? Would hanging in an open garage be useful still you think?
I thought the point of the kakebuton was that the mulberry silk doesn't get mold on it?
@@Gnarcap I literally just saw this, sorry! For winter, I recommend hanging on a laundry drying rack indoors, especially if your garage tends to get damp
@@AntonioBanderasTheKing a kakebuton is the "blanket" that you sleep under. There are kakebuton covers that are typically used that protect the silk. But the kakebuton itself doesn't provide protection from mold, and traditional kakebuton covers are open on the top.
Great set up! Thoughtful review. Thank you.
Thank you Clare, I appreciate it very much. Thanks for checking out the video!
I'm really attracted to the cot but haven't taken the plunge and bought it yet though.
I got the cot a few months ago. I love it. Go for it!
Thanks for the great review! I have a question though. Do you feel the floor/tatami mat when laying down, especially when you're on your side (like the hip area in particular), through the matress?
Thanks for the question, Nico! When the mattress gets worn in (after a few months of using it everynight) you will notice the areas of most pressure (hip area for me) get matted down a little more than the rest. Do I feel it?
on the tatami mats - nope. Super comfy for me
on carpet - nope, feels great
directly on hardwood - yep, I can feel the floor with my hipbones when I side sleep.
Believe it or not, I sleep most nights directly on the hardwood and I'm used to it. As long as you use a tatami mat or sleep in a carpeted room, you won't have to worry. Thanks for checking out the video!
This is so awesome! Love your set-up! Thank you for sharing! Been considering buying bedding from J-Life for a few months now. I think my mind is made up now!
Awesome, I'm happy the video helped you in your decision! I just seriously had my 2nd one delivered today, haha. The full size for the main bed and a cot size for movies and lounging in different rooms (because it's super lightweight and easy to move around) Hope you enjoy yours when you get it!
Nice video, by the way what is that orange thing you were sitting on earlier ???
😂 haha I forgot I was sitting on that, lol. It was my sleeping pad for when I go backpacking. It's called a Nemo Switchback. Thanks for checking out the video, appreciate the comment!
Thank you for sharing this! I've been looking at J-Life's bedding for awhile now. I love the colors you chose!
Thank you! Hope you enjoy yours if you go for it! I actually just got another one (cot size) for lounging around in different rooms/movie time and went with the gold color with the dragonflies on it. They are all awesome!! Thanks for checking out the video!
@@willpopemusic that is awesome! ❤️
I would love to know how you are sleeping now after several months! Also how are you loving the pillow now? I am looking for a great pillow!
Sleeping great! I still use the pillow every night and love it. I think some people might only use the pillow for relaxing/reading but I like it for sleep too. I have removed quite a bit of hulls from how it was originally sent (stuffed full) and I have them saved in a ziploc bag for down the road when I need to rotate some fresh ones in there. I am going to be doing a 6 month follow up video soon if you want to check it out. I'll include lots of my findings and new tips! Hope you are well, enjoy the pillow - I definitely recommend!
This is so helpful! I've been peaking around at these beds and this has me stoked! Thanks!
Awesome, glad you are stoked! Hope you pick out a nice one - enjoy!
You're so kind and helpful.
Thanks for the review man! Really been looking for one for myself and this has really helped me out!
Awesome, glad the video helped with some more info and thanks for watching. Hope you enjoy it if you end up going with the Jlife setup! I've been digging it, don't see myself ever going back to a mattress!
Sweet product review man. I totally love space saving and i have been contemplating going with a Japanese style futon for some time now but all the reviews ive seen online have been wanting. Your review really pushed me to actually going ahead with a purchase. Ill prob grab the TwinXl.
Sup emachine! Glad the video was informative for you! I went down that same path - started researching on youtube and seeing all these people enjoying their minimal setup. Ended up going for it and love the switch, it really works well for me. That Twin XL sounds great, hope you enjoy if you end up buying one. Thanks for checking out the video!
Is a tikibusha the same as a comforter?, about to buy a futon from wayfair
I'm not sure what a tikibusha is, sorry. I searched on Google and it didn't turn any results. The comforter is called a Kakefuton, is that what you mean? Hope you enjoy your futon! Watch out for prices that seem "too good to be true" - often times they are. Thanks for checking out the video, enjoy your day!!
@@willpopemusic sorry I misspelled it, the correct spelling is shikibuton, futon
@@UnicornRyder04 ooooh ok I gotcha. Also, very sorry for the late reply. I missed your response. The shikibuton is the futon mattress, the kakebuton is the comforter. Hope you enjoy the futon if you ended up buying one!
How long did it take to ship or order to be confirmed
Thanks for the vid Man I always wanted to find a way to make my room smaller and more minimal and heard about Shikibhutons and just didn’t know whether it was worth it but this definitely change my mind
Sounds like you're going down the same path that I went down when I started researching them. Hope you enjoy if you end up buying one and thanks for checking out the video. Happy new year bro!
@@willpopemusic happy new year
Do you think this would be comfortable for side sleepers? I bought a cheaper queen shikibuton years ago and ended up tossing it because my partner and I (both side sleepers) still felt the floor underneath and woke up with back pain. It would be nice to try again with something a little more comfortable.
Good question. I'm a side sleeper like you and find this shikibuton to be plenty padded for me. If you are concerned about it, I recommend going with the 4" version and include the Tatami mats. I feel like there is also a little adjustment period with anything new. It can take a bit of time for your body to get used to sleeping on a different surface. When I first started backpacking, I would wake up very stiff because of the thin sleeping pad (plus lugging around all that gear), but now I sleep on a 1/2" foam pad directly on the ground and it doesn't bother me at all. Good luck, hope you enjoy it you end up giving it another shot!!
Thanks so much for making this video, it's by far the most informative and definitely the best video I could find on RUclips about futons. I do just have one question remaining, which is that do you think a tatami mat is necessary? One thing I like about the futon is that it can be nicely rolled up and put away, so having a tatami mat kind of defeats that purpose. Could I just lay the futon straight on carpet, or floorboards?
Awesome video!
I will probably buy one in March forsure
I actually just received my 2nd one, haha. Hope you enjoy it when you try!
thanks for the review!!! looking forward to getting mine
You're very welcome, thanks for tuning in and hope you enjoy!!
damn 3 years old but great video! helped me a lot with my decision! ty mate!
Opinions on TheFutonShop vs J-life? I really need to get a mattress but I dont know which company is better.
Thanks for asking. I honestly can only give my opinion on Jlife since it's what I own. I checked out thefutonshop.com and their organic cotton shikifutons look nice just from their product image and description.
Here's what I can tell you.. I'm very happy with everything that I've purchased from Jlife. I think it's high quality and have never regretted my decision. I think you would be happy with Jlife. They have cool styling and lots of different accessories to pair up with your mattress. The variety and customization is really what won me over in the first place.
Either way you go, I hope you enjoy!!
Really helpful review! Did you get the 3” or 4” futon? I wonder if the 4” is difficult to fold up into the S.
Thank you Yvonne! I went with the 3" myself. That's a good question about the 4" but I am thinking it would be a problem. Especially after it settles in. Hope you enjoy if you try one! Thanks for checking out the video!
Awesome review man! Not sure if you mentioned it anywhere but what size is the mattress you got?
Thanks Daniel, I appreciate it! I am using the Full size (54" wide x 75" long).
@@willpopemusic Thank you sir!
I ended up getting the queen because that's what my mattress prior was. I find it's easier for the cotton to be spaced out inside such a big mattress. Leaving spaces that constantly need to be fluffed every couple days. I think in a couple years I'll get the full size
@@danielcalma2138 heck yeah, congrats on the purchase!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Sometimes I grab each of the 4 corners and give it a little shake just to keep it alive, if you know what I mean. Enjoy that queen man, you'll have plenty of room to sleep on either side if you want. Enjoy!
@@willpopemusic been about 2 almost 3 months and so far I don't ever wanna go back to a western style mattress. Got my friend to buy one too.
Hopefully you feel the same as well as anyone else who purchases one. These things are friggin great!
@willpopemusic After three years, how is it holding up? Would you do anything differently?
Is the Tatami Mat necessary? Because I would love to roll up the Shakefuton to have more space. This advantage would be lost with the tatami mats. I would like to place a little rug where I put the shakefuton on
Hey Johannes. In my opinion, the tatami mats enhance the experience (great platform for the tatami to lay on) but are not 100% necessary. I understand your interest to fold the futon up and open up space. You can always buy the tatami later if you want to. Good luck in your decision and thanks for the question!
@@willpopemusic thank you, maybe I‘ll try the tatami mats later!
could you tell how heavy these boxes were exactly? maybe you still have that info somewhere
need it for my intermediary
I've been looking at this system and also had the nice surprise of how cheap they are compared to western style beds.
That's the spirit! Yeah.. I have seen some comments about how "expensive" these are for a futon, but when you compare them to a western bed they are actually a good bit more affordable! Hope you enjoy the flexibility if you end up trying it. Thanks for the comment and checking out the video!
@@willpopemusic I priced out everything for a Twin XL and it was just under $1,000. Good luck finding everything for a western style bed for that little. Just the mattress would be close to $1,000.
@@willpopemusic I just ordered a buckwheat pillow from them and I'm looking forward to using it.
There's tan stains on my white futon, whats the best way to clean? Also, I have no clue what the stains could be besides possibly coffe/tea and maybe weed vape residue
Sounds like you're living it up with your futon, glad to hear it 👍 I would maybe dilute some bleach with water, then use a Qtip to apply it to the spots. Wait 30-60 minutes, then mist it with water from a spray bottle to try and blot up excess bleach. Just be sure not to let the cotton filling get saturated with water. That will lead to mildew. I hope this helps.. definitely proceed at your own risk. Appreciate you checking out the video 👍
Thanks for this detailed review. Can you update your experience with it since then? I'd love to know if you are still using and enjoying it or not. Thanks again.
Yes, and thank you for the motivation to do my follow-up 6 month review (more like 8 months now) haha.. I've been quite the procrastinator and need to get to it!
I can tell you that I added a second futon (cot size) and I absolutely love them. I slept in a hotel bed a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to get back to the futon.
Thank you so much for cutting so much time out of my decision making bro. It really is appreciated. Excellent video. I also wanna ask, how do you go about washing the mattress and the tatami mats?
Do I have to unpack the futon immediately when I get it? I got it as a gift for my mom for Christmas, but Christmas is still over a month away...
Okay I bought the mattress after watching your video - I ordered the 3" but I wish I would have gotten the thicker one. I am very boney and I feel my hips digging into the floor. I have to use a mattress topper with mine 😩
I also have the 3" and am very thin. Have you considered tatami mats underneath? They provide support and a surface for the futon to lay on. I think that when coming from a mattress, it can feel like a big change and the futon will feel a little less forgiving at first. I urge you to stick with it and give your body time to adjust! Are you sleeping in a carpeted room? Also.. no harm in using a mattress topper if that makes it more comfortable for you!
Do you know if these are a good idea if you live in somewhere with high humidity without a backyard?
Hey David! One would think that a high humidity environment with no space to sun it would be a no-go, but I live in Ohio which is pretty humid most of the time and I confess to never sunning the futon.. mine is fine and doesn't have any funk to it. I don't recommend never sunning it since you're supposed to and I plan to do it soon to try to change my habit. To answer your question, I don't think it's a dealbreaker. Obviously avoid getting it wet and fold it regularly during the day. Sometimes if the sun is coming through the window really strong, I'll just lay it in the sunny patch. Hope that helps, thanks for checking out the video!
This was a super helpful review. Thanks 🙏
Hey Nathaniel, thanks for checking out the video and I appreciate the comment. Glad it was helpful!
Do you still like this? Also-
1. How do you feel it would be for a petite side sleeper?
2. Do you think it would be okay as a topper for a very stiff bed?
3. Did you get the regular 4" inch, or the 3" super firm?
Yep, still love it! I don't think I'll be going back to a normal western bed/mattress for a long time. I actually just got a 2nd shikibuton from Jlife that is smaller. I'll do a 6 month follow up review soon.
1. I think these shikibutons are great for anyone, but especially smaller people under 6'3" or so. I am also a side sleeper and have had no issues with any sleeping position. If your futon develops a thinner area/valley where your hips go, you can smack it with your hand and fluff it up.
2. I don't think this would be a good fit as a topper. It is a little too thick and you would probably sink down in it, especially over time. It's just not designed for that. The good thing is there are definitely other toppers that you can buy that are specifically made for using with a mattress.
3. I wen with the 3" super firm version. I personally like a more compact sleeping surface and prefer it to be on the firmer side.
Hope that helps! Grab some blankets and make a little bed on the carpet. Give it a shot for a couple nights and see how you feel about it. Good luck and enjoy your weekend!
Just made an order, do you remember how long shipping took?
The ease of this setup is my main reason for purchasing, do you have to remove the bed from the removable cover before you put it out in the sun - or can you upkeep them together?
Yep - it's super easy to maintain and it leaves you with a lot of flexibility and space - I dig it... as for sunning the futon, I think you could do it either way, but it would be more effective with the cover off. Maybe sun the futon each time you are washing the cover.. Just be careful not to sun the futon under a tree with birds hanging out in it, if you know what I mean. You can't wash the futon itself. Thanks for checking out the video!
i recently got the twin and so far loving it but sadly already made a dent in the middle is there any way to fix that or getting a topper help? i like to sleep on my back and side mostly
Hey Sarah! So glad you enjoy it. The valley that your body creates is inevitable. The best way to help with that os to rotate your futon every week or so and sun it on a clear, sunny day. Also, just know that it's normal and since you got it recently you are probably adjusting to it. I have had mine for a little over a year now and still sleep straight on the hardwood floor, on my side, back, or stomach and it all works. Hope you stick with it, thanks for checking out the video!
Great review. Does the support mat move when mattress is on top of it?
Nope - the tatami mats don't shift when I sleep. Maybe once a week I'll have to nudge it about a half inch, but nothing noticeable. Thanks for checking out the video!
Can I set up the Shikibuton and tatami on top of my Wooden Bunkie Board/Slats of the platform bed? small bedroom needs more storage space...
Hey Konnie. As long as the dimensions fit then I don't think it will be a problem. The more slats the better, since that will give the tatami mat the most support. If you are still unsure, I would consider reaching out to Jlife with your question at info@jlifeinternational.com
Have a great day!
Hello, cool video. So im getting a full size futon also but the blanket only has 3 choices.(Single, double or queen) which size did you get?? Thxx
Awesome! Hope you enjoy it! Go with the Single - that's the one I have and it fits perfectly. Thanks for watching and have a great night's sleep!
Excellent video...I have everything in this video and love it all. One question tho....I've had shikibuton for almost 2 months and doesn't seem to be fully expanded in spots. I went with the traditional firmness. How long did it take for yours to fully expanded after you unboxed? I went with queen size. I have not aired it out in the sun yet. Cool color scheme btw
Thanks for writing, Michael - I appreciate you checking out the video! In my opinion, I think lumps and thicker/thinner spots is inevitable. I had them when I first got the futon, and I still have them now. Sometimes I try to punch or smack the cotton around, or even grab a corner of the futon while it's on the ground and give it some hefty shakes. Can't tell if it works or not. I think my futon is fully expanded at this point (I'm at about 6 months). Yep, I'm sure that queen size is a bear to get out in the sun and prop up on something so it won't get dirty. I can understand why you have been avoiding that! Maybe the sun will help, I'm not sure.. I imagine over time, the cotton will always be shifting. Try to rotate and/or flip the futon every week or two and sleep on different sides. Take care brother!
Great video! It made it easier for my wife and me to decide! :)
Awesome, thanks John. After 6 months or so, I'm so happy I made the switch. I slept in a hotel bed the other week on vacation and couldn't wait to get back to the futon. Hope you and your wife enjoy the setup!
@@willpopemusic Thanks! Yeah, we're moving to Nashville in a month and decided to dump our 20 year old bedroom set and start fresh with J life. Thanks again. Be well. JHS
Great Video, very detailed- ordering mine today
Thank You 👍
Excellent, glad the video was helpful in your decision! Hope you enjoy!
Been sleeping on a buckwheat hull pillow for over 18 years, nothing will ever compare.
Nice! I had never even heard of them before getting this Jlife setup. Took longer to get used to the pillow than the Shikibuton for me, but damn I am settled into it now and you're right. Curious.. have you ever had to change the hulls out? How long did they last for you before you decided to put some new ones in? Thanks for checking out the video!
@@willpopemusic I never put new ones in. One I got 18 years ago sprung a tear, I still have it in a closet because I loved it so much thinking I might fix it one day. I got another like 10 or so years ago and have been using that one ever since, every night. I air it out in the sun from time to time but have never messed with the hulls. I also find the buckwheat pillow cooler on my head which I love. I got an 18 years ago when I hadn’t slept for a while and I saw it somewhere and I remember someone‘s mom had said something about it so I tried it and never looked back, I never want to sleep with that one it’s the best. Mine is bigger than the smaller ones though it’s like a normal pillow size, and you can scrunch it up while you’re sleeping To make it higher if it crushes down,Rather than having a smaller one which might actually be firmer and harder to squish down, good for neck support though. I like the noise it makes when you flip it’s slightly satisfying too and the fact that the other side is usually always cool sometimes I constantly flip it at night when I sleep. What I do know though is that no matter how high-tech a pillow gets I don’t think you can ever get anything that is superior to this classic japanese buckwheat hull design, also great video super informative the futon looks awesome and super comfortable!
I've been using a buckwheat hull pillow since I was 13. Just turned 40. Never looked back.
Are you still using these products? I've been sleeping on a cheap amazon tatami and futon for 4 months now and it's great but I'm ready to upgrade to something larger and high quality.
Yep, I've used this exact setup every night since I got it - LOVE IT. Haven't had to include extra blankets yet either, the Kakefuton is so awesome and warm. That's a great idea to test the waters with some more affordable stuff to see if you like it! Honestly can't recommend Jlife enough, it's definitely a more legit setup that is made to last. Enjoy, thanks for checking out the video!
@@willpopemusic thank you so much for the reply! I'll be looking in to J-Life products.
Made me die of laughter thx for the info 2 "And then I'm going to fall asleep on a live youtube video"
😆 it'll be gripping, edge-of-your-seat entertainment! Lol... Thanks for checking out the video, Evan!
...so, for a lack of a better way to phrase it, what do you think about hooking up on it? i want one but am apprehensive about it being a bit uncomfortably firm for that purpose. lol.
Hey Alexa! Hooking up on the futon is awesome. It's rock solid, so no creaking and no shifting. The firmness of the futon is great, not bouncy/springy/sinky like a mattress. It's just a really solid platform and isn't influenced by all of the enthusiastic movement associated with "doing it". Also, the buckwheat pillow and neck roll are firm and work great for getting some lift if you need it, for a different angle. The only downside is that the guy can't stand on the side of the bed. A normal bed is often the perfect height for that, but the futon is on the floor. You just have to adapt to that. Hope that helps, thanks for checking out the video!
@@willpopemusic hey that was super helpful, i really appreciate the comprehensive description! you are awesome
If you don’t mind me asking, how much did the complete set up cost? (CAD/USD)
Don't mind at all. The whole setup cost $1,296 with a 10% off discount. This includes the Tatami mats and everything. Shipping was free. They offered a 10% off discount on my first purchase when I made my account on their website, so don't miss that. Not sure if they still do it, but that saved me over $100
That total is USD btw.. thanks for checking out the video!
Thank you!
@@willpopemusic i want to buy just the mattress which website or store would you recommend me? i did a quick google search and it said only 200$ but i just want to double check on the price.
@@Finn-gx6ir so what I would do is visit the Jlife website by clicking here - jlifeinternational.com/?rfsn=4799779.e2fd4d and then you can buy the shikibuton by itself. Two other comments.. 1. I do recommend spending the extra money on the custom cover option to protect your investment, and 2. These are authentic shikibuton mattresses so may cost a little bit more than a cheap mattress on Amazon. They are much higher quality and will be more comfortable and last longer. Good luck and thanks for checking out the video!!
where did you get that chair youre siting on or at least what is it called
I unfortunately don't know what kind of chair that is. It was a gift from someone. I think they call them barrel style swivel chairs. Good luck. I'll reply again if I find out what it is 👍
Do you know a great site to buy the wooden bed Frame
Can you tell me what size futon you got and what size kakefuton. I want to get a queen size futon but the queen size kakefuton seems so much bigger on measurements.
Quick question -- Could the shikibuton fold longways? I am in a small room and want to use a full-sized shikibuton as a single sleeper for half the time, so that when I fold it, I will be folding it down the middle into a narrow bed. Would the material/fabric accommodate this style of folding?
Hey Domenic. I have the full size - tried out the fold longways and it definitely worked. It's a lot more padded that way too - good idea, never thought to try that. I think it will work just fine in the way that you're describing. Keep in mind though that the width is only 27" when folded in half, so it's pretty narrow. If you don't fidget around too much in your sleep, then you'll be fine! Hope that helps, take care!
@@willpopemusic Appreciate this detailed response. Thank you so much.
One last question -- how would the futon manage if you folded it longways and then used one half as a sort of back cushion, like a traditional futon or couch. Would it flop over, or would it stay firm against the wall? This could be a good way to divide it unevenly so that there's more sleeping room.