* An affordable and comfortable answer to an organic bed.
* Firm surfaces help the body realign itself during sleep.
* Firm surfaces increase the circulation of the body by enhancing capillary action to the extremities.
* Firm surfaces make breathing deeper during sleep for a more restful sleep. This helps the body go into the deeper stages of sleep where true rejuvination happens.
* Kapok is extremely breathable, allowing ample air circulation. This regulates body temperature and enhances a more restful sleep.
*Kapok is naturally mold, dust mite, and bed bug proof. This is from its natural chemicals which have helped the species survive in a tropical rainforest replete with competing species.
*Kapok is one of the only organic, chemical-free bedding materials which is never fumigated nor treated with PCBE's (fire retardant chemicals) which are known carcinogens.
*Kapok futons can be rolled or folded and put in a corner or closet during the day to increase the useable space in your house. (A bedroom can become a living room, kitchen, or office).
Unlike American futons which are more like mattresses, Japanese Futons are closer to quilts or mattress toppers.
Japanese Futons are designed to fit on a tatami mat, which is for only one person to sleep. However two side-by-side covered with a mattress pad or a simple blanket to hide the crack makes a Double or Full sized bed (54" wide). A fitted sheet or a flat folded sheet can hold the two mats together. This acts essentially as a single unit and has the advantage of being easy to move and put away. For a King Size, place three of these single units together.
The 'futons' you see in stores are Americanized, hardly adhering to the function of the original item. They are more of a mattress than a futon. Kapok is breatheable, non-toxic, and doesn't compress over time like cotton batting. Cotton batting absorbs moisture and becomes a breeding groud for mold. It also compresses with use, which is why the bedding industry has resorted to inserting foam cores (which is toxic in itself).
Kapok is one of the few bedding materials which is not treated with PBDE's (flame retardants).
Many health care experts recommend a firm bed for a healthy back. Dr. Nishi, a former Japanese pioneer in the health benefits of sleeping on a firm surface, believed this type of bed alleviates many health problems, especially related to circulation and back issues.
Kapok makes a futon that is firm and yet not rock hard. When your futon first arrives it may be very thick and soft--about 5 inches thick. It will soon settle down to about 2-3 inches thick by sleeping on it a few nights. Kapok tends to compact when it is moist. This may happen naturally from respiration of the body. If it becomes compacted, simple set it in a sunny place for a few hours and it will return to a pleasing firm yet not hard density.
Kapok futons need a few seconds of fluffing before or after each use. This pushes the kapok evenly throughout.
Kapok may have a strong smell when it first arrives. This is simply from the natural moisture content depending on the conditions under which it was harvested. The smell will go away soon as the mat airs out. The smell is not mold, although it smells like mold. You can wet a small corner of you mat at any time and the smell will appear immediately, and go away immediately upon drying.
Kapok futons can be easily carried by strapping with a hemp yoga strap as shown in photo (sold separately).
For an eye-opening article on the subject of sleep, click here:
The Ergonomics of Sleep
Here is an excerpt from www.aboutjapan.com
Although many Japanese sleep in beds in these days, it is still common to sleep on a futon mattress spread on the floor. Westerners call the small couch which turns into a bed a futon, but that is very different from the traditional Japanese futon. A traditional Japanese futon set includes shikibuton (under futon), kakebuton (comforters), and makura (pillow).
Shikibuton is usually stuffed with cotton batting and is wrapped in shikifu (sheets). Japanese uses different types of futon, depending on the season, such as light ones in summer and heavy ones in winter. Futon made from down feathers is light and comfortable but is most expensive. Kakebuton is covered by kakebuton cover. The traditional Japanese pillow (makura) is filled with red beans or buckwheat chaff.
Futon is usually put away during the day in the closet called oshiire. The oshiire closet has sliding doors and usually divided into two shelves. It is best to keep the futon on the upper shelf. Japanese houses are usually small and do not have many rooms, so a room is used for dual purposes. During the day, a room can be used as workroom or guestroom after futon is stored in the oshiire. It is very convenient.
It is important to sometimes dry futon under direct sunshine. You may ruin your futon if you keep them in the closet or spread on the floor all the time. Remember that Japan is very humid especially in rainy season. There is a product called futon kansouki (futon dryer) in Japan. Just place the dryer between kakebuton and shikibuton while it is spread on the floor. Airing your futon really helps you sleep well.
Also, it is commonly said that sleeping on futon is better for the back than sleeping on a soft bed. The hardness of the floor seems to be good for people who have back problems.
SEATS
Zafu Cushion
Peace Bench™
Sky Bench™
Smile Cushion™
Inflatable Zafu
Tilt Seat™
MATS
Zabuton
Mini Futon
Yoga Lounge™
YOGA PROPS
Straps
Blocks
Bolsters
Sticky Mats
Blankets
FURNITURE
Desks
Chairs
Bookshelf
Zen Office™
Floor Bedding
PILLOWS
Head Pillows
Eye Pillows
Body Pillows
ACCESSORIES
Books/CDs
Beeswax Candles
Meditation Bells
Kapok and Buckwheat
Lavender Landscape
Incense
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organic pecan
$130
12 lbs. [27"x76"x2"]
Removable cover available separately. Please inquire.
