A Japanese futon may be the sleeping mat for you if you are looking to sleep in a minimalist and comfortable environment. Reputable manufacturers have customized the traditional Japanese mattress and provided a modern twist to it, resulting in a high-quality firm sleeping mat that is made in an eco-friendly manner using all-natural and non-toxic materials like unbleached and organic cotton, natural wool, and natural latex. These tips should be able to help you if you are planning to upgrade a nice and affordable Japanese sleeping mat:
- Look up a reputable online store and manufacturer – Make sure that it specializes in stylish eco-friendly furniture and mattresses in the US, with more than two decades of experience.
- Find out how the mat was made – Cost effective Japanese sleeping mats are handmade in the US. High-quality products feature a natural latex core (100 percent botanical Dunlop latex) with organic cotton surrounding it before it is wrapped in a layer of felted thermal regulating organic wool, which is sourced from suppliers in the California coast and Oregon. The organic wool and supportive latex should be constructed by hand for guaranteed outstanding resilience, excellent orthopedic support, and an overall comfortable feel. The finished product should be wrapped in a heavy cotton twill cover. Make sure the mat does not contain any chemical fire retardants.
- Look for GOLS and GOTS certifications – Make sure the latex is GOLS certified and the cotton and wool are GOTS certified. The Global Organic Textile Standard is the globally recognized textile processing standard for all organic fibers, and the Global Organic Latex Standard shows that the rubber in the Japanese sleeping mat has met or exceeded specific standards in manufacturing and processing.
- Choose E-1 certified Japanese sleeping mats - E-1 certification proves that the mattress has been tested and approved to European off gas emission standards. This way, you can be sure that the mattress is not made using typical manufacturing methods that may introduce toxic chemicals that may transfer to your skin or be inhaled, and will slowly poison your body and cause chronic illnesses.