Is Sleeping On A Tatami Comfortable? – Pros and Cons

Back discomfort sufferers could have a lot of inquiries concerning tatami. We will answer the query, “Is sleeping on a tatami comfortable?” in this post in a straightforward manner. Please refer to the sections where we discuss mattresses that should be used in Japanese-style rooms and safety measures to consider when utilizing mattresses on tatami mats.

What is tatami?

Traditional Japanese tatami serves as flooring. Straw, thatch, and sedge are materials that are frequently utilized. The tatami mat floor (tatami doko) is constructed of straw, and the tatami mat surface (tatami omote), consisting of woven rush cloth, is glued onto it during installation. Tatami beri, a belt-like piece of cloth that is sewn to hold the mat surface to the mat floor, is the standard tatami structure.

Size types of Tatami

Tatamis come in a variety of sizes, and the sizes that are used vary by location. By the way, the Real Estate Display Regulations dictate that when the area per tatami is displayed on a floor plan, etc., it is transformed to 1 tatami = around 1.62 square meters.

Kyoma size	About 1.82㎡ (191cm x 95.5cm)
Rokuichi size	About 1.71㎡(185cm×92.5cm)
Chukyo size	About 1.66㎡(182cm×91cm)
Edoma size	About 1.55㎡(176cm×88cm)
Danchima size	About 1.44㎡(170cm×85cm)

1. Kyoma size

The biggest tatami is known as a kyoma. Honma and Kansai-ma are other names for it. The use of Kyoma is widespread in the Kansai, Shikoku, Chugoku, and Kyushu regions.

2. Rokuichi size

The longer side of the tatami is about 2m, hence the moniker “Rokuichi size” of the tatami. This obscure standard is applied along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea in the Chugoku region. It may go by the names Hiroshima-ma (Hiroshima-ma) or Aki-ma (Aki-ma), depending on the locale.

3. Chukyo size

Tatami in the Chukyo region, which includes the prefectures of Aichi and Gifu, is the Chukyo-ma size. Because the longer one is about 2m and the shorter one is about 1m, it is also known as “Sanrokuken.” Additionally, Chukyo-ma is used in sections of the Hokuriku region, Okinawa, and the Tohoku region, particularly in the prefectures of Fukushima and Iwate.

4. Edoma size

In the Kanto region, some of the Tohoku region, and Hokkaido, Edoma is the most often used standard. The longer one is sometimes referred to as “Gohachiken” because it is 1.5m and 24 cm long. “Kanto-ma” or “Inaka-ma” are other names for it.

5. Danchima size

The tatami mats that are frequently used in housing complexes, like housing complexes, are the size of danchima, as the name implies. The longer one is also referred to as “gorokuken” because it is 1.5m and 18 cm long. As a result of its use in public housing, it is occasionally referred to as “Kodama.”

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Is sleeping on a tatami comfortable?

Your body will probably be in the right position as you sleep on a tatami mat, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. Additionally, sleeping on a tatami mat keeps you cool for two reasons: one, you’re near the floor, where colder air is, and second, a tatami’s flat, hard surface doesn’t trap heat. Because of its great effects on sleep, it has become popular from Asia to Europe.

1. Water absorption 

A growing movement to reevaluate the attraction and usefulness of tatami has emerged in recent years, and an upsurgeRush, which was once used to make tatami mats, is thought to provide a number of health benefits.

First off, the raw material “rush” is distinguished by its strong hygroscopic effect and has a structure resembling that of a sponge when examined under a microscope. Tatami is being used in a decreasing number of homes, not just in Japanese-style rooms but also in certain Western-style rooms.

2. Moisturizing effect

Tatami also effectively absorbs sweat. Even if you perspire a lot at night, you can wake up feeling dry and fresh since the sponge-like structure not only absorbs moisture but also eliminates odors.

Additionally, the rush releases the moisture it has collected as the air becomes dry, adjusting the humidity, so you may anticipate a moisturizing effect in a location containing rushes.

3. Heat insulation effect

The sponge-like structure’s “moisturizing effect” is only one of its benefits; the sponge-like structure also has an “insulating effect” on the air.

In other words, sleeping on an “Igusa Tatami” offers the benefit of keeping you warm in the winter and keeping chilly air out in the summer.

Tatami is a material that is difficult for heat to pass through, making it simple to keep warm. Consequently, it is warm in the winter and chilly in the summer. You can rest easily all year long because of this.

4. Sleeping on tatami was good for the body.

Before beds were invented, people in Japan used to sleep on tatami mats that had futons laid out on top of them. I used to use a high cushion, but lately, it’s become commonplace to utilize materials like memory foam to help me relax and fall asleep.

Modern individuals, however, have stronger curves because they are taller than their forebears.

Because of this, some people use soft mattresses with springs or soft materials like memory foam while they sleep, which may exaggerate their curvature and have a negative impact on their sleep. It’s also true that back discomfort might result from it.

The product “Tatami” is good for effortlessly straightening the contours of your body that have grown too strong and correcting them to natural curves because it is softer than flooring and harder than memory foam.

Features of tatami bed

Here, we’ll discuss tatami beds’ benefits and drawbacks as well as some of their characteristics, such as comfort.

1. Advantages of tatami

We’ll explain the advantages of tatami beds to you.

1.1. Increases the firmness of the sleeping experience

For those who want a firmer sleep, tatami beds are ideal. If they use a mattress that is too soft, people with back trouble may experience back pain, but if they sleep on a firm bed, they will feel secure. On the other side, those who dislike harsh surfaces might not find it appealing.

1.2. Simple to raise and lower the futon as well as stand up and sit down

It is simpler to raise and lower the futon because of the height of the tatami bed. Tatami mats make it simpler to stand and sit than a futon does. Now everyone may sleep on a futon, even those who worry about raising and lowering their futon every day.

1.3. Measures of indoor dust

The “dust zone” is defined as the area 30 cm from the floor where airborne dust and household dust are present even when no one is moving. You run the risk of inhaling in house dust if you sleep on your futon straight on the floor. You can sleep farther away from the floor by using a bed frame, which also reduces indoor dust.

1.4. Winters are warm, and summers are cool

Natural plant materials, such as rushes and straw, make great tatami mats for controlling humidity. It maintains a comfortable sleeping environment all year long by adjusting the humidity in your room to the ideal level, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

2. Disadvantages of tatami

Next, we’ll go into great detail on the drawbacks of tatami beds.

2.1. The tatami surface’s deterioration and fading

Tatami mats can deteriorate or fade from friction.

2.2. Mold is probably to appear

If the futon is left on the bed, there will be a lot of dampness, which will encourage the growth of mold. Take the right precautions against moisture, such as properly folding futons and enabling air to flow through the tatami mats, to avoid the growth of mold.

2.3. Using more area than a mattress on the floor

The futon can be stored the same way it would be on the floor when using a tatami mattress (bed), however, the bed frame requires more room. Your room won’t get any smaller if your bed doubles as storage because you won’t need to erect a shelf or chest of drawers

Methods to extend the life of tatami

It is vital to come up with ways to use tatami in order to properly demonstrate its functioning and use it for a long time. Here are three suggestions to extend the life of your tatami.

1. Ventilating regularly

Tatami mats can reduce humidity, thus if they are exposed to a humid environment for an extended period of time, they risk absorbing too much moisture. Avoid absorbing too much moisture as this can encourage the growth of mold.

To get rid of surplus moisture and mildew, be sure to ventilate tatami mat-covered spaces more completely than usual. We advise using a dehumidifier frequently if the space where the tatami mats are located lacks windows or has a floor design that makes it difficult for wind to move through.

2. Maintenance

In addition to changing the tatami mat, there are various techniques to preserve tatami. Turn your tatami mat inside out if you are worried about sunlight or damage to the surface.

The clean side of the tatami mats can be used, saving you money by preventing the need to buy a new one. Additionally, just the tatami face and edge need to be replaced; the tatami floor, which makes up the majority of tatami mats, can be reused.

Tatami can be used for a very long time with appropriate upkeep.

3. Clean frequently

Insects that attach to the tatami mat may grow in number if debris such as dust, filth, dander, food particles, etc. is left on the mat. Tatami mats can become damaged by insects, thus it’s crucial to clean them frequently.

To protect the tatami from damage when vacuuming, make sure to move the vacuum slowly and follow the grain. Additionally, it is essential to wipe tatami mats dry because they are sensitive to dampness.

If a stain cannot be removed with dry wiping, use gentle pressure with a rag that has been tightly wrung out. Then, follow up by dry wiping the area and providing ventilation.

FAQs

1. What are the drawbacks of tatami sleeping?

The risk of perspiration and mold growing in the space under the futon, nevertheless, increases if you leave it on the bed. Some people might worry about dust since they lie near to the floor and have allergies. Additionally, the tatami may dent if heavy furniture is placed on top of it, which restricts the types of furniture you can place, including beds.

2. What are the advantages of tatami sleeping?

The ability to sleep in a space that makes use of tatami’s benefits is the main benefit of having a bedroom decorated in the Japanese style. The rushes used to make tatami mats have a calming scent and are thought to have impacts on temperature, air quality, and odor. The environment is conducive to slumber, so you can anticipate having a good night’s sleep.

3. Can I utilize the tatami bed while not in use?

Just like when sleeping on tatami in a room decorated in the Japanese style, the bedding used on a tatami bed should be folded and stored every day. Do not leave it unattended, please. Mold will quickly grow on the tatami portion of the tatami bed if the mattress is left on the floor. This is identical to utilizing bedding in a room decorated in the Japanese manner.

4. What advantages can tatami bedrooms offer?

The aroma of the rushes used to make the tatami mats is one advantage of using a bedroom in a Japanese-style space. You can go to sleep while the calming smell heals you. Tatami also has the potential to clean the air and get rid of smells, which makes it simple to produce a cozy resting space.

5. What occurs if you don’t use a pillow when you sleep?

Without a cushion, your head is lowered by that amount, which allows for easier blood and fluid flow to your head because of gravity. Blood normally circulates continuously, but when you sleep for extended periods of time in one posture, blood flow might become sluggish. This may result in the application of even more gravity, which may induce facial edema.

6. How should your tatami mats be treated if mold appears on them?

Your tatami mats should be cleaned with a vacuum, broom, or dry cloth if there is a lot of black mold forming on them.

• On the black mold, sift baking soda into a thin layer.
• Baking soda should be covered with ethanol.
• Use a used toothbrush to remove the black mold that has become embedded in the tatami mats.
• Turn the tatami surface over and let it dry for three to four days in the shade outside in a well-ventilated place.

7. What precautions should you take to prevent leaving the futon on the tatami?

Between the futon and the tatami mat, you may absorb extra moisture and stop it from accumulating by using a dehumidifying sheet or slatted mat. An absorbent sheet that removes excess moisture is a dehumidifying sheet. The sheet can be reused numerous times after the moisture has been absorbed. Simply hang the sheet outside to dry. Dehumidifying sheets are known for being portable and lightweight.

8. Is there a recommended number of tatami mats for my bedroom?

In general, a single person’s bedroom should be between 4.5 and 6 tatami mats in size, whereas a bedroom for two couples should be between 6 and 8 tatami mats. You can use it as long as the minimum space is adequate because if you have 4.5 tatami mats, you can fit two beds. Additionally, you can put a TV and dresser in addition to the bed if you have 10 tatami mats.

9. On tatami mats, will alcohol eradicate mites?

Both dust mites and bacteria are killed by alcohol disinfection, which also has bactericidal properties. However, alcohol is very flammable, so it will quickly evaporate even if you spray it directly on the tatami mats. To clean the tatami surface, it is therefore advisable to apply alcohol straight to a fabric, such as a rag.

10. Why do tatami mats get moldy?

Since natural rush has the ability to regulate moisture and absorb and release air, it will continue to absorb moisture under high humidity conditions, which will lead to the growth of mold. ”Temperature, humidity, oxygen, and nutrition” are the prerequisites for mold growth, therefore just because the humidity is high does not guarantee that mold will grow.

Conclusion

Is sleeping on a tatami comfortable? “Tatami” is a floor covering that can be modified for contemporary use. No matter the season or your age or gender, “tatami” is comfortable. Living with ”tatami” is advised in today’s world when traditional things are being given another look! Just being in “Tatami” is great!