Is it possible to sleep on a mattress without a bed? Definitely yes. Sleeping on the floor has undeniable advantages. The spine takes the correct physiological position. Due to this, the work of internal organs and blood circulation improves.

Mattress instead of a bed
A mattress instead of a bed is a tempting option for lovers of minimalism

Mattress for sleeping on the floor

Floor mattress for sleeping
The floor mattress for sleeping (futon) is easily put away in its designated place after sleep

Woven mats, then tatami, futons – the Japanese have been using them for centuries. During the day, the sleeping area is rolled up and put away in a closet. For the Japanese, this option is salvation from the hot subtropical climate, a tribute to tradition. For Europeans, it is a way to improve health, diversify the interior, and save money.

Sleep on the floor on a mattress
In Japan, it is customary to sleep on the floor, or at most on a flat wooden bed, regardless of a person's wealth.

Apparently, you can sleep without special furniture. Actually, what is a bed? A frame for a mattress, the springs of which prevent it from deforming prematurely under the weight of the human body. Plus an interior item, again. Therefore, a mattress without support in the form of a solid base has a double function. It must be elastic, durable, orthopedic.

Japanese style sleeping room
A Japanese style sleeping area that has no traditional bed and only a mattress instead

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Mattress Instead of a Bed

  • The air below is cooler than above. The body is well saturated with oxygen during sleep.

    Mattress without a bed
    The mattress-without-bed solution is really more comfortable, takes up less space and looks very unusual and stylish
  • The spine, being on a flat, hard surface, experiences less stress. The neck, back, and pelvis rest. The person wakes up refreshed and restored.

    Correct positioning on the mattress
    The orthopedic mattress “adapts” to the human figure, providing minimal stress on the spine
  • Posture improves.

    Correct posture after sleep
    Back pain and discomfort can go away after sleeping on the right mattress
  • Falls asleep and wakes up easier.

    Low height and comfort
    Low height and comfort allow you to always get up on the right side of the bed

The advantages of the mattress include:

  • easy to use – the bed can be easily lifted, moved, or leaned against a wall.

    Futon topper mattress
    The topper futon mattress can be rolled up when needed to free up space during the day
  • easy to care for – the cover is removable and easy to wash;

    Cover with a lock
    The cover with a lock can be removed for washing
  • functionality – can be used as a play area for children.
A mattress laid on the floor
A mattress laid on the floor can easily become the highlight of your interior

Dangers of Sleeping on the Floor:

  • the occurrence of a sharp pain syndrome when getting up in the morning from a low surface, especially in older people;
  • risk of hypothermia (cold concrete, drafts);
  • no back, like a bed.

Types of mattresses

When sleeping on the floor, you should carefully select a sleeping place. An inflatable lounger is not a budget option. It wears out and is harmful to the back. Mattresses of medium and high hardness, 10 - 17 cm high, are best suited.

Special mattress for the floor made of two layers
The easiest option is to take a special mattress for the floor, the design of which involves the use of two different layers, united by one cover.

The following are used to make them:

  • polyurethane foam – the material is soft, elastic, breathable, durable, and easy to fold;

    Polyurethane foam mattress
    Orthopedic springless mattress made of polyurethane foam
  • artificial, natural latex – creates an orthopedic effect, easy to clean, antibacterial – rubber tree juice from natural latex kills all germs;

    Elastic springless mattresses
    Elastic springless mattresses made of natural latex without additional layers are very comfortable, but expensive
  • coconut coir – added to increase elasticity.

    Coconut coir
    Coconut coir is a natural, environmentally friendly, durable and hygienic natural material.

Sleeping on a hard bed is useful, but not everyone will find such a bed comfortable if they are not used to it. Therefore, “beginners” should buy a mattress of medium or higher than average hardness (they are made as a “sandwich” – they alternate layers of latex and coconut coir). Mattresses instead of a bed also differ in their degree of durability. Thus, some of them are intended only for children, while others can withstand a weight of up to 120 kg. The price of mattresses varies between 3 and 17 thousand.

Sleeping on the floor as recommended by a doctor
In some cases, sleeping on the floor is a medical recommendation.

Japanese futon deserves special attention. It consists of natural materials: latex, coconut coir, cotton. Modern futons are also filled with orthopedic foam - memory.

This is an innovative, hypoallergenic material with a memory effect - it adapts to the physiology of the human body. Depending on the transformation options (pouf, chair, sofa), futons are divided into types: Yatta, Ringo, Shikima, Genzo, Yagami, Yume, etc.

The right orthopedic mattress
The right orthopedic mattress is an alternative to tatami and futon mattresses

The main advantage of such mattresses is their versatility, safety, and low cost (from 3 thousand). Disadvantages are a short service life and the impossibility of washing.

Pros and cons are determined before purchase
When choosing a futon mattress, it is necessary to consider all the pros and cons before buying.

For those who cannot sleep very close to the floor, there is an excellent replacement - a podium bed. It also came to us from the East. The height with the mattress is no more than 40 cm.

Wooden podium bed
A wooden podium bed will fit perfectly into the bedroom interior

You can buy an orthopedic base. The best option is a mattress with a Bonnell spring block, which will function as a bed frame.

Orthopedic base
The orthopedic base provides additional orthopedic effect and free air ventilation
Bonnell spring mattresses
Spring mattresses based on the Bonnell block are considered the most common in the world, are inexpensive and can withstand heavy loads

How to Decorate a Bedroom with a Mattress Without a Bed

A mattress instead of a bed, on the one hand, is a way to save space in a small room, on the other hand, it is a design move in an apartment furnished in a minimalist style.

Ways to design a sleeping area.

  • Cave. Part of the room is fenced off with walls, and a mattress is placed in this niche.

    Bedroom in a niche without a bed
    Ideas for decorating a bedroom interior without a bed in a room niche
  • A podium on which a mattress lies.

    Bedroom with a podium
    A bedroom with a platform on which a mattress lies is perfect for a minimalist style.
  • Bedroom in oriental style. No partitions, no enclosures. Just so that the room does not resemble a student dormitory, it is worth adhering to the style. For example, put a statue of Buddha, curtain the windows with bamboo blinds, etc.

    Unusual bedroom
    Unusual bedroom in Japanese style for unforgettable sensations and excellent sleep
  • Eco-style. Interior items made of natural materials, made in warm colors are suitable for creating the design. And, of course, a mattress on the floor for sleeping.
Bedroom in eco style
A mattress on the floor will perfectly fit into the calm atmosphere of an eco-style bedroom

Video: Rolling Out a Futon, Kofu, Ryokan, Japan

Interiors of rooms where mattresses on the floor are used instead of beds for sleeping: