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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)These are some of the more commonly asked questions about using futons and how to care for futons. If you have a question that is not answered below please contact us. FAQ Futon Mattresses Q: What are the benefits of a futon? Latex Mattresses Q: What is a latex mattress? FAQ A: Yes! Our futon mattresses have a 5 year guarantee against faulty materials or workmanship. Our bed frames and latex mattresses have a 10 year guarantee against faulty materials or workmanship. We offer a one week refund or swap guarantee on our entire standard range (not special orders and without freight one way). Futon Mattresses A: Futon refers to bedding traditionally used in Japan and Korea, where they are still very popular. 'Futon' is the phonetic English of a Japanese word which means 'bedding'. It is written as 布団, 蒲団or ふとん in Japanese and 후톤 is the phonetic Korean equivalent. Traditionally, futons were made of natural raw cotton , wrapped tightly in a cotton sheet. Modern futons use raw cotton with a cover made to fit and tied or zipped. Western futons still use natural raw cotton and many are supplemented with other materials such as wool or latex. At FUTONZ we use 'futon' to mean a mattress containing layers of raw cotton. This includes our Traditonal Futon, made completely from natural raw cotton, as well as our Entire Futon Range which have alternate layers of soft fibre (cotton and wool), then natural cotton, and an additional material in the middle that determines the comfort level and density. Distinct from these are our Natural Latex Mattresses which are made from high density pure latex rubber and do not contain cotton. Here are some more sites with information about futons: Wikipedia entry on Futons, a guide to futons, and a short hisotry of futons in Japanese. Q: What are the benefits of a futon? A: Futons have many benefits:
A: There is no reason why a futon cannot last as long as a conventional mattress, given the correct maintenance i.e. used on an appropriate slat base and turned regularly. However, as a rule of thumb, expect a futon to last 5-10 years before it may require reconditioning or refurbishing. Q: Can I put my futon on any kind of slat base? A: Our solid slat base design is suitable to use with any futon except our Traditional futon. If you have an existing frame you would like to use with a futon, please contact us for suitability or custom options. Please refer to futon specifications for FUTONZ recommendation regarding mattresses compatible with flexible slat bases. Q: Can I take the futon's cover off? A: No. The layers of natural fibre from which FUTONZ futons and natural mattresses are made are encased in a 100% cotton 'shell' which is then zippered closed and hand tied (tufted) to complete the futon. It is not intended as a removable cover. It is designed to be easily reconditioned in the future, a relatively simple and cheap procedure but one best undertaken by experts. A separately purchased removable cover can be taken off and washed. If you are unsure please contact us. A: Treat your futon as you would any other mattress. It can be surface wiped with a slightly damp cloth, but never wet through. Use a suitable mattress protector or alternatively you can purchase a removable futon protector that can be laundered. Futons require turning at least once a week to air and maintain the cotton loft. The loft can be invigorated by putting the futon in the sun for a few hours. Most of our futons have a special ‘core’ or middle layer to customise softness or density, and which will last for years (the latex core can be used for over 20 years). Cotton settles naturally over the years, and we anticipate this when suggesting a bed. Q: Can my futon be reconditioned or refilled? A: Futons can be cheaply and quickly refreshed, usually by supplementing the loft with extra cotton. Sometimes a new cover is required. Please contact us and we will be able to help with your specific futon. Latex Mattresses A: We use "Latex Mattress" to indicate our mattresses that have pure latex as the main material and substance. Our latex mattresses have differing densities and thicknesses of latex to for varying comfort and support levels. This latex is then wrapped in a wool for insulation, heat distribution and air circulation, then covered with a quilted fabric - either poylester or bamboo fabric - which has wool in the quilted pockets. Here are some more sites with information on latex mattresses: Top Ten Reasons To Buy A Latex Mattress, an article on the advantages and qualities of latex, and info on the Talalay latex foam process. Q: Can a latex bed help ease my arthritis or back pain? A: Pure latex beds have excellent support properties. This means they contour and mold to the sleepers body shape, while keeping the whole body aligned on a level plane. People have told us their orthopedic doctor or chiropractor has recommended they try a latex bed, and we’ve had great feedback about the suitability of our latex beds. If you have been advised to get a latex bed, we can custom make one to your required level of support, density and comfort. Q: How long will a latex mattress last? A: Our latex mattresses should give you at least 20 years of great sleeps without any noticeable change in the latex comfort or density. Q: Will my latex mattress need special cleaning or care? A: Latex is Bacteriostatic, which means it is naturally free and immune from mould. Our latex beds may help people with allergies or breathing problems caused by dust or synthetics (like asthma aggravated by dust mites), this is because latex has a long life without degradation, and because dust mites are unable to live in the latex. Latex mattresses do not require turning. |
