What we think of as a classic futon—a mattress and a frame, usually made of wood—is a take on a traditional Japanese bed that folds and is used on the floor. (Fun fact: the word “futon ...

During the day, they are folded up and stored to expose the tatami flooring to air, according to Matsushita. Futons are put in sunlight on a regular basis and beaten with a bamboo tool to keep ...