J-Life All-Natural Japanese Futon vs Takaokaya Shiki Futon Mattress

Both are all-cotton Japanese floor futons, but they suit different sleepers. The J-Life is the better all-rounder: it comes in 3-inch and 4-inch thicknesses, uses unbleached cotton duck over American-grown cotton batting, and has 523 ratings at 4.9. The Takaokaya Shiki Futon is a single 2.5-inch plush layer, hand-quilted in Kyoto, with only 93 ratings. Owners of the J-Life call it well made and comfortable, though some find it less firm than expected. The Shiki is the softer, thinner, more traditional choice.

• Choose the J-Life All-Natural Japanese Futon if you want a thicker, firmer cotton futon with a choice of 3-inch or 4-inch loft and a long track record of owner reviews.
• Choose the Shiki Futon Mattress - Cotton if you want a thin, plush, hand-quilted futon from a Kyoto maker and sleep fine on a low-profile floor mattress.