Frequently asked questions

A cotton mattress, handmade, originally from Japan and now found all over the world, where it is valued as a very practical and healthy sleeping surface.

It is handmade using traditional methods from a natural 100% fibre, such as cotton, which is gentle on the skin, hypoallergenic, thermoregulatory (cool in summer and warm in winter) and allows for optimal breathability.

In its country of origin (Japan), the futon is laid out on a traditional “tatami” floor, a natural surface made from rice straw (igusa). The combination of a futon and tatami is ideal, as both are natural products and the properties of the tatami allow the futon to breathe perfectly. If tatami is not used, the alternative is a solid wood slatted bed base. A futon must not be placed on a spring mattress or on a solid surface that does not allow air to circulate.

It is inevitable that the 100% cotton futon will lose some of its thickness over time. To prevent the cotton from becoming too matted, it is advisable to move it around frequently, fold it and turn it over weekly, so that the layers of cotton can breathe again and the futon remains soft and comfortable.

The average lifespan of any good-quality mattress is 10 years. After this time, it is advisable to replace it. A futon can last 10 years but will inevitably lose thickness and become harder and flatter over time. Moving the futon frequently, airing it out, folding it and preventing it from trapping damp will help to extend its lifespan. The combination of cotton with an inner layer of latex also extends the futon’s lifespan without requiring as much care to keep it soft.

No. Grandma’s old wool mattresses could be reupholstered and refilled periodically, but a futon is made using a different process and cannot be reupholstered. Furthermore, the cost of refurbishing a used futon – replacing the inner filling with new cotton – is equal to or greater than the cost of making a new futon.

Comments have appeared on various online forums from users who have experienced problems with insects in their tatami mats. It is very important to purchase tatami mats from a specialist retailer that offers guarantees. As with all products, tatami mats vary in quality, price, origin and durability… Our tatami mats are fully guaranteed; we have been sourcing them for over 20 years from our exclusive supplier in Taiwan, who exports the product to the Japanese, European and North American markets. As a mandatory requirement prior to export, the tatami undergoes strict quality control, with particular attention paid to the elimination of any possible insects. As a 100% natural product, it is obviously not appropriate to spray the tatami with a toxic insecticide. Any insects are eliminated using a heat treatment process. Inside an airtight chamber, the straw used to manufacture the tatami is subjected to very high temperatures (around 100°C) for 8 hours. This same process is repeated once the tatami mats have been manufactured and packed in cardboard boxes to ensure that, by the time they are loaded onto the container for export from their place of origin in Taiwan, the product is completely sanitised and free from pests. At our warehouse in Barcelona, the tatami mats are stored in their original cardboard packaging in a spacious, clean, dry and well-ventilated area. It is important that, once installed in your home, these same conditions of good ventilation and cleanliness are maintained. Excessive damp or a lack of ventilation could be the cause of any insects being present in the tatami. You may cancel your purchase of a tatami within 14 days of delivery. After this period, the company accepts no liability for any subsequent occurrence of damp or insects in the tatami. As this product is made from 100% plant-based/natural fibres, it may subsequently attract insects or accumulate damp as a result of environmental and external factors entirely beyond our control. This is not considered a manufacturing defect in the tatami and is not covered by the warranty.

The standard size of a Japanese tatami mat is 90 x 180 cm. As well as this original size, we also stock tatami mats adapted to the length of a Western-style bed, which is 200 cm. Available in three widths: 76, 80 and 90 cm. A good-quality tatami mat is between 5 and 6 cm thick. Our tatami mats are 5.5 cm thick.

The tatami can be laid directly on the floor, as its 5.5 cm thickness already acts as insulation and allows the mattress to breathe. We can raise the tatami slightly off the floor by placing it on a solid wooden frame, which will provide better air circulation (allowing the mattress to breathe) and an attractive aesthetic. We call these structures ‘Tarima Tatami’. Extremely sturdy, they are raised between 10 and 20 cm off the floor and include a solid wooden slatted base on which the tatami rests, as well as a solid wooden frame around it, giving the whole unit a simple yet elegant finish. They are available in various sizes and designs to accommodate one, two or three tatami mats.

In principle, the firmness and excellent breathability characteristic of tatami are suitable for any mattress. In our experience, as well as the classic futon or latex futon, 100% latex mattresses, wool mattresses, or those made from any other natural fibre (coconut fibre, horsehair, kapok, etc.) work very well on tatami mats. We have also recently heard from customers who have placed synthetic-fibre mattresses (memory foam, Tempur, etc.) on tatami, although we do not have much experience with this and recommend consulting the manufacturer.

Yes. Published prices include 21% VAT.

Delivery and assembly of our products are not included in the price. The delivery charge depends on the weight and volume of the item to be sent. Generally speaking, the average cost of a delivery to any location on the mainland via the TransNatur delivery service is 70 euros. In the Barcelona area, we offer a transport and assembly service for a one-off charge of 90 euros.

The prices for beds are for the bed frame only and do not include the mattress. The prices for tatami sets include the tatami mats and the wooden base, but do not include a futon. The prices for sofa beds do include the sofa bed itself, the futon and the protective cover for the futon.

The purchase invoice for the product provides you with a full guarantee covering the product for a period of 2 years. Any bed, tatami mat or accessory found to be faulty will be replaced free of charge with a new one within 2 years of the date of purchase. With regard to mattresses, please bear in mind the specific characteristics of the «cotton futon» product. The gradual loss of thickness with use is considered normal and does not constitute a manufacturing fault.

In the event of a return of one or more products, the customer must place the product(s) in the corresponding box or boxes in which they were delivered, properly packed and protected for transport. Products must be returned in perfect condition and in their original packaging. The customer may not exercise their right of withdrawal if the products are not in a condition suitable for resale because they are not in perfect condition. The product may not be returned if it has already been assembled and the hinges or screws required for assembly have been fitted. Only products that are new and complete (including accessories, cushions and instructions where applicable) will be accepted. No refund will be given for any product that has been damaged by the customer or whose original packaging has been damaged beyond simply being opened; in such cases, only a partial refund will be given. For hygiene reasons, bedding products cannot be returned once opened (sheets, duvet covers, pillows, etc.). This statutory right of withdrawal may be exercised free of charge, excluding delivery costs. The statutory warranty does not cover the repair of damage resulting from causes external to the product (such as impact or incompatibility with the mains supply) or caused by the customer. The customer may return the product by their own means to any of the warehouses designated for this purpose by Futon LLit, in which case the return is at the customer’s own expense and risk, or via the courier service provided by Futon LLit, in which case the customer must bear the cost of returning the product, which is the same as the cost the customer paid when placing the order. In the event of a return, the customer will receive a refund via the same payment method used to place the order, either to their credit card or by bank transfer.

The purchase receipt for the product provides you with a full guarantee covering it for a period of 2 years. Any bed, tatami mat or accessory found to be faulty will be replaced free of charge with a new one within 2 years of the date of purchase. With regard to mattresses, please bear in mind the specific characteristics of «futon» products. Futons have an irregular shape and lose thickness over time. This gradual loss of thickness, or the irregular shape of the futon, is considered normal and does not constitute a manufacturing defect. Both futons and tatami mats may be returned within 14 days of the delivery date.