The Organic Cotton & Wool Shikibuton takes the traditional cotton shikibuton and goes it one better by adding a layer of insulating, moisture resistant and fluffy 100% organic wool while still utilizing the traditional Japanese construction methods established centuries ago.
The cotton and wool construction shares the same contemporary look, supportive feel, and versatility of our Organic Cotton Shikibuton, but has the added benefits of organic wool – moisture resistance, thermal regulation, and mildew resistance - creating a more comfortable sleep experience and a longer lasting bed (the wool acts as a protective layer around the cotton).
Our shikibutons are made from layers of 100% organic cotton and wool encased in 100% organic cotton twill and then hand-tufted for long lasting comfort. The organic cotton twill fabric that is used for the encasement is GOTS certified.
Surprisingly lightweight at approximately three inches thick (we build by weight), our shikibutons are easily folded and stored to make better use of your space and are instantly available for overnight guests. And if you want to keep the versatility of the shikibuton but want a softer sleep experience, try layering two or more shikibutons on top of each other or adding a topper for a customized and customizable bed set-up.
Organic shikibutons work best when used with a Tatami Frame and Tatami Mat set-up, which best emulates the traditional tatami mat flooring used in Japan. Preferable to the floor or bed slats (slats can be felt through a single or even two shikibutons), tatami mats allow the shikibuton to rest on a flat, solid surface while still being able to properly breathe. Good ventilation will make your shikibuton last longer.
Our shikibutons, like all of Soaring Heart's mattresses, are made of only the highest quality materials using time-honored construction techniques. Your shikibuton should last you eight to ten years with proper maintenance (see care tab), although we have many customers who are still comfortably using Soaring Heart shikibutons bought fifteen years ago.
When we say all natural and organic, we mean it. Since 1982 Soaring Heart Natural Bed Company has been making mattresses and bedding using time-tested techniques, honed and polished over three decades. Soaring Heart makes everything by hand and uses only the highest quality, certified organic, materials available.
The wool and cotton encasements in this product are GOTS certified.
Keep Your Shikibuton On Breathable Surfaces
We recommend all futons and shikibutons be kept off the floor. Latex and innerspring mattress need to be kept on slats. Not keeping your latex or innerspring mattress on a slatted frame or foundation will void its warranty.
The more air that can circulate around all surfaces of your natural bed, the better. When not exposed to air, cotton can begin to mildew because the temperature difference between your body heat passing through the futon and the relative coldness of a non-breathable surface (the floor, solid plywood, etc...) can allow condensation to build up.
Use an All Natural Mattress Pad For Prevention
To prevent body moisture from getting into your bed (which can prematurely compress and harden the natural fibers and make your bed lumpy and uncomfortable), always sleep with one of our all natural organic cotton pads . Don't use a poly-blend pad. They aren't absorbent and can cause you to perspire more during sleep. Wash and dry your natural mattress pad with your sheets. Make sure the pad is completely dry before putting it back on your bed, and your mattress will stay clean and healthy for years to come.
Flip & Rotate
Make sure your organic futon or shikibuton wears evenly (avoiding body impressions) by flipping and rotating it regularly, so you end up sleeping on all different parts of the bed equally. We recommend doing this once a week for the first month, then once every other week thereafter.
Give Your Bed a Sun Bath
A couple times a year, on a sunny day, put your futon, shikibuton, or topper outside in the sun for an hour or two on each side. It's like giving your bed a natural dry-cleaning. The sun fluffs and revitalizes the fibers, discourages microbial growth, and evaporates any residual moisture. Does not apply to latex - latex can be deteriorated by sunlight.
Revitalization Services
Even if you lovingly follow all the steps listed above, there may come a day when your natural bed doesn't feel quite as comfortable as it originally did. In that case, feel free to click the button below to send us information about your product so we can schedule a revitalization time. Often times, all that's necessary to bring new life to your faithful futon is a few new layers of cotton or wool, and that can cost significantly less than a new bed. We do need to see it in person so we can assess what needs to be done, but once we figure it out we can usually finish the revitalization that same day.