There is always a special moment when a new futon arrives at your door. After travelling all the way from Japan, your futon is ready to begin its journey in your home. To ensure it performs at its best from day one, it’s important to unpack and prepare it correctly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple process of unpacking your futon and hanging it to allow the natural cotton filling to fully expand before use.

Why is my futon vacuum packed?

To protect your futon during international shipping, we vacuum-pack each order before dispatch. This reduces the package size, keeps the futon clean, and helps ensure it arrives safely at its destination. When compressed, the cotton fibres inside the futon become tightly packed together. Once the vacuum seal is removed, the fibres need time to relax and regain their natural loft. This is completely normal and part of the preparation process.

Step 1: Carefully open the packaging

When your futon arrives, place the package on a clean floor or large surface.

Carefully remove the outer wrapping by first cutting any straps off, then remove the outer wrapping. Do not use blades or scissors to cut the paper, as you don’t want to damage the futon fabric inside. Just loosen the tapes securing the paper wrapping.

Once opened, remove the plastic vacuum packaging and open it, allowing the futon to begin expanding naturally. You may notice that the futon appears thinner than expected at first. Don’t worry—this is temporary.

Step 2: Hang your futon outdoors

One of the best ways to help your futon regain its natural shape is to hang it outside in fresh air.

Choose a dry day with mild sunshine and good airflow. Using a sturdy rail, balcony, clothesline, high backed chairs and, of course your included futon clips, hang the futon so that air can circulate freely around it.

The combination of fresh air, sunlight, and gravity helps separate the cotton fibres and restore volume more quickly.

Step 3: Let nature do the work

Leave your futon hanging for several hours if possible. It is recommended to let it air for a full 24 hours. As the cotton fibres relax, you’ll notice the futon becoming fuller and softer. This process helps remove any compression from shipping and allows the filling to settle evenly throughout the mattress.

Many customers enjoy making this part of their futon care routine long after the initial setup.

Step 4: Gently fluff and rotate

After bringing the futon indoors, gently pat and fluff the surface to encourage even distribution of the cotton filling. You may also wish to rotate the futon end-to-end before placing it in its final position. This helps ensure balanced support and comfort across the entire sleeping surface.

The futon should be regularly rotated, but do not flip it. The anchoring strings holding the interior cotton that punctuate your futon should have the long tassels on the top facing side and the flat side should go against the floor.

What If My Futon Doesn’t Expand Immediately?

Natural cotton responds gradually to its environment. Depending on humidity, temperature, and shipping duration, some futons may take a few days to fully regain their loft. Regular airing during the first week can help speed up the process.

Remember that traditional Japanese futons are designed differently from thick spring mattresses. Their comfort comes from the quality of the natural materials and their ability to support to your body over time.

Caring for your futon from day one

Once your futon has fully expanded, regular airing will help keep it fresh and comfortable for years to come.

We recommend:

• Hanging your futon outdoors whenever weather permits
• Rotating it regularly
• Using a futon protective cover or similar mattress protector
• Keeping it dry and well ventilated

These simple habits are part of traditional Japanese futon care and help maintain the comfort and longevity of your bedding.

Welcome to the futon lifestyle

Unpacking your futon is the first step in a centuries-old tradition of natural, comfortable sleep. With a little patience and fresh air, your futon will soon be ready to provide the support and comfort it was crafted to deliver. Thank you for choosing a handcrafted Japanese futon. We hope it brings you many years of restful sleep and peaceful mornings.