I Slept on a Traditional Tatami Mat for 2 Years!

[@wreagfe]

Have been using a tatami for 7 years as a foundation. Still smells like grass, no mould, still in one piece. Apparently in Japan tatami is maintained/replaced every 5 years, but they use it more intensively, not just for sleeping on it, but also sitting, relaxing, and when they have guests, so there's that.

[@BarRookie]

Great to know they last so long. Because they have gone up in price last couple of years 😉 Do you also have like indentations of where you were laying into the tatami mats?

[@TerriblePerfection]

I just bought one and have used it for 2 nights. I don't have any mattress or topper on it, just a few thin blankets. The first night was dicey. Side sleeping went well but back sleeping was only comfortable for my upper back. Near my tailbone it wasn't so great. Last night was super! I slept 6 hours straight, which is unusual for me, as I often have insomnia after 4 hours of sleep. So far so good! I think it's going to be great. [Edit: Three weeks later, I'm loving the mat. Longer, better sleep, and when I wake up the blankets have hardly moved overnight. They used to be all over the place from tossing and turning.]

[@ELITESTROKES]

How is it now 😂

[@TerriblePerfection]

@@ELITESTROKES Excellent. Next week we're traveling, which I love, but a regular bed might be strange now.

[@vagrantastronaut]

This is cool. You obviously have put in enough time to really say whether this method of sleeping is good or not! In my culture, we have thin bamboo mats to put on top of traditional mattresses under the bedsheet to promote ventilation/cooling. I don't use those any longer as I removed my bed frame a few years ago. I sleep on the floor on a 5cm folding mattress. Best decision ever! It feels so good to fold the mattress away after waking up, a ritual which allows the space to be used for other things. Sleeping on the ground is also a way to get grounded, I feel, like getting on a yoga mat. It made me more aware of my body. Another reason why I think beds are a hassle: I had a bad experience over months with a dorm bed; the slats supporting the mattress kept dislodging and falling. Sounded like gunshots! What a nightmare 😂 I've also experienced that kind of bed break under me before. Lol

[@BarRookie]

Thank you for the comment my friend. I still sleep like this, so I really find it the best way so far. Indeed, when the floor starts falling like gunshots, I think you will have bigger issues. What I personally struggle with when floorsleeping is my hips. My shoulders feel great, but somehow my hips don't really like the hard surface, do you have any experience with that?

[@vagrantastronaut]

@@BarRookie I don't have difficulties with floor sleeping with my current setup! I only feel pain if I happen to fall asleep on a 4mm yoga mat over tile floor; then I definitely feel pain at points of contact like the hips from side-sleeping, because no bone feels good bearing weight against a hard surface haha. Can you explain what you mean by your hips not liking the hard surface? Would changing your sleeping position help? I'm a huge side sleeper and a large bolster is a big help with aligning the shoulders and the hips.

[@fearless6947]

Sleeping without a pillow got rid of my neck hump. The neck hump was caused by laptop, phone and sleeping on sofa upright.

[@BarRookie]

Damn that is crazy! With a pillow, did you mainly sleep on your back? Btw, laptops are the worst when it comes to posture!

[@fearless6947]

@@BarRookie EDIT: during the lockdown, I slept on the sofa on an upright position a lot lol. That was the main cause, because you are curving your neck. Honestly bad posture is okay, as long as you sleep without a pillow. 8 to 9 hours sleep will straighten your back and neck out. 8 hours is enough to push the harden fat out of the neck. The pillow is soft, so supports the fat.

[@BarRookie]

So mainly backsleeping. Did you use any support for your lower back? Because mine tends to round when sleeping on my back

[@fearless6947]

@@BarRookie I made a mistake on my last comment. I corrected it. It you are sleeping on the back, it's perfect. Curving your back on the floor or bed is okay. Back and curve is good on bed or floor, back is better but don't worry about it. Just don't sleep on a sofa at an upright position because the sofa is soft and you will sink in and curve the back. My bad

[@BarRookie]

Thanks for explaining my friend! I tried sleeping without a pillow when belly sleeping, that already works. Still haven't found a way to comfortable slezp on my back. It's like my mind won't let me 🤣

[@redwhiteandblueblood]

I've slept on the floor on and off since my back issues started in 2011 Definitely helps with rehab Only used a super thin foldaway mattress or a mat (covered both obviously with sheets) Never noticed mould or anything yuck

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

It depends on where you live really. If you live in a damp rainy country or humid country mold is something you have to fight. If you live in dry hot countries or states that’s not an issue.

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

Hope your rehab is going well. Spines are certainly unforgivable when it comes to injury’s. I have a very curved spine and sleeping on the floor has definitely been a major improvement on life

[@redwhiteandblueblood]

@@Mikey-ym6ok yep all good cheers, found a good physio start of last year who specialised in helping people with back and shoulder injuries, so I was probably 7-8 months into my strength work when I posted this after an initial 2 months of physio working on minimising pain through massage and stretching techniques to loosen my hips up At a level of maintenance now, back working part time moving freely, ramping up my strength work gradually

[@redwhiteandblueblood]

Mainly doing posterior chain movements for legs/core/lower back strengthening Sumo deadlifts and squats, RDLs, kettlebells swings etc

[@OnesoulfirstorderTwolifetimes]

You're a Godsend my dude 🤟🏿

[@BarRookie]

☺️🤣

[@michellesmith851]

Not trying to convert anyone to latex mattress but we got one about 1 year ago and it was life changing. Our chiropractor told us that was what he used. I am looking for floor sleeping mat because my toddler wakes up at night sometimes 3 times and I have been sleeping either in the crib with him or on floor next to crib. It’s winter now and the floor is too cold even when I wrap myself in thick blanket... I just want a decent mat that isn’t going to break the bank. Can’t find anything reasonably priced though. Also I am afraid if I bought tatami my cats might think it’s a flat scratching post 😛

[@sonaadigby5770]

thanks for the great video. You have explained about the one difficulty i have with floor sleeping ........... the cold. I have now ordered a japanese tatami mat. Up until now I get great results floor sleeping but only for 3 - 5 hours and then I need to go back to bed to warm up. I have watched loads of videos and am really pleased that you explain this so well. I live in the cold North . Thank you

[@a.g.4843]

Hey man try a futon. I am german and certain life events made me sleep on the floor. I found that’s better than a bed. Then i discovered the Japanese futon. Now i sleep on a original hand made Japanese futon. I love that thing. I can only recommend it.

[@us3rG]

Seating on the floor is also more natural to human body. Chairs were for "leaders" for obvious reasons Outside of work they have no place

[@BarRookie]

@us3rG so true! Kelly Starret also recommends sitting on the floor. Now for watching tv, I no longer use the couch!

[@a.g.4843]

@@arasso8527 hi there, my comment always gets deleted since it may be considered as advertisement. I dont know why they do it. Just enter futon beds from japan in a search engine….u will find it.

[@arasso8527]

Hey @a.g.4843, may I ask, where did you buy the original hand made Japanese futon, please? I'm located in Czech Republic and wanted to buy one as well. How did you deal with shipping/VAT etc.?

[@a.g.4843]

@@arasso8527 bought it from futon beds from japan. They also have a channel here. I guess i paid about 600 euro

[@ladybird491]

All hell then broke lose with me sleeping in a ln american style bed, I am through and getting what you got. I am sick of my body hurting in my sleep and feeling tired all cause of a damn bed.

[@lucmermans37]

Man I feel you... all of the synthetic crap they put in those things can't be good for you.

[@junijuli6813]

Wool also is a good insulator, I highly recommend it

[@BarRookie]

You would use a woolen blanket then underneath you?

[@insummary3328]

Can you link where you bought it?

[@7Fabio8]

I have one week sleeping on the floor and I feel great. It is a well being that i experienced only in childhood, i highly recomend it. Use a folded fabric once or twice as a pillow. It is life changing

[@BarRookie]

Great man! What will you do going forward?

[@roximonsi]

Where do you buy the tatami mat? I’m looking forward to buy one

[@BarRookie]

I ordered mine online!

[@ovitor.m]

Can you put the link where you buy man? I searched here but only found this made of Eva or rubber sort of thing. Thank you for he video!

[@BarRookie]

Ofcourse: these are the ones I bought. www.karupdesign.com/en/product/tatami-mat-100-x-200-320100100200 Don't know if this is the best option for you shippingwise.

[@jonasblomme1252]

hey a fellow Belgian! I am definetly going to experiment with sleeping on the floor and eventually moving to this Tatami mat if I am used to it and convinced it will help me. My sleep is not good at the moment and I always wake up with a very stiff neck, so hopefully it goes well

[@BarRookie]

Awesome brother!! Good to see a fellow Belgian here! Please let me know how your testing went!

[@r-e-s-o-n-a-n-t]

Hey there, how is your experience so far? Did the stiff neck resolve itself?

[@jonasblomme1252]

@@r-e-s-o-n-a-n-t My neck pain is almost completely gone. It’s still there sometimes, but waaaaay less often the, before for sure. I also feel like I am better rested. That’s probably also a combination of really trying to keep a good sleep schedule, but I think it’s worth a try for sure. My conclusion is. I definitely don’t sleep worse than on my mattress and I have way less neck pain, so I am gonna keep doing it.

[@jonasblomme1252]

@@BarRookie a late update, but I am very glad I came across this video. I have waaaay less neck pain than before and I am very well rested. I definitely don’t sleep worse on the ground than I was on my mattress + the neck pain is pretty much gone, so I am gonna keep sleeping on my yoga mat :)

[@LearnTawheed]

Do you sleep directly on the mat or do you place something on it before you lie down on it? Groeten vanuit Belgie

[@BarRookie]

I sleep on a little mattress of about 5 cm. So yes 😅 Awesome, van waar ben je? 😉

[@sTVG2]

Can you share a link to the version that you have so we can find the same one?

[@polarisnotok4943]

here ya go friend www.amazon.com/Oriental-Furniture-Full-Size-Tatami/dp/B000KDM5ZU/ref=sr_1_13?crid=2MSUNRJ0SM3VX&keywords=tatami%2Bmat&qid=1653730916&s=home-garden&sprefix=tatami%2Bma%2Cgarden%2C169&sr=1-13&th=1

[@PlayerOnePenguin]

"I was tired of waking up stiff and sore" so i slept on the floor. 😂

[@BarRookie]

This would sound like a contradiction in so many ways, but it is not xD

[@knittingnirvana]

You need to try it before making fun of it

[@GeorgeZimmermen]

Bars!

[@ALLOFTHEWORLDISYOURS]

Hey barrookie ik hoorde dat je van België was. Vraagje , doe je er een japans futon matras op of enkel dekens ? En wat is het verschil voor het lichaam of is beide goed?

[@BarRookie]

Hey, ik doe er een dunne matras op van 5 cm. Volgens mij zijn beide goed. Het gaat meer over toch een beetje zacht slapen 😉

[@leowls3713]

How do you get the dust trapped in the mat out?

[@BarRookie]

We vaccum it weekly and we don't have any problems with it.

[@ikonane]

2:44 Are you sure that's your regular hand?

[@BarRookie]

Hahahaha 🤣🤦‍♂️ Yeah, I forgot my video hand for this one 😅

[@OpticHamster69]

I started sleeping on the floor with just a blanket underneath me since the floor is concrete, but I was maybe going to get a 3 inch bed of cotton and have the tatami mat under the cotton bed. Is this a good option or should I just get the mat?

[@BarRookie]

Definitely a good option! Just the tatami mat would damage it over time.

[@iamjanessa22]

Please share a link to this product so we can try it for our selfs thank u

[@BarRookie]

This is where I got it from, depending on where you're from this might be obtained. Otherwise, google traditional tatami mat. sasastore.nl/futonbedden/authentieke-japanse-tatami-mat/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2KitBhCIARIsAPPMEhIc9dMhEFpM-mHRH9SDHHtZ13Mx5OVnzeRpjechGGz8mAiz10altugaAoQ0EALw_wcB

[@StylezOfCole]

I have severe back pain. I just started sleeping on the floor. The first day I would rate my sleep as 9/10, day 2 and 3 have been really terrible 2/10. Does it get better and easier with time? Should you sleep on your back or side? Should I use a pillow under my back and legs? I tried those but non was effective

[@Galfrid]

I think day 6 is where most people's bodies are fully adapted (no pain/stiffness)

[@bigmack-oq1nt]

I've been sleeping on the floor for over 20 years. It takes months for your body to adjust to sleeping on the floor but once it does you'll never go back to sleeping in a bed. It just feels too good and this is coming from someone with a herniated disc in my lower back, a slipped disc in my middle back and neck. I sleep on top of 2 comforters with a pillow.

[@StylezOfCole]

Thank you somuch for your feedback

[@kristinect]

You can also look into very firm mattresses. I call them Asian firm beds. They’re almost like sleeping on the floor bc you won’t sink in as much, but gives you some cushioning for your bones.

[@StylezOfCole]

@ I need those. The fooor was too hard I ended up going back to the bed 🤣 I will look into that. Thanks for this info

[@wolverinex4243]

I slept on the hard flat surface and the pain is like death. Literally crippled me every morning. Feels like paralysis with extreme pain, broken bones, and numbness. Hated mattress. I freaking destroy mattress like candies so I decided to cut out a board for my bed. Worst idea ever! Looking for a good mat, but all these idiots can't tell me which is good. Always negative reviews. Looks like nobody know anything.

[@BarRookie]

I feel you brother! It also feels like a constant search for me to sleep comfortable and to wake up without pain. For me the discomfort of sleeping on a hard surface went away after a week. Hope this helps.

[@Noname-177]

Hey. I might be able to help you. what I do is spread a single layer of my duvet on the floor(you can try 2 layers by folding a queen size duvet in half) and sleep on it. The hardness of the floor and softness of the duvet provides the perfect balance! Do try it

[@Leeadd623]

How is the mat at summer tho? Is it getting even hotter?

[@Leeadd623]

And do you add more Mats on top or sleep on this directly?

[@BarRookie]

In the summer this is just fine. It doesn't get too hot with it. Also I add a small mattress of about 5 cm, to not directly lay on top of it

[@seanocallaghan5183]

You mentioned in an old video you are use a thin layer for comfort? Still using it? Do you recommend anything? How do you manage bed sheets?

[@BarRookie]

As mattress, indeed I use a foam mattress of 3 cm thick. That was part of my old one that I could take off. Before I used a carpet plus some fleece blanket underneath me. The bed sheets I just use like for a regular bed.

[@Ichorof]

Do you just sleep on it bare? Like no sheets or anything?

[@BarRookie]

Hahaha, ofcourse not! That was only for the thumbnail 😌

[@shadracpierre3456]

Is this hard enough?, I want something really hard... I've used a futon but it was too soft.

[@BarRookie]

The tatami is, but putting a 5 cm thick matress on does it make a little solft. But it is the compromise I had to make with my girl 🤣

[@nathannam]

What are the dimensions of the tatami mat you bought?

[@BarRookie]

90 x 200 cm, I bought 2 of them

[@LOK222]

do you put a sheet on it?

[@Moch24]

Where do you buy it?

[@donnaisa6100]

Do you sleep directly on the tatami or on a futon on top of the tatami?

[@BarRookie]

On a futo. On top of the tatami! I feel like you would damage the tatami sleeping directly onto it.

[@donnaisa6100]

@@BarRookie thanks for your reply. Do you use a cushion?

[@Gieszkanne]

A to soft matress isnt good also but if I sleep on the floor (camping for instance) I sleep very little and have a lot of pain when I wake up. A Medium latex matress is king!

[@furrygoose94]

😂 yes but a camping trip isn’t long enough for your body to adapt after years of dysfunctional adaptation to soft mattresses.

[@Gieszkanne]

@@furrygoose94 My mattress isnt that soft! What should be "dysfunctional" on a soft mattress?

[@furrygoose94]

@@Gieszkanne I have no idea of the quality of your mattress, I was only pointing out the flawed thinking in your premature conclusion regarding sleeping on the floor. All in good faith however!

[@mr.tootsie9409]

Where online did you get it?

[@cindywexler9348]

Is the mat made with straw or just grass? I am researching them now .

[@BarRookie]

For what I could find on the website, the mat is mainly made of rice straw

[@CertifiedSped94]

Can I sleep on my stomach though? I’m not a back sleeper.

[@BarRookie]

Ofcourse! I find it better to sleep on a hard surface on my stomach.

[@cedricgerne4619]

Where did you buy the tatami mat?

[@BarRookie]

I bought it at this website: sasastore.nl/futonbedden/authentieke-japanse-tatami-mat/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-qGNBhD3ARIsAO_o7ym6oQQdry3-g_MUE5WTU-Bkp-Crb6QNyoaA3La7f4V8prEwDxkWQpgaAmBREALw_wcB

[@wolverinex4243]

The fook language is dat?

[@BarRookie]

Dutch 🤷‍♂️

[@Atheria444]

I have so much spine damage (cervical and back) and need to figure out how to make this work. I'm a side sleeper, so that's an issue with something like sleeping on a tatami.

[@BarRookie]

What I find helps is getting a long pillow for pregnant women. I put that in between my legs and hug it with my arms. That helps me to stay more stable.

[@Atheria444]

@@BarRookie I tried just sleeping on a 1/3" thick exercise mat last night and had to give up and get into my bed. I think I could have done it if I'd stayed on my back. But, then I woke up this a.m. with my neck worse than normal and my trapezius muscles in pain and locked up from the real bed. Ugh.

[@AnishPatelR]

I am buying this one Organic Cotton Mattress Protector - Queen , let's see how it goes

[@MissAllyson707]

Is it not suggested to raise the mattress off the floor?

[@leifbergado6125]

Where do get those tatami mat?

[@BarRookie]

Depends on where you from. I searched online and got a pretty good deal!

[@dianeibsen5994]

Wish I could have seen how thick it was, and underneath it, and maybe picked it up see how heavy it was etc..

[@the1shrubbery]

Hey man, could you give a comment on the smell of the tatami? I got one 2 weeks ago and the smell is too strong, it gives me even some respiratory issues. Did you experience this at all? Did the smell go away?

[@BarRookie]

Mine also came with a grass smell, after about a month I didn't notice it anymore. For me it was never bothersome. But it does eventually go away.

[@ministryofnonlabor1333]

top layer of tatami is made by fermenting the grass (called igusa) in mud. you could be allergic to either of it, who knows. good upkeep is key to long use.

[@rajnarayananv]

Looks Cool and Great. Loving this

[@Blue_7777]

What's the size of this tatami? Thank you

[@BarRookie]

Each one is 2m x 0.90m

[@Blue_7777]

@@BarRookie Thank you :)

[@samuils]

Would love the name or a link of this product, I cant seem to find it.

[@Simon_Ebert]

In which positions are you sleeping on it? Is it possible to sleep on your side? Thanks in advance!

[@BarRookie]

Ofcourse it is possible to sleep on your side! I do so and I also sleep on my belly. You just have to experiment to see what is comfortable 😌

[@Simon_Ebert]

Thank you :)

[@MizTheDonGargon]

spend time in jail and you'll get very used to sleeping on hard surfaces. the mattress there are like yoga mats

[@RickElias1]

quite the opposite. They appear hard, more like lying on grass

[@Viv8ldi]

But is it possible to have „fun“ on that thing? Ur poor girlfriend 😭

[@BarRookie]

Hahaha! Great question! It feels just the same brother! There are no squeaky bed noises, that's for sure 🤣

[@pthethird]

I sleep on this since five years. But I have a thin futon too. Its perfect for me

[@BarRookie]

That is great! What made you transition and a thin futon, how thick is that?

[@pthethird]

@@BarRookie I thought people in Japan sleep on these since ever, and I like to be on the ground. My table for lunch is also near the ground, so I don't need chairs etc.. The futon is about 10cm, but it's still really hard. So I sleep on the Tatami and the Futon. Its THE bed for me

[@kceubawi]

Where do I buy this

[@calista910]

Is it foldable?

[@BarRookie]

No, it is too thick for that

[@zoltanmate61]

And what if I find a 70cm tall, pine wood frame. Is that a stupid idea to put there? It will loose the purpuse of the mattress?

[@alejandrocardona188]

Pillow or no pillow?

[@BarRookie]

Depends if I sleep on my belly or not. On my belly I don't use a pillow. On my side I do. 😊

[@RickElias1]

you can use a futon, supper comfy

[@RickElias1]

pillow is ok

[@BarRookie]

Does a futon not take away the hardness?

[@elindigeno1215]

I love sleeping on the ground

[@muffinmuffinx3]

Maak een keer een video in het Nederlands

[@BarRookie]

Oei dit is een grote uitdaging! Zou ik wel eens durven aangaan.

[@KatsuKingTV]

Unfortunately, this is not a good sleeping idea for heavy set people

[@AlexShiro]

We bought a low bamboo bed frame made specifically to hold tatami mats ( it came from Japan) and it has been amazing. We noticed the damp on plain carpet but the firmness of floor or tatami is just so good.

[@BarRookie]

Awesome! What would be the advantage of having that bed frame? Or is it just esthetics?

[@Elevatin2024]

Sept 2024 🚏mesi

[@HuffleRuff]

Definitely doesn't look traditional, looking at the inconsistent coloration, and at that price, it's likely foam rather than rice straw inside.

[@BarRookie]

Definitely not traditional, but I also wasn't willing to pay full price. Would traditional ones be harder you think?

[@HuffleRuff]

@@BarRookie Traditional would probably be about the same in hardness, the main difference being that it would be more ventilating due to the rice straw filling and the discoloration over time would be more even due to the tatami facing being made of igusa. Imitations of traditional tatamis can still have the same hardness.

[@RhysGaiam]

🤦🏼‍♂️😖🤨