Traditionally, the word ‘futon’ means ‘bed’. A traditional futon consists of a shikibuton (padded mattress), kakebuton (quilt or duvet) and a makura (bean-filled pillow). It was traditionally put down on the floor at night for sleeping, then rolled up in the morning for storage till night-time. Some refer to the futon as the padded or foam mattress (the shikibuton) only, while in the USA the futon is often referred to as a couch or sofa that can be used for sleeping on.