Phiten, a Japanese company with U.S. headquarters in Torrance, makes necklaces made of titanium and sports apparel containing it. Futon Shop, a San Francisco-based retail chain, makes furniture and mattresses.

So why did these two companies team up? They decided to roll out a collection of titanium-soaked mattresses.

It started after a Futon shop employee wore one of Phiten’s titanium necklaces and told the chief executive about it.

“The CEO ordered some products and from there contacted us,” said Kent Chen, marketing and planning manager for Phiten USA.

Discussions led to the creation of mattresses treated with Phiten’s Aqua-Titanium technology, which essentially is titanium dissolved in water. The liquid is then soaked into the mattress fabric during the dye process.

Phiten doesn’t guarantee any health benefits from the Aqua-Titanium technology. The company’s goal is to introduce Japanese philosophies into the American marketplace. One such idea is the healing power of metals and water.

“Asian countries have a different mind-set compared to the West,” said Chen. “We don’t claim there is a right or wrong, just that there’s a different approach.”

The company, which has 60 employees, already makes socks and shorts infused with titanium; its products are sold in chains such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Sports Authority. It also hopes to expand into titanium-soaked apparel for running, cycling and martial arts.

“We see ourselves as the casual outdoor company for the everyday active person,” said Chen.

– Funmi Akinyode