Mattress History

A mattress is a mat or pad, usually placed on top of a bed, upon which to sleep or lie.

The word mattress is derived from Arabic words meaning "to throw" and "place where something is thrown" or "mat, cushion." During the Crusades, Europeans adopted the Arabic method of sleeping on cushions thrown on the floor, and the word materas eventually descended into Middle English through the Romance languages.

Though a mattress may be placed directly on the floor, it is usually placed on top of a platform (such as a platform bed or a metal box spring or a slatted foundation) to be further from the ground. Historically, mattresses have been filled with a variety of natural materials, including straw and feathers. Modern mattresses usually contain either an inner spring core or materials such as latex, visco elastic, or other polyurethane-type foams. Mattresses may also be filled with air, water, or a variety of natural fibres such as found in futons.

• Neolithic period : The mattress and bed are invented. Beds are raised off the ground to avoid drafts, dirt, and pests. The first mattress probably consists of a pile of leaves, grass, or possibly straw, with animal skins over it.
• 3600 B.C. : Beds made of goatskins filled with water are used in Persia.
• 3400 B.C. : Egyptians sleep on palm boughs heaped in the corners of their homes.
• 200 B.C. : Mattresses in Ancient Rome consist of bags of cloth stuffed with reeds, hay, or wool; the wealthy use feather stuffing.
• 15th century : During the Renaissance, mattresses are made of pea shucks, straw, or sometimes feathers, stuffed into coarse ticks, and covered with velvets, brocades, or silks.
• 16th and 17th centuries : Mattresses are stuffed with straw or down and placed onto a bed consisting of a timber frame with lattice works supports of rope or leather.
• Early 18th century : Mattresses are stuffed with cotton or wool.
• Mid 18th century : Mattress covers begin to be made of quality linen or cotton. The mattress cane box is shaped or bordered, and fillings include natural fibers such as coconut fibre, cotton, wool, and horsehair. The mattress is tufted or buttoned to attach the stuffing to the cover and the edges are stitched.
• Late 19th century : The box-spring is invented, making mattresses less lumpy.
• 1930s : Innerspring mattresses and upholstered foundations become widely used, and artificial fillers become common. Pocket spring mattresses, which consist of individual springs sewn into linked fabric bags are introduced.
• 1950s : Foam rubber mattresses and pillows are available for purchase.
• 1960s : The modern waterbed is introduced and gains its first widespread use with the invention of vinyl. Adjustable beds gain popularity.
• 1970s : NASA invents material that later becomes known as memory foam
• 1980s : Air mattresses constructed of vulcanized rubber or vinyl are introduced.
• 1992 : Tempur-Pedic introduces a mattress made from memory foam.
• 2009: Memory Foam Mattresses are very popular for their therapeutic benefits and have become a firm favourite in the domestic production of a range of sleep products, memory foam mattresses, memory foam toppers and memory foam pillows.

Maintenance and Care 

A quality innerspring mattress should last between 7 and 10 years before it needs to be replaced. Memory foam and latex models should last between 10 and 20 years depending upon the manufacturer and the quality of the bedding. This is an approximation as many factors can affect the lifespan of a mattress.

Mattresses should be placed on top of a firm base to prevent sagging. A memory foam mattress should be rotated approximately once every three months to ensure even wear. Mattresses can be cleaned with a vacuum or with a mild surface cleanser and a slightly damp cloth. The fitting of a mattress protector will help prevent stains and soiling to the outer covering.

Once a mattress no longer feels supportive and seems to contribute to regular body pain or stiffness, it should be immediately replaced.