The background of mattresses from ancient times to the present

Research tells us that about 10,000 years ago, Neolithic people had primitive beds. They slept in caves on stones covered with animal skins, leaves, grass or straw. As we move towards 3400 BC. C., the Egyptian pharaohs discovered the benefits of raising the mattress on a platform and taking it off the ground. It is observed that the pharaoh Tutankhamun had his bed made of ebony and gold, while the common population slept in palm arches stacked in the corners of their houses when they were not in use.

As we get closer to the Roman Empire, it is recorded that the beds were decorated with metals such as: gold, silver or bronze and their mattresses were filled with reeds, hay, wool and feathers. The Romans also developed a water bed. A person would lie in a crib in lukewarm water until she was almost asleep, then her servants would carry her out of the water to another crib with a mattress and an attendant would rock her to sleep.

During the 15th Renaissance period, mattresses were padded with pea or straw shells and then covered with luxurious fabrics such as velvet, brocade and silk. This was the introduction of silk and velvet bedding.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, platform beds were made of wood and mattresses were made of soft fillings. Louis XIV liked to stay in bed and was known to celebrate court while reclining in one of his 413 beds, which were spacious and ornate in appearance.

In the early 1800s, mattress fillings began to include cotton and wool. In the mid-19th century, coconut fibers and horsehair were used to fill mattress covers. The mattresses had buttons to put the padding in place, then the edges were sewn closed. In the mid-1860s, the first coil spring mattress was patented. Approaching the end of the 19th century, we find that cast iron bed frames were invented and cotton-filled mattresses were used. By using cotton fillings, the insects were less attracted to the cotton, thus eliminating the insect infestation in the mattresses. With the invention of spring beds at this time, it was needed for hygiene and a comfortable place to sleep. The first spring mattress was invented by the German H. Westphal. In 1873, Neil Arnott designed a water bed for St. Bartholomew Hospital as a treatment and preventive way to prevent pressure ulcers.

In 1929, expensive latex mattresses were introduced to stores. Inner spring mattresses with upholstered bases were also introduced to the US in the 1930s and futons followed in the 1940s. Also, during this time period, an American, William Murphy, invented the Murphy bed. and he patented it under the name “in-a-dor” that folded into a wall cabinet to save space.

In the 1950s, latex foam mattresses were sold on the American market. Two Russian brothers named Talalay invented latex foam rubber products and the latex foam mattress was one of their inventions. This product was manufactured and sold to Sears, Roebuck & Company in American department stores.

NASA invented a foam mattress in 1960 that is now known as “memory foam” mattresses. Waterbeds were also introduced in the 1960s and are still popular today. In the 1980s, air mattresses entered the market. Both the waterbed and air mattresses are still on the market today.

During these decades, mattresses have constantly improved to provide us with the most comfortable bedding, optimizing back support and giving us a good night’s sleep. We now have foam mattresses, water beds, feather beds, feather mats, and air mattresses. The mattress industry has undergone many changes in recent years. Baby boomers are getting older and looking for more comfortable bedding that makes them feel more energetic. Which mattress is best for you? The mattresses I have listed should lead you to find the type of mattress that meets your sleeping needs.