7 Facts You Probably Don't Know About Mattresses

Thu Jan 16 2025

Mattress Guides

Mattresses are there for us night after night, cradling us in comfort and hopefully lulling us into a deep sleep. But beyond their basic function, beds have a surprising history and some interesting quirks you might not know. So, curl up and enjoy these fascinating mattress facts!

1. The First Mattresses Were Made of Reeds

Imagine sleeping on a bed of leaves and reeds. That's how our ancestors did it! Archaeological evidence reveals that the earliest known "mattress" dates back a staggering 77,000 years.

Discovered in a South African cave, this ancient bedding was composed of layers of reeds and rushes, offering a surprisingly comfortable (for the time!) sleeping surface.

Cultural Significance: The use of specific materials in bedding often holds cultural significance. For example, certain animal skins or plant materials might be associated with specific social status, rituals, or beliefs.
Portable Bedding: Early nomadic peoples likely developed portable bedding solutions, such as fur-lined pouches or woven mats, to accommodate their migratory lifestyles.
Evidence in Cave Paintings: Some cave paintings depict early humans sleeping on raised platforms or using animal skins as bedding, providing visual proof of their sleeping arrangements.

2. The Word "Mattress" Comes From the Arabic Word "Matrah"

The word "mattress" itself has a fascinating etymology, tracing its roots back to the Arabic word "matrah," meaning "to throw down." This refers to the practice of laying cushions on the floor for sleeping.

During the Crusades, European soldiers encountered this practice and brought the concept and word back to Europe. This linguistic connection reminds us of the cultural exchange that has shaped our everyday lives.

3. In Medieval Europe, Mattresses Were a Symbol of Wealth

Fast forward to medieval Europe, and mattresses symbolized wealth and status. Only the privileged could afford these luxurious sleeping surfaces, often filled with expensive materials like feathers, down, or even straw for the less fortunate. These elaborate beds were often adorned with ornate fabrics and intricate carvings.

4. The Late 19th Century Saw the Invention of the Innerspring Mattress

The late 19th century marked a significant turning point in mattress history with the invention of the innerspring mattress. This innovation made mattresses more affordable and accessible, offering improved comfort and support. The use of metal coils revolutionized the industry, paving the way for the modern mattresses we know today.

Here are some fast facts about traditional spring mattresses:

First Patented: While variations existed earlier, the first patented innerspring mattress was often credited to Heinrich Westphal in Germany in 1871.
Early Designs: Early innerspring mattresses used interconnected coils, which could sometimes lead to a "rolling together" effect.
Pocketed Coils: A major advancement was the development of individually wrapped or "pocketed" coils. This allowed each spring to move independently, reducing motion transfer and providing more targeted support.
Coil Counts and Gauge: The number of coils and their thickness (gauge) are important factors in determining the firmness and support of an innerspring mattress. Higher coil counts and lower gauge numbers (thicker coils) indicate a firmer mattress.

Learn more: What Is an Innerspring Mattress?

5. Since 2007, US Mattresses Must Meet Federal Flammability Standards

Today, mattresses are not only designed for comfort but also safety. Since 2007, all mattresses sold in the United States must meet strict federal flammability standards. This regulation, enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), reduces the risk of fire and ensures a safer sleeping environment for everyone.

6. In 2012, a World Record Was Set for Mattress Dominoes

Did you know there's a world record for mattress dominoes? In 2012, a group in the Philippines set a record by toppling an impressive 2,012 mattresses in a domino chain. But that's not the only quirky mattress-related record out there!

Here are some other mattress-related world records:

Tallest Stack of Mattresses: This record was achieved by BoxDrop in Florida on January 5, 2021. They stacked mattresses to a height of 24 feet 4 inches.
Largest Human Mattress Dominoes: This record has been broken a few times, but as of October 22, 2023, it stands at 2,355 people.
Most People on a Single Bed: This record was set in Beijing on September 7, 2013, with 54 people cramming onto one bed.
Farthest Distance to Push a Bed: A team of nine athletes in the UK pushed a wheeled hospital bed a distance of over 3,200 miles between June 21 and July 26.

7. Smart Adjustable Bases Are the Future of Sleep

Smart adjustable bases, especially models like the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Ergo ProSmart, are a real game-changer in sleep tech. They make your sleep more comfortable with customizable positions like zero gravity, help you sleep better with features like QuietMode™ (which can actually help with snoring!), and even add convenient touches like built-in USB ports.

Sweet Dreams Start at Bedzzz Express!

Ready to upgrade your sleep? Visit one of our mattress store locations in Alabama, Georgia, or contact us to find the perfect mattress for you. Check out our top mattress brands, like Sealy, Beautyrest, Serta, and Purple.

With our 3-year exchange policy and 2-year extended warranty, you can shop with confidence, knowing you're covered long after your purchase. We also offer bed sheets, mattress toppers, and pillows to enhance your sleep experience further. Start sleeping better tonight!

FAQ: What to Know About Mattresses

How do you know what mattress is best for you?

The ideal mattress is a personal choice, depending on how you sleep, your body weight, and what feels comfortable in terms of firmness and temperature.

Which type of mattress is best?

No single mattress type is universally "best" as each has trade-offs. Innerspring mattresses are supportive and breathable but transfer motion. Foam mattresses contour to the body and isolate motion but can retain heat. Latex is durable, responsive, and breathable but pricier. Hybrids combine innerspring and foam for a balance of support and comfort.

Is there really a difference in mattresses?

Yes, there are significant differences between mattresses due to variations in materials, construction, and overall quality. These differences affect how comfortable and supportive a mattress is, how long it will last, and how much it costs.

Is it worth paying for a good mattress?

Investing in a good mattress is an investment in your sleep health and overall well-being. A quality mattress can significantly improve sleep quality, reduce pain, and enhance your daily function.