Mattress

Posted on Wed, Sep 8, 2010 by Benny in Bedroom Accessories

The word “mattress” refers to a pad, mat, or cushion placed on a bed’s surface, where people usually lie or sleep. The term was derived from “materas,” which is the Arabic word for “throwing,” a “place where something is thrown,” or a “mat or cushion.” The term was first adopted during the legendary Crusades, when early Europeans imitated the Arabs in their habit of sleeping on cushions that they throw on the floor.

Though they can actually be spread directly on the floor, mattresses are usually held above the ground by a platform or bed frame and box springs. This is to avoid dirt and pests from getting in contact with the mattress.

Brief history of the mattress

Mattress was first used during the Neolithic period, when beds and mattresses were invented. It is believed that the first mattress was made of piles of straw, grass, or leaves covered with animal skin.

Though the years, people began to devise various ways of making mattresses and also thought of different materials to stuff mattresses with. In the early 18th century, people began using cotton and wool as mattress stuffing. By mid 18th century, quality cotton or linen began to be used for mattress covers.

Today, mattresses come in several varieties, some of which are filled with air, foam, and springs.

Mattress sizes and dimensions

Though mattresses can come in different sizes and dimensions, most mattresses usually measure about 15 to 46 centimeters thick. Standard mattress measurements vary from one country to another, just as standard bed dimensions also vary among nations. Mattress size labels, however, are standardized like beds. There are crib size mattresses, twin or single size mattresses, double or full size mattresses, queen size mattresses, and king size mattresses. Other mattress sizes for special bed dimensions are also available depending on the country where the manufacturer is based.

Types of mattress

There are several types of mattress. One of them is the innerspring mattress, which is one of the most common. Innerspring mattresses are composed of a spring core, a foundation and upholstery layers. Air mattresses, on the other hand, do not use springs. Instead, they depend on several air chambers for support.

Foam mattresses use viscoelastic memory foam or shape-conforming latex instead of springs or air chambers. This type of mattress is also called memory foam mattress.

Mattress foundations

Mattresses are usually supported by any of these three main types of mattress foundation: traditional wood, box spring, and grid foundation.

Tags: Mattress

25 Responses to “Mattress”

Geri Grimaldi

05. May, 2009

2.5 years ago I purchased a very expensive simmons mattress from a store in Mooresville N.C. After about amonth I called the store to tell them I was very unhappy with it. In so many words they told me too bad.I hurt my sterman trying to tuck the sheet in.My side of the is permently sunk in , & the mattress does not fit the 2 box spings. It’s a king size. Please , please, help me.

Mrs. Grimaldi
Mitchell

13. May, 2009

Do you sell mattress protectors? Please contact us for “Dry-No-Mite” brand mattress protectors.

An easy added sale. Waterproof, dust-mite proof, protect your customers’ investment & warranty.
Mona Popkin

18. May, 2009

I’m looking for a full size mattress for a sofa bed. Sears said I can order from their Rego Park Store on-line. I would like to know how much and can delivery be made to Rego Park Store for me to pick up?
b. peter eater jr

28. May, 2009

i like to eat on it
liv

29. May, 2009

do you guys sell on wholesale….
Sasha

15. Jun, 2009

Im looking for the cheapest full or queen size mattress and box spring
Elizabeth Deaton

16. Jun, 2009

Where can I buy a Englander Mattress near Dayton, Ohio?
delores mohn

23. Jun, 2009

looking for a cash on delivery new matress cleveland ohio 44102.
KATE MARTIN

26. Jun, 2009

I HAVE A KOPECKY HANDMADE FULL MATTRESS ^ BOXSPRING 5 YRS OLD FIRM LIKEBRAND NEW ALWAYS PROTECTEDWITH FEATHER BED AND MATTRESS COVER YOU CAN NO LONGER BUY KOPECKY BUT IT IS TOP OF LINE I AM SELLING IT ON LY BECAUSE I NEED A QUEEN/.KING SIZE NOW
ORIGINAL PRICE $170000 ASKING NOW$500.00
Gab Chmielewski

01. Jul, 2009

I have a king size water bed can I buy a new traditional mattress
Karen

01. Jul, 2009

we need a 50 x 70 matress for a camper. do you have anyting like that available
Jody

02. Jul, 2009

Where can I buy a good foam mattress for a new Casita travel trailer?
Sam

08. Jul, 2009

Hey Mrs. G. – If it were my store I’d tell you “too bad” after 2.5 years too. Why do you think the store can help you??? Does the mattress have a manufacturer warranty? If so, that’s who you should be contacting – Uh Duh? If you got hurt tucking the sheet in, that’s your issue, that has nothing to do with the mattress, the store or the manufacturer. Be more careful the way you bend. Not fitting the box spring is something you should have seen immediately. Where have you been for 2.5 years lady??????
debbie oxton

09. Jul, 2009

i am looking for an acer back support mattress. we stayed at the fairfield inn at dallas and we slept on this bed and it was so comfortable we did not want to get out of bed. so we are looking for this mattress and how much it would be. can you help me?
Beth

10. Jul, 2009

Is a New Images by Timeless Bedding in Thomasville, NC a good mattress for a 200 lb person?
Helen

11. Jul, 2009

I’m looking for replacement mattresses for a craftmatic spilt king adjustable bed. I’m having trouble finding reputable information solely about replacement mattresses.
merl

11. Jul, 2009

Best one ever was a Sterns&Foster extra firm twin size that
remained wonderfully comfortable and lasted for years. Sealy was terrible with a pillowtop that bunched, lumped and migrated all over the mattress leaving me with backpain due to unevenness. Tempurpedic did not give the feeling of enough support and difficult to get out of due to sinking in that is a problem with many deep foam mattresses. Select Comfort felt so good in the store that I fell asleep right away. However, I have heard some negative reports that this mattress was strange. I think the mattress depends on the individual and how the mattress is made.
Mrs. Lola Wenig

26. Jul, 2009

I am looking for a mattress made by Simmons called Dreamscapes. Please help me. Also tell how I can obtain these. Appreciate any help U can give, & also as rapidly as possible; we’re having lots of back problems & must make a change ASAP. Thank U.
Samantha

04. Aug, 2009

My mom is allowing me to redo my room for my birthday but I have a budget . I wanted to know were I can find a good quality queen size mattress for a low price
lou-lou

14. Sep, 2009

Can you tell me the costs including taxes for memoryfoam mattress,with latex in a double,and can I purchase mattress seperately,ThankYou lou oh oh what would shipping costs be versus home delivery.TahnkYou LouLou
Wilma Black

15. Sep, 2009

I am interested in a single size mattress lnly. Not the springs, just the mattress. I would like to know the price of a memiun firm one. Thank You.
john richards

17. Sep, 2009

i presently have queen box spring & mattress
can i convert to a polatform bed using just my
present mattres.
bridgette

20. Sep, 2009

Im looking for a split box spring queen size. can you give me a price
charlie

02. Oct, 2009

hello, i want superking size matress. i am 400 pound guy and i generally sleep with 2
TOM LAY

03. Oct, 2009

I WOULD LIKE TO OPEN A MATTRESS STORE UP IN DAYTONA BEACH,FLORIDA WHERE CAN I CONTACT THE COMPANY TO GET DIFFERENCE BRANDS WITH WHOLESALE PRICE. SO WE CAN RETAIL THEM.
THANKS TOM