7 Ways Mattresses Have Evolved Throughout History

Living in the modern world means avoiding some of the hassles and tribulations of past societies. One of these is sleeping on a high-quality mattress that supports your body to promote sound sleep. Mattresses and bedding weren’t always so comfortable, though. In fact, the mattress that people know today has changed greatly over time. Here are seven ways mattresses have evolved throughout history—from Prehistory to the Modern Era. Whether grass and ash or memory foam materials, mattresses have changed throughout history for various purposes other than sleep. People ate, socialized, and died on mattresses and beds in civilizations across the world. After reading this guide, you’ll never look at a mattress the same.

Before There Were Beds

Since the beginning, man has slept. The circadian rhythm has been a natural part of human evolution to prepare the body and brain for the next day’s hunter-gatherer activities. Before there were mainstream beds that people use today, mattresses and bedding have evolved significantly. As with any change in material goods, bedding has transformed due to the present materials for the time, comfort, style, and social class. Believe it or not, mattresses have evolved from basic grass lining to the memory foam technologies people know today.

The First Beds

The first beds in man’s prehistory were primitive. The first bedding originated in the Middle Paleolithic period approximately 200,000 years ago. These beds were composed of insect-repellent plant and ash layers. Underneath this makeshift lining was an insulated dirt-free base to keep away pests.

Ancient Bedding

Bedding in the ancient eras varied based on civilization and location. Commonly, these beds were typically composed of straw, palm leaves, animal skin, or dried plant material. Some of the first ancient bedding originated in Sub-Saharan Africa around 3600 BCE. These primitive beds used plant residue and grass topped with leaves. Other ancient beddings emerged in ancient Europe and Egypt. The Ancient Romans created beds out of wood stuffed with reeds, hay, wool, and feathers. Sometimes, these were adorned with ivory, gold, and silver. They had different beds for various purposes. The chamber bed was used for sleeping, but they also used a marriage bed, table bed where they ate, a bed for studying, and a bed used for laying the dead. The Ancient Egyptians had high bedstands bolstered with pillows and curtains. These were often made from stone, wood, or metal. The Ancient Egyptians further accentuated their bedding with headrests, although this may have been used more for tombs and coffins than for everyday sleeping.

Medieval Era

Beds and mattresses changed considerably in the Medieval era. Much of this pertained to social class. Serfs in Medieval Europe still lay on beds with leaves, animal skins, leaves, and moss. In the early Middle Ages, they laid carpets on the floor of the bed stuffed with feathers, wood, or hair with animal skins as covering. This period also marked the early uses of linen sheets stretched over cushions. In the mid-Middle Ages, royalty and luxury classes used bedspreads made of wood that was decorated and ornamented. These beds were adorned with silk coverings and cushions. The luxury classes further used curtains and couches for privacy and relaxation. Royalty in the 14th and 15th centuries used clothes made with silk, velvet, and sometimes gold. Feather beds also became a prized possession. Most beds in the 15th century used straw or feathers. Often, people kept their bedding basic to carry with them, though royalty still retained decorated bedsteads during this century.

Industrial Changes

Bedding in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries changed significantly. The 17th and 18th centuries were known for their greater focus on luxury and long-lasting materials. Palaces featured sumptuous beds embroidered with pearls, silver, gold, and other luxury materials. Feather pillows became normalized. Monarchies, such as those in 17th century France, focused on detail and intimate fashion. During this time, bed frames also became lighter and more stationary. Changing industries and manufacturing in the 18th and 19th centuries introduced the popularity of iron beds. The four-poster frame became the main style of bed frame, as manufacturers advertised iron frames as more resilient and insect-free than traditional wood. Metal bedsprings better supported the mattress than the previous ropes or wool straps.

20th Century

With the ways mattresses have evolved throughout history, the 20th century arose the modern innerspring mattress still used today. In the first half of the 20th century, innerspring mattresses used cotton batting or fiberfill. Other materials included latex, elastic, or polyurethane foam. These components acted as insulation pads for the innerspring coils and upper upholstery layers. The Murphy bed and waterbed were also both popular during this period.

Contemporary Mattresses

Of course, the mattresses people know and love today didn’t actually emerge until later in the 20th century. Until the 1990s, innerspring mattresses were the norm. Throughout this time, most mattresses used extensive layers of cotton. Memory foam emerged in 1991 as a new material for mattresses. Mattresses also became considerably higher and larger during this era. The need for extra sleeping space and legroom has fed into the growing consumer demand for larger mattresses.

When it comes to finding the right mattress, looking can be a pain. Fortunately, Super Mattress Store has everything you need to sleep well at night. Our cheap mattresses in Fayetteville, NC, are the best in the region. There’s no better place to find a high-quality mattress or have them delivered right to your door. We carry everything from Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, or King-sized mattresses.

Super Mattress Shop is here for the community which is why we offer zero-credit low payment plans so you can take a new mattress home today. We also deliver within 50 miles of our Fayetteville location for a flat $75 fee. Love our mattresses but live outside of North Carolina? We ship nationwide to get you the mattress of your dreams at a great affordable cost. Don’t wait. Call now for more information, and we’ll answer any questions you have. Now is the best time to find a great mattress at an affordable price from Super Mattress Shop.