The need to be comfortable has existed ever since the beginning of humanity. The transition of mattresses through history is a fascinating look at what we humans have deemed comfortable at different stages of our being. Here, we take a look at mattresses through history, and see how they have evolved into the mattresses we sleep on today.
The earliest mattresses
During the Neolithic period, makeshift mattresses made out of mixed leaves, straw, and grass covered with animal skin were the first signs of making life more comfortable for our ancestors. This remained the operational mattress for about 400 years, until lush waterbeds made of goatskin filled with water became common in Persia.
African developments
Archeologists trace the development of the mattress to Africa. Ancient Egyptians made makeshift mattress structures from palm boughs and new mattresses in Rome, built out of clothes, wool, reeds, and straw succeeded these temporary mattress structures. After this, the European Renaissance marked a revolution in mattress manufacturing. Mattresses became softer and more comfortable with the use of velvet fabrics known as brocades. By the 17th century, mattress fillings such as straw and feathers and pea shucks were seen in those houses that could afford them. In addition to this, the first mattress manufactured in modern society came into existence during this time. It consisted of stuffed straw and soft wood and materials rich in fibre such as coconut fibres, cotton, wool, and even horsehair. These were initially only available in the richest of homes.
Spring mattresses
The situation further improved in the 19th century with the discovery and use of springs to allow for even distribution of weight for better sleep. The springs also act as shock absorbers, stretching the lifeline of the mattress. Research reveals that a quality mattress can result in better sleep, reduced stress, and less back pain. Studies also show that when sleeping on a quality mattress, people experience better sleep and significantly reduced stress levels.
The importance of mattresses
Many of us take sleep and mattresses for granted, despite the fact that about a third of our lives consist of sleep. Furthermore, quality mattresses encourage quality sleep, which results in increased energy, a faster metabolism and even refreshed skin. These results are also marks of sound sleep. Designed for support and comfort, it is important to treat yourself to quality sleep by sleeping on a quality mattress. Researchers argue that the quality of sleep improves significantly when the surface, you sleep on, relieves pressure on different joints and parts of the body. With an increasing number of mattress manufacturers, it is difficult to choose the best mattress for you. Modern day mattresses have designs to match different and specific needs of the customer.
Mattress manufacturers now strive to provide mattresses designed using the latest comfort technologies. Due to high competition, Manufacturers use incentives such as free installment and delivery as well as ample allowance to test-drive the mattress. Among the innovations in the design of mattresses in the modern day such as RhinoCoil, Health Guard, QuantumGel, Total Edge system and Natural Latex Vico Elastic Memory Foam there is a great deal of competition in the mattress market. There is then the old cliché Mattress Sale where modern day mattresses seem to constantly be at a reduced rate. This is now a completely different market place from the old straw and clothes stuffed in animal skin and mattresses are now available to the mass market. They now come in all shapes and types, and although sometimes slightly costly, it is impossible to put a price tag on quality sleep.
So you see mattresses have been providing better sleep to people right from Neolithic times in some form, but the mattresses today have so many more benefits than simply being a place to lay your weary body at the end of the day. 
