The Story of the Cotton Mattress
History has shown, time and time again that the way we choose to sleep, will, affect our quality of life. We do not sleep on mattresses by mere coincidence, but rather because of a basic human need to sleep well. Thousands of years ago, in the Neolithic period, people had beds made of stone, but still slept on animal skin. Mattresses appeared around 5,000 years ago, but luxury mattresses began to appear as early as the decline of the Roman Empire. Velvet and silks were heavily used in the Renaissance, as well as lattice worked rope beds. Iron cast beds appeared in the early 19th century, springs only being introduced after the year 1865. Modern mattresses with inner spring workings were first commercialized before WW II. In the late 60’s memory foam was discovered, and by the 80’s cotton, foam and inner spring mattresses were all readily available around the world.
12,000 years ago before mattresses, people slept in caves, on the ground, on stone beds covered with animal skins while dreaming of touching the stars. In Scotland, primitive stone beds can be found in the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, with its advanced stone astronomical calendar. The development of the first cotton mattresses in Mesopotamia, Egypt and Babylonia, around 3,000 BC, brought with it a turning point in mattress evolution until the end of Antiquity around the year 529 AD, with the plunge into the Dark Ages.
In the eastern civilizations of China and Japan, the futon continued to evolve, as well as the tatami, but western culture seemed to be more interested in dry weeds, hay, wool, feathers and reads until the beginning of the age of rebirth around 1432 AD, with the death of Joan of Arc. Her sacrifice in “La Place Rouge” in the city of Rouen, not only echoed through the royal courts of France, but carried with it the cry for an “age of reason” throughout the entire known world. The Renaissance revived the passion for comfort and the value of a good nights sleep.
The passion for dreaming and enlightenment that fueled the Renaissance, survived all the way up to the 19th century with such works of art as the hand carved beds in the fantasy castle Neueschwanstein in Bavaria. But insect and mite free mattresses as we know them today began to appear as early as the late 1700’s with the first cast iron beds, with cotton mattresses. The need for hygiene and comfort led to the invention of springs. NASA brought about the invention of memory foam mattresses, which have shown time and time again to be far more efficient than the conventional spring-cotton design inherited from the Industrial Revolution.
In a quickly globalizing world, much can be learned by getting a good nights rest. In the dawn of civilization, humankind first learned to value their sleep and look to the stars. During the Middle Ages, western civilization slowly began the rebirth of its dreams, until 1969 when the first man landed on the moon, and they became reality. Now, in a rational world, made of glass and plastic towers, the race for comfort and a good nights sleep, depends on the mattress we use to face, this basic human need.
About the author: Thomas Jay Wacker is a V.P. of http://www.FurnitureConsultantsofAmerica.org. Wacker has over 20 years experience in the Home Furnishing, and Entertainment industries. Mr. Wacker is the co-author of Secrets One-The Series http://www.SecretsOne.com.
Protect-A-Bed QuiltGuard Cotton Mattress Pad
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Broken Glass (oil on canvas) by Liz Wright – Tea Towel 100% Cotton – Art247 – Tea Towel – 46×70cm $20.49 100% Cotton. Made in UK. Size 70cms X 46cmsThis is an automated preview only. Actual Tea Towel design may vary. All products are hand finished by our expert manufacturers and the best crop available will always be selected…. |
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Martha Stewart 250 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Window Pane Mattress Pad $39.99 Martha Stewart 250 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Window Pane Mattress Pad. The 2500 thread count Egyptian cotton sateen window pane woven dobby design designed top fabric provides exceptional comfort and durability. What a great way to add a layer of luxury to your bed. Filled with extra polyester fiberfill for a loftier, more comfortable pad. The extra loft and support for a powerful nights sle… |
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Priva Ultra Plus Waterproof Sheet Protector, 34 x 52, White $18.99 Keeps sheets dry all night. Unique brushed polyester fabric channels fluid away from the surface for maximum comfort and ultra-dry surface. Absorbs quickly and locks in moisture for the best in skin care. Goes over the bottom sheet to protect mattress AND sheets from moisture and staining. No more middle-of-the-night bed stripping, simply replace the Priva sheet protector with a fresh one in secon… |
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Invacare Reusable Bed Pads $42.10 Invacare reusable bed pads for incontinence are the key to keeping ones mattress (or whatever used on) dry, clean and fresh. Not only is it waterproof but it also has three added layers for protection and extra comfort. On top is a comfy?50% cotton and 50% polyester?surface, beneath is an absorbent which consists of 65% polyester and 35% rayon, and on bottom is a completely waterproof 100%?vinyl b… |
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LA Baby 4 Sided Changing Pad 32, White $25.09 Change your babys diaper in superior comfort with the LA Baby Cocoon Changing Pad. The ergonomic four-sided design helps to prevent your baby from rolling off, and is so cozy that baby wont squirm while you complete this frequent task. A quick release safety belt and secure snap-on mounting system also help ease your mind. The waterproof, non-toxic vinyl cover wipes clean and is easy to disinfect…. |
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SIS GREEN TEA Better Fit Upholstery Grade Decorative Futon Cover SIS Enterprises has been producing artistic, high quality decorative futon and pillows since the company began in 1987. Founded by two sisters, SIS has grown the company into the most comprehensive line of futon and decorative pillows in the United States. Features include but are not limited to a better fit, multiple sided hidden zippers for easy on/off, fabric all around (print is featured on a… |
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Coleman Big Game Sleeping Bag with Pillow $92.01 Stay snugly warm as you slumber on camping and hunting excursions with the Coleman Big Game sleeping bag, which is rated to temperatures as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s filled with five pounds of Holofill 808 insulation, which offers high-loft, hollow-core fibers that prevent body heat from escaping, thus holding more air inside the bag for good warmth. This super king-sized, rectangular sle… |
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All-in-One Organic Cotton Changing Table Coverlet $34.98 Every so often an idea comes along that makes so much sense it begs the question why didn’t anyone think of this before? Our All-in-One Organic Cotton Cradle Mattress cover is just that product. We start with a premium natural cotton fabric then tailor it perfectly to wholly encase (top bottom and sides) a standard cradle mattress 17 x 34 x 2 . We then wrap a zipper fully around the outside edge o… |
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Egyptian Cotton Mattress Pad $59.99 Our premier mattress pad. Premium 300 thread count, 100 percent Egyptian Cotton top provides natural softness and durability. Our Stretch Knit Deluxe skirt with spandex stretches to provide a secure, guaranteed fit on mattresses up to 22 in thick. Top Fabric: 300 thread count, 100 percent Egyptian cotton Fill: 8 oz. per square yard of bonded polyester Skirt: Stretch Knit Deluxe skirt with spande… |
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American Baby Company 2 Pack Waterproof Quilted Lap and Burp Pad Covers Set $11.90 ABC Waterproof Quilted Lap & Burp Pad Our Mattress Pad is durable and long lasting. Made of a poly/cotton quilt with a soft thick 7 oz. fiberfill for extra comfort and protection. 14″ x 21″. 2 per pack. Machine wash and Dry. … |
