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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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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4 BED Sheet GRIPPERS garters bedding straps suspenders Get Organized Having trouble with your bed sheets staying on the bed? Try this clever little gadget. Grippers that help secure the sheets around the corners of the mattress to give it a little more “staying power”. Set of 4 elastic grippers (one for each corner of a bed) |
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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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Bunk Size (34×75) Camper or RV Sheet Set 100% cotton, 300 thread count Color: Sage Green $49.00 These sheets are specifically made to fit mattresses found in RV’s and Campers! Unlike regular sheets, the top sheet has elastic sewn at the bottom to keep the sheet on the mattress. The fitted sheet has a 9″ pocket depth (most bunk camper mattresses are 5-8 inches deep) and features elastic sewn all the way around so that it fits snugly on the mattress. Additionally, all stress points are careful… |
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Cotton/Poly Fitted Cot Sheet These fitted cot sheets are perfect for those hard to fit camp cots! Made of T-180 Percale 50% Cotton 50% Poly, these sheets never needs ironing and stay soft & luxurious. Machine washable/ tumble dry. Size 30″x 75″ Depth 9″… |
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Quilted Mattress Pad (Cover) for a BUNK 30×75 Camper, RV, Travel Trailer bed $39.00 Finding quality mattress pads for Camper & RV mattresses can be a challenge! We make these SPECIFICALLY to fit the beds in Campers, RV’s, Motorhomes and Travel Trailers. This one is for a 30×75 SINGLE or BUNK.Our customers rave about them time and time again! You will love the fit and feel of these PLUSH Mattress Pads. We manufacture these with a 100% cotton, 250 thread count top. They are filled… |
