The fascinating history of sleep and mattresses

Sleeping in ancient times: the first beds

1. Prehistory:
• In prehistoric times, people slept on simple beds made of leaves, grass and animal skins. These layers provided basic comfort and insulation from the cold of the ground.
• Archaeologists have found evidence of 77,000-year-old beds in South Africa made of grass and leaves with insect repellent properties.

1. Ancient Egypt:

• The Egyptians were among the first to use raised beds. The elite slept on wooden beds, often decorated with gold and inlaid with ivory.
• Mattress fillings consisted of reed, straw or wool covered with linen.

1. Ancient Greece and Rome:

• In ancient Greece, people slept on layers of cloth or animal skins filled with straw or wool. Mattresses were a luxury item for the wealthy.
• The Romans introduced sophisticated beds with wooden or bronze frames, often with mattresses filled with feathers, wool or hay.
• Rich Romans also used pillows and blankets, which made sleeping more comfortable.

The Middle Ages: sleeping in simplicity

During the Middle Ages, beds were primarily a status symbol for the nobility. Ordinary people slept on simple straw sacks or wooden benches.

1. Noble beds:
• Beds became larger and often featured four-poster beds with curtains for privacy and warmth.
• Mattresses were filled with straw, feathers or even moss and were regularly shaken to maintain comfort.

1. Folk beds:

• For the poor, beds consisted of wooden planks or sacks filled with straw or hay.
• Families often shared a bed to stay warm in poorly heated homes.

The Renaissance and the beginning of modern comforts

1. Innovations in beds:
• In the 16th and 17th centuries, mattresses became more comfortable thanks to improved materials such as cotton, wool and feathers.
• Mattresses were increasingly placed on a wooden slatted base, which improved longevity and comfort.

1. Decorative beds:

• Beds became increasingly luxurious, with richly decorated four-poster beds and silk curtains.
• Mattresses were given cloth covers, which helped keep them cleaner.

The industrial revolution: the birth of the modern mattress

The industrial revolution brought about major changes in mattress production:

1. Spiralized steel springs:
• In the late 19th century, the first mattress with innerspring was developed. This offered better support and improved air circulation in the mattress.

1. Mass production:

• Thanks to mass production techniques, mattresses became more accessible to a wider audience.

1. New materials:

• Materials such as latex and foam rubber became popular in the 20th century because of their durability and comfort.

Modern mattresses: technology and innovation

Today, mattresses are more advanced than ever. Innovations focus on comfort, support and durability:

1. Pocket spring mattresses:
• These mattresses provide excellent support through individual springs that adjust to the contours of the body.

1. Memory foam mattresses:

• Introduced by NASA in the 1960s, memory foam provides pressure relief and adapts to body temperature.

1. Hybrid mattresses:

• A combination of pocket springs and foam for optimal comfort and support.

1. Eco-friendly options:

• Mattresses made from natural materials such as latex and organic cotton are popular for their durability and hypoallergenic properties.

1. Smart mattresses:

• Some modern mattresses are equipped with sensors that track your sleep patterns and offer advice to improve your sleep quality.

A look at our mattresses

While sleep is a basic need, history proves that comfort and technology have always been central to the evolution of the mattress. Our collection reflects that same commitment to innovation and quality:

• Pocket spring mattresses such as the King Micropocket and Quartz Stable Visco offer exceptional support and comfort.
• Memory foam mattresses like the Souplesse Visco are perfect for pressure relief and a customized sleep experience.
• Eco-friendly options like the Elite Latex combine natural materials with modern technology.

Whether you're a classic sleeper or looking for the latest innovations, we have a mattress to suit you. Take a look at our website or visit our showroom (by appointment) to discover your perfect mattress.

Conclusion

The history of sleep and mattresses shows how far we have come in our quest for comfort and support. From simple straw beds in prehistoric times to today's high-tech mattresses, each era has brought its own innovations.

Want to learn more about the evolution of sleep or are you looking for your ideal mattress? Contact us by phone, chat or email, or schedule a visit to our showroom. We'd love to help you take your sleep to the next level!