The origin of the English word Mattress is derived from a combination of the Arabic word Matrah, and the French word Materas meaning cushions or blankets thrown on the ground.

Now more on the development of modern foams used in mattresses'.  In the 1970s NASA developed a foam dubbed 'Memory Foam.' It was used for seats to conform to Astronauts' bodies for flight. Even as their bodies changed over time it would still mold itself to them. In the early 1990's it began to be used for mattresses. Since the early memory foam used for mattresses was not made with open pores, they were hot for the sleeper. They would even harden in cooler temperatures. This was all due to a lack of ventilation. (No way for the foam to breathe and disperse heat or cold.) These days, and especially since about 2011 open pore memory foam is used. For the past few years 'Cool Gel' infusion is also used for Extra cooling benefits. Different weights, ( Densities) of memory foam provide firmer or softer sleep surfaces. Memory foam is used in today's Hybrid mattresses combining springs with memory foam, Latex foam, or both. All foam mattresses, (No springs) are still available in models measuring 6 inches deep to 15 inches deep and more. They usually use 1 - 3 inches of memory foam as the top layer over Support foam. Note: You can find mattresses made entirely with Latex foam, but NOT with solid memory foam.

PS: Did you know that Queen and King sized mattresses were not available until the late 1950s? By 1962 the King size mattress accounted for 10% of all mattress sales.

More next time,  Pleasant dreams,  Mike LoPour