Something that most people take for granted on a daily basis is a good night’s sleep. The fact is that you may not even know that a lack of a good night’s sleep is affecting you. You may not even be aware that the symptoms that you are experiencing are the result of a lack of sleep. However, when you experience a full night’s sleep for the first time in a long time, you begin to realise its importance. A key element of a good night’s sleep is your mattress. You may not realize it, but your mattress could be the reason why you
are or are not sleeping.

The origin
The word mattress, itself, comes from the Arabic language. During the Early Middle Ages, the Arabic culture was more advanced than the existing European culture. One convenience that was enjoyed in the Arabic culture was sleeping on cushions that were thrown on the floor. So, the word mattress comes from the Arabic word taraha, or «to throw». The word «matrah» meant «to place where something is thrown» or «mat cushion». The word mattress may have come about during the Middle Ages, but the mattress itself actually came about much earlier.

History of the Mattress
If we ignore the prehistoric times when humans simply slept on the ground, in the Neolithic period, they already had some intentions to create a «mattress» or «bed». The reason was very simple: to be raised off the ground in order to be protected from pests, dirt, cold, etc. The materials used were obviously what they had in those times, like grass, straw, rags, animal skins, etc, on a stone base.

The following thousands of years did bring some more materials to fill the mattresses: feather, wool, hay and even water. Persians already filled goatskins with water and much more, with better quality materials to cover them.

Among them were finer cotton, silk, brocade and velvet. By the middle of the XVIII century, covers mostly were made of quality linen and cotton. The fillings also had a bigger variety. Wool, horsehair, coconut fibre were introduced as alternatives to those already known. The mattress cane box was well-shaped now and became tufted and buttoned.

In 1857, the steel coil was invented and, after less than a decade, was patented for bedding. In 1871, the innerspring mattress was invented and, by 1900, people saw the introduction of the pocket coil mattress. In 1930, the latex rubber and pocket spring mattresses were introduced, as were artificial fillers.

1940 was the year of the futons and 1950 brought a new foam mattress. By the 1960s, the waterbed gained great popularity and was followed by the airbed in 1980.

1992 was a new chapter in the history of bedding. Space technology pressure-relieving Tempur branded hi-tech viscoelastic material was introduced, which has shown to be far more efficient than the conventional cotton spring design.

Sleep disorders are clearly on the rise as more people are suffering from sleepless nights and fatigue days. However, either replacing or properly maintaining your mattress may prevent a future of sleepless nights.

Maintenance and care
Impaired sleep is suffered by more and more people, often meaning a night without sleep and fatigue during the day. However, the replacement or maintenance of your mattress may prevent future sleepless nights.

• A new mattress should be put on a firm base, never
on a saggy base.

• Most manufacturers of box spring mattresses suggest that the consumer should regularly rotate and flip the mattress and the box spring. Otherwise, the mattress will fail. Most manufactures recommend rotating the mattress 180 degrees, so that the head of the bed becomes the foot every three months. Also, it is recommended that people turn the mattress at least twice a year. Some manufactures recommend alternatively turning and flipping the mattress once every two weeks for the first three months and then twice per year after that. The foundation should also be turned every 12 months. Mattresses should also be rotated to reduce wear patterns over time. Since around 2000, several manufactures have started producing one-sided mattresses that cannot be flipped and, in some cases, should not be turned.

• Do not wet a mattress. An impermeable mattress protector can be used to keep it clean. A vacuum cleaner can be used for regular cleaning.

• Use a mattress pad to keep the mattress free from stains. If stained, use make soap with cold water and rub lightly. Do not soak a foundation mattress.

• If a mattress has handles, they are usually only for positioning, not carrying. See your owner’s manual.

• A spring mattress should not be folded or bent, as it can be permanently damaged.

• Sitting on the same spot of the mattress edge can permanently depress it.

When does a mattress need replacing?

• After 7-15 years, depending on use and quality, although many people use their mattresses longer.

• Experts indicate that two adults sleeping properly on a queen-sized mattress will notice the padding, not the coils, breading down after a period of four to six years. While the mattress will still be comfortable, it will no longer feel the way it did when first purchased.

• When laying a hand on the mattress with about three pounds of force and sliding it across the mattress, lumps can be felt.

• When inner coils start springing out of the mattress.

• When the mattress shows very visible deforms.

• When the box spring creaks and squeaks.

• When the user has difficulty finding a comfortable position in which to sleep.

Remember, choosing a good mattress is the first step to a restful sleep. Maintaining is the second priority. Replacing a mattress when necessary is imperative to health and happiness. This article was kindly provided by Biomir Medical Ltd.

BIOMIR MEDICAL LTD
Nicosia Showroom: 54 Griva Digeni Avenue, 1096, tel: +357 22818720
Limassol Showroom: 7B Griva Digeni, 3106, tel: +357 25587735
e-mail: [email protected] | www.tempur.com