7 Interesting Facts About Mattresses You Didn’t Know

Have you ever thought of your mattress as being a vital part of your life? Most likely the thought hasn’t crossed your mind. You are not the only one as most individuals generally don't think about the mattress in their home, unless there's something wrong with it.

Mattresses have an enormous effect on your health and well-being. But this particular bedding item is much more than it seems. It has a number of interesting facts attached to it which you’re likely unaware of.

Let’s take a look at seven fascinating facts about mattresses that most people are oblivious to. 

1) The Word Mattress Is of Arabic Origin

The word mattress derives from the Arabic term ‘matrah’ which means something thrown down or the place where something is thrown down. It refers to the practice of the time of sleeping on mats or cushions on the floor. Later, the term was brought to Europe by Crusaders.

2) The Oldest Known Mattress Was Found in South Africa

The oldest known mattress was unearthed in South Africa. It is 77,000 years old and consists of layers of reeds and rushes. It was discovered under a pile of bedding made from leafy plants and compacted grass. It has been found that this plant bedding was periodically burned to limit pests and garbage.

3) Mattresses Can Gain Weight over a Period of 10 Years

This might sound unbelievable but mattresses can become heavier over a period of 10 years. Mattresses gain weight over time because they absorb dead skin, oil, moisture and are a breeding ground for dust mites which thrive on dead skin. Interestingly, 10% of a two-year-old mattress can be composed of dead mites and their droppings.

4) Mattress Dominoes Is a World Record Category

No matter how weird it sounds, the truth is mattress dominoes is a legitimate world record category in the Guinness Book of World Records. It is a fun record that involves lining mattresses and people up like dominoes and tipping one over. The world record for the largest human mattress dominoes was made by 2,016 people who formed the dominoes at an event by Stylution Int’l (China) Corp., and Ayd Group (China) in Wuhan, Hubei, China, on 23 July 2016.

5) Mattresses Can be Recycled

Many people are unsure of what to do with their big and bulky mattresses once they buy a new one. Some send their mattresses to the landfill where they take up a lot of space for several years. However, a fact that most are unaware of is that mattresses can be recycled. The springs and metal parts are repurposed, foams and fabrics are recycled to be used in padding whereas wood and fibres are used for fuel.

6) Mattresses Were Used to be Supported by Cross-Woven Ropes

Before the invention of platform foundation and box springs, mattresses were supported by cross-woven ropes stretched across wood frames. In fact, people used to regularly tighten their bed ropes to avoid the risk of a saggy slumber.

7) The World’s Largest Mattress Is 38 Feet Wide and 80 Feet Long

The world’s largest mattress is on display at Real Deals on Furniture and Home Décor in Jefferson Georgia. It measures 38 feet by 80 feet, uses roof trusses for support and weighs over two tons. It was unveiled in December 2013 and kids were invited to jump on it. 

It is fun to learn that your mattress is more than just a piece of bedding. It is a part of a world record and its name originated from an Arabic term. The world of mattresses is quite interesting and at Dormio Organic Beds, we have taken mattresses to a new level by making it with 100% natural latex and wool. If you’re looking for organic mattresses in Toronto, we have a wide range of natural mattresses, bed sheets and pillows.