Mattresses date back to the Neolithic Era, or New Stone Age, and the innerspring mattress was invented in 1871, according to Bedmattresses.info. The box spring was invented in the late 19th century in an attempt to level the mattress surface.
Mattresses come in a variety of sizes, and some are small enough for babies to sleep on. Popular sizes are twin, full, queen and king.
Modern mattresses can be made out of a variety of substances. Spring mattresses use coils for support, air mattresses are inflated and foam mattresses can be made of memory foam or latex.
Most quality mattresses should last a buyer between 10 and 12 years, but depending on the material and quality, some can last up to 20 years. Upholstered layers then cover the support substance.
Prices of mattresses vary depending on the type and quality. They can begin at less than $100 and cost as much as several thousand dollars.