From Straw to Springs: A Journey Through Mattress History. Here at Express Mattress, we’re all about helping you drift off into dreamland on the perfect modern mattress. But have you ever stopped to think about what people snoozed on centuries ago? Spoiler alert: it wasn’t exactly memory foam and pocket springs! So, grab a cuppa (or maybe a pillow!), settle in, and let’s take a light-hearted journey through the fascinating history of the humble mattress. The Dawn of the Down Low (Literally!) Imagine a time before divans and king-sizes. Way, way back, around 77,000 years ago, our early human ancestors weren’t exactly ordering online with next-day delivery. Archaeological evidence suggests the earliest “mattresses” were more like comfy (we hope!) nests made from layers of sedges and grasses, possibly topped with animal hides for a touch of luxury. Found in a rock shelter in South Africa, these prehistoric sleep surfaces offered a slight upgrade from the bare ground, providing a bit of insulation and, hopefully, keeping the creepy crawlies at bay. Talk about back to basics! Ancient Civilizations: Raising the Bed (Slightly) Fast forward a few millennia, and civilisations started getting a little more sophisticated with their sleeping arrangements. The ancient Egyptians, known for their opulence, elevated their beds – literally! Royalty and the wealthy would often sleep on raised platforms made of wood, adorned with cushions and linen sheets. Think less “sink-in comfort” and more “statement furniture you could occasionally nap on.” The Romans and Greeks also embraced elevated beds, stuffing them with materials like wool, feathers, and even hay. These were a step up from the Stone Age, offering a bit more cushioning. However, we can only imagine the occasional rogue feather escaping or the delightful aroma of damp hay after a particularly rainy Roman summer!   All   Back SleepSoul Baker and Wells Komfi Breasley Express Mattress Range Healthopaedic Mlily Tranquil Silentnight Dorlux Shakespeare Nectar Relyon Dunlopillo Breasley, Doubles, Kingsize, Mattress by Brand, Mattress by Size, Mattresses, Singles, Small Doubles, Super Kingsize Uno Comfort Pocket Memory 2000 ☆☆☆☆☆£306.00 – £558.00View Products Breasley, Doubles, Kingsize, Mattress by Brand, Mattress by Size, Mattresses, Singles, Small Doubles, Super Kingsize Uno Comfort Pocket 1000 ☆☆☆☆☆£200.00 – £348.00View Products Breasley, Doubles, Kingsize, Mattress by Brand, Mattress by Size, Mattresses, Singles, Small Doubles, Super Kingsize Uno Comfort Pocket Memory 1000 ☆☆☆☆☆£258.00 – £454.00View Products The Medieval Snooze: A Burlap Bonanza The Middle Ages in Europe saw a shift towards more practical, if less luxurious, mattresses for the masses. Think large sacks made of coarse material like burlap, filled with straw, feathers, or even… wait for it… pea shucks! These “straw-filled ticks” were often placed directly on the floor or on simple wooden frames. Comfort wasn’t exactly the priority; warmth and a slight barrier from the cold ground were the main goals. Imagine the midnight rustling and the occasional unwelcome visitor finding its way into your pea-filled slumber party! The Renaissance and Beyond: A Touch of Softness Emerges As we moved into the Renaissance, things started to look a little more inviting. Wealthier households began using finer materials like cotton and wool for their mattress fillings, and covers became more decorative. The introduction of canopied beds wasn’t just for show; they offered a degree of privacy and insulation. Still, these mattresses were largely hand-stuffed and prone to lumping and shifting – the search for the perfect night’s sleep was still ongoing! The 18th and 19th centuries saw some significant advancements. The invention of the coiled spring in the mid-19th century was a game-changer. Suddenly, mattresses offered more consistent support and a bit of bounce! These early spring mattresses were a far cry from the sophisticated pocket-sprung systems we offer at Express Mattress, but they marked a crucial turning point in mattress technology. The 20th Century: Comfort Revolution! The 20th century was the golden age of mattress innovation. Innerspring mattresses became more refined, with different types of coils and padding materials like cotton batting and felt. Then came the exciting introduction of foam! Latex foam, derived from rubber trees, offered a new level of comfort and support. Later, viscoelastic foam, better known as memory foam, emerged, contouring to the body’s shape and promising pressure relief. Suddenly, the humble mattress was becoming a science! All   Back SleepSoul Baker and Wells Komfi Breasley Express Mattress Range Healthopaedic Mlily Tranquil Silentnight Dorlux Shakespeare Nectar Relyon Dunlopillo Doubles, Kingsize, Mattress by Brand, Mattress by Size, Shakespeare, Singles, Super Kingsize Shakespeare Natural Merino 2000 ☆☆☆☆☆£495.00 – £799.00View Products Doubles, Kingsize, Mattress by Brand, Mattress by Size, Shakespeare, Singles, Super Kingsize Shakespeare Natural Cotton 2000 ☆☆☆☆☆£495.00 – £819.00View Products Doubles, Kingsize, Mattress by Brand, Mattress by Size, Shakespeare, Singles, Super Kingsize Shakespeare Natural Merino 1000 ☆☆☆☆☆£424.00 – £699.00View Products The Modern Mattress: A World of Choice at Express Mattress! And that brings us to today! At Express Mattress, we’re proud to offer a fantastic range of modern mattresses designed for every sleep style and preference. From supportive pocket-sprung models that minimize motion transfer to luxurious memory foam options that cradle you to sleep, and even innovative hybrid designs that combine the best of both worlds – we’ve come a long way from those straw-filled sacks! And the best part? We deliver all our mattresses absolutely free to mainland UK! No need to wrestle a lumpy straw tick through the town – we bring comfort right to your doorstep. So, the next time you sink into your comfy Express Mattress, take a moment to appreciate the long and sometimes bumpy journey of the mattress. From basic ground coverings to the sophisticated sleep solutions of today, the quest for a good night’s sleep has been a constant throughout human history. Sweet dreams from all of us at Express Mattress!

How to Avoid Bed Begs (and what to do if its too late) Ah, springtime! The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and… wait a minute… what’s that tiny, reddish-brown critter doing on my lovely new Dunlopillo Mattress? Don’t panic! It could just be a rogue crumb (we’ve all been there with late-night snacking in bed, haven’t we?), but it’s worth being in the know about a less welcome guest: the infamous bed bug. These little hitchhikers are the uninvited attendees to your peaceful slumber, and while they might not be the end of the world, dealing with them can feel like a never-ending itch. But fear not, fellow sleep enthusiasts! At expressmattress.co.uk, we’re not just about delivering dreamy mattresses nationwide (free delivery, wink wink!), we’re also about ensuring your sleep sanctuary remains a bug-free haven. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s dive into the world of bed bugs: how to avoid them setting up shop in your home, and what to do if they’ve already decided to make your Harrison Spinks Pillow their five-star (or rather, no-star) accommodation. The Sneaky World of Bed Bugs: What Are We Dealing With? Bed bugs are small, nocturnal insects that feed on human blood (lovely thought, isn’t it?). They’re flat, oval-shaped, and about the size of an apple seed. Their colour can range from reddish-brown to a more purplish hue after a meal. Unlike fleas, they don’t jump; instead, they crawl with surprising speed. These tiny terrors are masters of disguise and can squeeze into the tiniest cracks and crevices, often hiding in mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, and even behind wallpaper. They’re not fussy eaters and will happily make a home near any sleeping human, regardless of cleanliness. So, if you thought a pristine house meant you were immune, think again! How Do These Little Vampires Get In? The Bed Bug Travel Agency Bed bugs are champion travellers. They don’t magically appear; they’re usually brought into your home unknowingly. Here are some common ways they hitch a ride: Travel: Hotels, hostels, even fancy resorts – bed bugs don’t discriminate. They can easily cling to luggage, clothing, and personal items. Always give your suitcase a good once-over after a trip, and consider washing your clothes immediately. Second-hand Furniture: That vintage bed might look fabulous, but it could also be harbouring unwanted guests. Inspect all second-hand furniture thoroughly before bringing it inside. Visitors: While less common, guests can inadvertently bring bed bugs on their belongings. Shared Laundry Facilities: Be mindful when using communal laundry areas, as bed bugs can transfer between items. Spotting the Signs: Is Your Bed Bug Alarm Ringing? Early detection is key to tackling a bed bug issue before it becomes a full-blown infestation. Here are some tell-tale signs to watch out for: Tiny Blood Stains: These might appear on your sheets or pillowcases after a bed bug has had its midnight snack. Dark or Rusty Spots: These are bed bug droppings, often found along mattress seams or in their hiding places. Small, Pale Yellow Eggs or Shed Skins: As bed bugs grow, they shed their exoskeletons, leaving behind translucent casings. Their eggs are tiny and whitish. A Musty, Sweetish Odour: A heavy infestation can sometimes produce a distinct, unpleasant smell. And, of course, the Bites: These are often small, red, and itchy bumps that appear in clusters or a line. However, not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, so the absence of bites doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear. If you suspect you have bed bugs, don’t delay! The sooner you act, the easier it will be to eradicate them. Fort Knox for Your Bed: Preventing Bed Bugs from Moving In Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some proactive steps you can take to make your home less appealing to these unwanted guests, especially when you’ve invested in a super comfy Nectar Mattress Be Vigilant When Travelling: Inspect hotel rooms before settling in. Check the mattress seams, headboard, and furniture. Use luggage racks to keep your bags off the floor, and consider storing your suitcase in a plastic bag during your stay. Upon returning home, wash all your clothes immediately, even if you haven’t worn them. Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly. Inspect Second-hand Items: Before bringing any used furniture, especially beds and mattresses, into your home, give them a thorough inspection. Pay close attention to seams, tufts, and any cracks or crevices. Use Mattress Encasements: These zip-up covers create a barrier that bed bugs can’t penetrate or escape from. They’re a fantastic investment for protecting your and making it easier to spot any potential issues. Regular Vacuuming: Vacuum your bedroom frequently, paying close attention to the areas around your bed, including the mattress, box spring, headboard, and baseboards. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately afterwards. Seal Cracks and Crevices: Bed bugs love to hide in small spaces. Seal any cracks and crevices in your walls and around your bed frame to minimize their hiding spots. Be Mindful of Shared Spaces: If you live in an apartment building or use shared laundry facilities, take extra precautions to prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride. Operation Eradication: Kicking Bed Bugs to the Curb So, you’ve discovered you have bed bugs. Don’t despair! While it can be a bit of a process, you can get rid of them. Here’s a multi-pronged approach: Contain the Situation: If possible, isolate the infested area. This might involve sealing items in plastic bags. Wash and Dry Everything: Wash all bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry them on the highest setting for at least 30 minutes. For items that can’t be washed, consider putting them in the dryer on high heat for the same amount of time. Vacuum Thoroughly and Frequently: As mentioned before, vacuum your mattress, box spring, headboard, footboard, carpets, and any furniture near your bed. Pay extra attention to seams, tufts, and edges. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in a sealed outdoor bin. Repeat