The term mattress refers to a rectangular-shaped element that is made of elastic or soft materials and that, placed on some support , allows a person to lie down and rest on it. There are mattresses of different sizes and made with different materials.
The first mattresses were covers that were filled with wool , leaves or other organic materials. These pieces had the disadvantage of attracting fleas, mites and other insects. Over the years, air mattresses , water mattresses , spring mattresses , foam mattresses and latex mattresses emerged.
Currently, it is common for the mattress to be placed on a bed or a box spring . The mattress is protected with a sheet so that the person can lie down, placing their head on a pillow. To avoid feeling cold, you can cover yourself with blankets or blankets.
The well-being of its users depends almost exclusively on the quality of the mattress, and that is why it is important to choose the most appropriate one. We cannot enjoy good health if we do not sleep the appropriate number of hours on a comfortable surface, but each person has different needs, given the characteristics of their body, such as the shape of their back and their blood circulation.
Currently there are several types of mattresses that can adapt to the different needs of each person, although they have limitations, and that is why it is important to know them before deciding to buy one or the other. The viscoelastic mattress , for example, was developed by NASA engineers with the purpose of relieving pressure on the body and avoiding muscle tension as much as possible.
The characteristics of the viscoelastic mattress make it ideal for people with muscle problems, chronic pain and even for those who are going through the recovery period from a surgical operation, for example. For patients who must remain bedridden for a long time, there are anti-decubitus mattresses , which are complemented by a multi-position stretcher.
It is important to note that mattresses are not only manufactured for use by humans, but can also be used for some domestic animals , mainly dogs and cats. In these cases, they are purchased in pet stores, supermarkets or bazaars, and the prices are considerably lower than the others, although some can reach quite high amounts.
The mattress, as a product , is usually expensive, regardless of its type and size. Although there are economical alternatives for tighter pockets, it is an item that is purchased once every several years, and this low frequency is what manufacturers try to compensate with prices.
In some cities, especially the most advanced ones, it is customary to leave at certain points on public roads all those products that are no longer used, including furniture, appliances and even mattresses. For hygiene reasons, it is not recommended to pick up a mattress from the street, no matter how good its condition may be, but people with fewer economic resources are often forced to take advantage of these opportunities and are greatly appreciated.
A soft layer that covers something or is used as a base to place something else on top is also called a mattress. For example: “The chef served the meat on a mattress of boiled chard,” “The cake consists of a mattress of red fruits, a layer of lemon cream and a topping of Italian meringue.”
In colloquial language , a cushion is called a margin that is favorable or something that allows a complex situation to be alleviated: “Thanks to the string of victories at the beginning of the year, the national team still has a good cushion of points,” “The savings served as a cushion so that the fall was not so hard.”