Changes

Key developments from the 18th century and later included the use of iron frames for beds and switch to cotton for mattresses and covers. The switch to metal frames likely was practical, as micro-insects are less likely to burrow in non-wooden frames. In effect, iron frames reduced a form of bed bugs from spreading. Metal bed frames, including made of iron, were already developed by the Iron Age but became more common in the 18th and 19th centuries. The 18th century also saw an increase in use of decorative paneling for beds and more use of embroidery in Western beds. This is because beds now became a central piece of furniture in households as it reflected the wealth of a household.<ref>For more on the increasingly ornate beds of the 18th century, see: <i>Beds and bedroom furniture.</i> (1997). Newtown, Conn: Taunton Press.</ref>

By the late 19th century, coils were now introduced to beds, including in use for box springs (added as another bedding layer) and mattresses. This provided some additional support or sturdiness for beds and have become the predominant bed type in North America. In the 1950s, foam was used for bedding and became more prevalent for materials used on the mattress and sometimes for other parts of the bed.  Mattress technologies continued to improve in the late 20th century. By the 1990s, the new popular fad in beds were the use of mattresses that could be shaped or designed for each persons posture or back. This was promised as giving a health and comfortable sleep for users.<ref>For more on bed coils and later developments for beds, see: Wright, L. (2004). <i>Warm & snug: the history of the bed (New ed.).</i> Stroud [England]: Sutton.</ref>