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A Brief History of Simmons

Zalman G. Simmons began mass-producing woven wire mattresses in 1876 and changed the entire industry. Simmons introduced spiral coil springs for woven mattresses in 1889 and allowed everyone to sleep more comfortably for a much more affordable price. During the 1900′s Simmons employee James Marshall patented the wrapped coil spring. Although at that time it [...]



Zalman G. Simmons began mass-producing woven wire mattresses in 1876 and changed the entire industry. Simmons introduced spiral coil springs for woven mattresses in 1889 and allowed everyone to sleep more comfortably for a much more affordable price.

During the 1900′s Simmons employee James Marshall patented the wrapped coil spring. Although at that time it was too expensive for most if not all consumers. Simmons also produced the wall-a-bed. Simmons began to advetise nationally. Simmons also created the now normal practice of only allowing retail stores to carry samples while Simmons delivered orders from the warehouse. John Franklin Gail designed a machine which made the now famous independent pocketed coil. Simmons began using famous people such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison in ads and testimonials.

Simmons also began/created:

  • Commissioned research into sleep studies.
  • The Studio Couch.
  • National Technological Center (NTC).
  • The Queen and King size bed.
  • Simmons Research Center (SRC).
  • Official bedding supplier to the 1980 Winter Games.
  • Launched Simmons Back Care line.
  • The famous “Bowling Ball” advertisements.
  • Institute of Technology and Education (SITE).

From 2000 to the present Simmons has:

  • Celebrated its 75th Anniversary.
  • Introduced the Olympic queen size.
  • Introduced the Pocket Cable Coil.
  • Introduced the HealthSmart bed.
  • Introduced Beautyrest Black.
  • Introduced the Natural Care Line (latex).
  • Introduced ComforPedic (NXG foam).

Today Simmons has 18 plants in the United States and Puerto Rico along with 23 international licensees and sublicensees. Simmons currently promotes its “Better Sleep through Science” philosophy and strives to help everyone get a better nights sleep.