Abstract: Mattresses are stacked, with support surfaces being substantially in contact, to produce a mattress stack (201). A press (501) applies pressure in the direction of said mattress stack, such that said pressure is normal to the support surfaces and consistent with pressure applied by a reclining body, thereby resulting in reversible compression to form a compressed mattress stack. Restraining elements (601) restrains the mattress stack and the process may be repeated to increase the size of the stack.

Abstract: Components of a pocket-sprung-mattress sub-assembly having individual metal springs retained within a matrix of fabric pockets are separated. A rotatable tearing drum 405 is driven by a drive motor 406. Tearing devices 407 are arranged to pull metal springs from a pocket-sprung-mattress sub-assembly during the rotation of the tearing drum 405. A feeding assembly 408 compressors an end portion of the mattress sub-assembly and moves this end portion continually to bring an end of the mattress sub-assembly into contact with the rotating tearing devices 407.

Abstract: Components of a pocket-sprung-mattress sub-assembly having individual metal springs retained within a matrix of fabric pockets are separated. A rotatable tearing drum 405 is driven by a drive motor 406. Tearing devices 407 are arranged to pull metal springs from a pocket-sprung-mattress sub-assembly during the rotation of the tearing drum 405. A feeding assembly 408 compressors an end portion of the mattress sub-assembly and moves this end portion continually to bring an end of the mattress sub-assembly into contact with the rotating tearing devices 407.