Mid-20th Century Innovator: Dr. H. A. Mayer
Era: 1950s–1960s
Dr. Mayer’s work on orthopedics and posture laid groundwork for ergonomic sleep research. His studies linked spinal alignment with sleeping surfaces, urging a shift from hard, one-size-fits-all beds to surfaces that accommodate contours and movement. The legacy is the continued emphasis on support zones and dynamic response—concepts that still inform modern mattress engineering.