What Does “Go To The Mattresses” Mean? A Mattress-Focused Guide to This Famous Phrase

If you’ve searched “What Does Go To The Mattresses Mean” and ended up on a sleep and mattress site, you might be wondering how a dramatic phrase from movies connects to everyday mattress use and care. This guide explains the origin of the saying and what it can teach you about how we treat our beds in real life.

What Does “Go To The Mattresses” Actually Mean?

The phrase “go to the mattresses” is an idiom that became widely known through classic mafia films and novels.

In its original sense, it means:

In those stories, characters would literally sleep on mattresses on the floor in safe houses while they were in hiding or at “war.” Over time, the phrase stopped being literal and became a figure of speech for “getting ready to fight hard for something.”

So when someone asks “What Does Go To The Mattresses Mean”, they’re usually asking about:

The origin of the phrase
Its figurative meaning in everyday language
Why it has anything to do with actual mattresses

How Does This Phrase Relate to Real Mattresses?

Even though the phrase is figurative today, it started with a very real, practical use of mattresses: quick, temporary sleeping setups during tense situations.

This is where it overlaps with modern mattress questions:

People often pull out spare mattresses when guests arrive, during moves, or in emergencies.
Some households keep foldable or rollable mattresses specifically for short-term “camping out” in a room.
In shared spaces or tight homes, sleeping on floor mattresses can be a flexible solution.

So, while “go to the mattresses” now means gearing up for conflict, it also hints at how portable, versatile, and durable a mattress may need to be when life gets unpredictable.

Common Questions About the Phrase (and Your Bed)

Is “Go To The Mattresses” About Sleep Quality?

No. The phrase has nothing to do with restful sleep, comfort levels, or mattress performance. It’s about preparing for a challenge, not improving your bedtime routine.

However, the original idea—many people quickly sleeping on mattresses in tight spaces—does highlight:

The value of supportive surfaces even in temporary setups
The importance of protecting mattresses if they’re moved or placed on the floor

Does It Mean Putting Mattresses on the Floor?

Historically in stories, yes: it often meant laying mattresses on the floor to sleep in crowded or hidden spaces.

If you’re considering putting your own mattress on the floor, here are a few neutral, practical points:

Some people appreciate the stable, low-profile feel
Others find airflow is more limited under the mattress
Floors can expose mattresses to dust and dirt

Using a clean, dry surface and a protective cover can help keep the mattress in better condition.

What Can the Phrase Teach Us About Mattress Use & Care?

Thinking about “What Does Go To The Mattresses Mean” can be a useful reminder of how we use mattresses beyond a standard bed frame.

Here are a few everyday lessons:

Mattresses are central in emergencies and transitions. During moves, renovations, or unexpected guests, a reliable mattress can turn any room into a sleeping space.
Protection matters when you move or store a mattress. In “go to the mattresses” scenarios—real or figurative—mattresses may be dragged, stacked, or folded. In reality, many mattresses do better when handled gently and kept dry and clean.
Temporary setups can still be comfortable. Floor setups, guest mattresses, or fold-out sleeping spaces can be made more comfortable with pillows, breathable bedding, and a smooth, level resting surface.

What Should You Consider When “Going to the Mattresses” at Home?

If you’re:

Setting up a temporary sleeping area
Preparing a guest sleeping space
Using a spare or foldable mattress

you might think of it as your own mild version of “going to the mattresses.” In those situations, it helps to focus on:

Cleanliness: Use a mattress protector or clean sheet barrier, especially on floors or shared spaces.
Support: Make sure the mattress lies on a flat, stable surface to avoid sagging or uneven wear.
Airflow: If a mattress sits directly on the floor, occasionally lift and air it out in a dry room.
Storage: When not in use, keep spare mattresses in a cool, dry area, preferably covered, to help preserve materials.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “What Does Go To The Mattresses Mean”

Meaning: “Go to the mattresses” is an idiom that means preparing for a serious, drawn-out conflict, originally linked to people sleeping on mattresses in safe houses.
Connection to beds: The phrase comes from actual mattresses used on floors during tense times, but today it’s mostly figurative.
Not about comfort: It does not describe sleep quality or mattress performance; it’s about readiness and resilience.
Practical lesson: The phrase highlights how mattresses can be moved, shared, and used in temporary setups, making basic care (clean, dry, protected) especially important.
At home: When you “go to the mattresses” in a modern sense—setting up extra beds, sleeping on the floor, or using spares—focus on support, cleanliness, airflow, and sensible storage.

Understanding “What Does Go To The Mattresses Mean” gives you both a piece of cultural language and a reminder of how central mattresses are when life gets busy, crowded, or unpredictable. Even in temporary or make‑shift setups, a well-cared-for mattress can make those intense moments a bit more manageable.