Modular plunger matrix mattress

A mattress assembly, comprising:

• a plurality of plunger matrix sections, each comprising a separate plunger matrix support platform, configured for side-to-side assembly;
• a foldable edge frame configured to snugly receive and house the plurality of plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation, the edge frame defining a flange on an internal surface of the edge frame configured to support the plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation in a position allowing the plungers to move up and down within an internal space defined by the edge frame, wherein each plunger comprises nested springs causing the plunger to exhibit a non-linear spring characteristic;
• a top pad configured to lay on top of the edge frame and the plurality of plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation housed within the edge frame;
• a cover configured to encapsulate the edge frame, the plunger matrix, and the top pad into a self-contained mattress unit;
• wherein the plunger matrix sections define a support profile for a person lying on the mattress comprising plungers organized into a plurality of zones in which the plungers of each zone are similarly configured while the plungers of different zones are configured differently to define a varying firmness characteristic of the support profile across the zones.

A mattress assembly, comprising:

• a plurality of plunger matrix sections, each comprising a separate plunger matrix support platform, configured for side-to-side assembly;
• a foldable edge frame configured to snugly receive and house the plurality of plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation, the edge frame defining a flange on an internal surface of the edge frame configured to support the plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation in a position allowing the plungers to move up and down within an internal space defined by the edge frame;
• a top pad configured to lay on top of the edge frame and the plurality of plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation housed within the edge frame;
• a cover configured to encapsulate the edge frame, the plunger matrix, and the top pad into a self-contained mattress unit;
• wherein each plunger comprises:
• a pin guide removably captured within an aperture through the plunger support platform comprising a flange positioned above the plunger support platform, a guide body extending from the flange through the aperture,
• a clip for facilitating removal of the plunger from its respective plunger matrix section after the mattress has been manufactured,
• a pin slidably received within the pin guide comprising a flange located above the flange of the pin guide and a shaft extending from the flange through the guide body,
• a deformable head carried by the flange of the pin;
• a tension spring having a first end fixed to the guide body and a second end located below the guide body positioned to receive a bottom end of the pin shaft, wherein the spring is configured to resiliently stretch with downward motion of the pin with respect to the pin guide, and
• a dampening device captured around the shaft of the pin between the flange of the pin and the flange of the pin guide, wherein the dampening device is configured to resiliently deform with downward motion of the pin with respect to the pin guide.