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.