Recently in Mattresses Category

A small organic mattress and bedding manufacturer in central Virginia has grown over 400% in four years, and leads a surging market niche.

Until recently, few consumers recognized that most mattresses are made with toxic chemicals. The British medical journal, The Lancet, and the Harvard School of Public Health have linked high-volume-production (HVP) chemicals in consumer products with developmental brain disorders such as autism and ADHD*. Some, such as formaldehyde and toluene, common in conventional and memory foam mattresses, are known carcinogens.

The Savvy Rest Organic Mattress is all-natural latex, made from the sap of the rubber tree. The casing is certified organic wool and certified organic cotton. Independent organic certifications add credibility to the brand.

Savvy Rest attributes its growth to increasing demand for healthful, eco-friendly products, creative staff (none with MBAs or sales backgrounds), thorough research, and strong relationships with 60+ independent stores. In 2005, Savvy Rest had one idea and two staff. Today, the company employs 15 people. In 2006, Savvy Rest sold 90% of its products directly to consumers. In 2010, over 90% of sales are through the company's growing network of dealers--the broadest among organic mattress manufacturers.

Savvy Rest is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and is certified by Green America. The company posts organic certifications and independent materials testing results on its web site: http://www.savvyrest.com. The site features the industry's most comprehensive consumer education, including over 50 articles on materials, design, and sleep issues.

In addition to distinguishing between natural and synthetic latex, the Savvy Rest web site also educates consumers on the differences among mattresses labeled organic. Prior to 2005, even mattresses called "organic" were made with cotton fiber filling, which grows hard or lumpy in a short time. Cotton fiber also harbors dust mites, a major allergen.

Savvy Rest's founder, Michael Penny, a 30-year yoga practitioner, developed a layered mattress design that is customized for each person, based on their height, weight, sleeping positions, and pain issues. Savvy Rest Organic Mattresses can be configured differently on each side to accommodate couples, and can be customized to any dimensions.

The company offers a 90-day exchange period during which customers can change layers to alter the "feel".

The Savvy Rest bedding line includes organic mattress toppers, sheets, mattress pads, and pillows.

Sealy, North America's No. 1 mattress brand, is helping Americans get a better night's sleep by making it easier to shop for a mattress. The new sealy.com solves mattress buyers' greatest frustration -- determining which mattress is most right for them.

"We conducted extensive consumer research prior to building the new website," said Jodi Allen, Sealy Chief Marketing Officer. "We found only 18 percent of consumers felt prepared to buy a mattress after conducting online research, and more than two-thirds said online research was not helpful in deciding which brand of mattress to buy, making the in-store shopping experience very confusing. We took their feedback to heart and designed the new site specifically to help end their confusion."

The website offers an easy-to-navigate user experience that is unique to the bedding industry, allowing consumers to explore the various types of mattresses as well as Sealy's portfolio of brands on the homepage before making a single click. In addition, the site features several innovative tools to help connect the online research experience to the in-store shopping experience.

The site empowers consumers by allowing them to easily search for mattress information in the way they request it -- by brand, technology or product promotions. It walks consumers through the mattress buying process effortlessly, breaking down industry terminology into relatable, clear language, while helping them learn which mattress best fits their sleep behavior and lifestyle. Sealy.com also features easy-to-understand video and text-based content that explains the different brands, products, features and technologies.

The site will feature the entire family of Sealy brands, including Sealy Posturepedic®, Stearns & Foster®, Embody® by Sealy and Sealy Brand. Once consumers identify which brand best fits their needs, they are able to access the first-of-its-kind Sealy mattress-builder, where they can choose the features that meet their personal preferences.

As consumers select features, the suggested retail price will adjust accordingly. Once the consumer has built their perfect mattress, Sealy's mattress-builder creates a printable fact sheet that consumers can take into the retail store when they are ready to purchase.

"In addition to conducting our own research, we looked outside of our industry at leaders who have changed the online shopping experience to better meet consumer expectations," said Margo Borgione, Director, Global Marketing for Sealy. "By listening to our consumers and utilizing best-in-class techniques from other industries, we have created a dramatically better experience for online mattress shopping."

Sealy worked with its marketing agency Cramer-Krasselt/Chicago to build and develop the new website. The new site is now live. For more information visit www.sealy.com.  

The "Sealy.com Mattress Study" survey was conducted online by MarketTools, Inc., on behalf of Sealy. The poll, which gathered feedback from over 1,000 mattress shoppers across the U.S. who had recently purchased a mattress or were planning to in the near future, was conducted in April 2009 in effort to understand the role the Internet plays when shopping for a new mattress.

Hollandia International, manufacturer of the world's most luxurious sleep systems and the leading bedding retailer in Israel, has formed a strategic alliance with global mattress brand Therapedic. Under terms of the deal, Hollandia will own the Therapedic license for Israel and Cyprus, and said it planned to open Therapedic retail stores in Israeli cities over the next year. Additionally, both companies have announced that they will form a joint research and development team that will create products leveraging Hollandia innovation, which would be sold throughout the world.

"Hollandia makes some of the most luxurious products in our industry, and on the retail side of their business, they understand the importance of selling the benefits of a good night's sleep," said Gerry Borreggine, Therapedic president and CEO. "Together, I think we make a powerful combination in the bedding industry."

Hollandia CEO Avi Barssessat said he had been looking for sometime to find the right U.S. sleep products brand to bring to Israel.

"Israelis love American brands, and Therapedic is an outstanding sleep products company that offers a full range of product choices. I think the brand will resonate well here in Israel," he said. "We have examined the growth of Therapedic internationally to benchmark what has worked outside of the United States, and we believe our strategy will make it the fastest growing brand in Israel."

Hollandia now operates in more than 120 locations throughout the world including two retail showrooms in Philadelphia and Short Hills, N.J. All its products are manufactured in Israel.

Hollandia draws upon more than 29 years of perfecting sleep systems, to create a unique customer experience combining superior service with the highest quality materials In addition to its innovative sleep systems, Hollandia manufactures a full range of complementary sleep essentials such as plush pillows, fitted sheets, blankets and mattress protectors.  Committed to innovation and technology, Hollandia also offers custom-made style essentials such as a daybed or ottoman that can easily transform into an extremely comfortable guest bed. For more information please go to www.hollandiainternational.com.

Therapedic International is a 53-year-old mattress and sleep products manufacturer, with over 50 licensees producing products under the Therapedic brand label throughout the world. 

It's an unforgettable scene in "The Blind Side," when the future NFL star Michael Oher tells his benefactor - played by Academy Award winning actress Sandra Bullock - that he's never had a bed of his own before.  One in 50 children is homeless in the United States every year, according to a report from The National Center on Family Homelessness, which estimates more than 1.5 million children are without a home.(1.) Moreover, the agency predicts that as foreclosures and layoffs continue, the number of children and families without homes in the United States is likely to increase.

In an effort to provide those in need with a good night's sleep, 1800Mattress.com, a family-owned national mattress company, is taking a leadership role by partnering with HomeAid, the leading national non-profit provider of housing for today's homeless, to provide more than 500 beds to shelters nationwide.

"At 1800Mattress.com, we believe that everyone is entitled to a good night's sleep and we are proud to support HomeAid as they conquer homelessness one build at a time," said Adam Blank, 1800Mattress.com's Chief Operating Officer.  "A sound night's sleep starts with a great mattress and we are dedicated to providing those in need with a place to sleep at night while they rebuild their lives during the day."

While 1800Mattress.com has already provided beds to HomeAid projects in Orange County, CA, and Houston, the partnership officially begins at HomeAid Atlanta's Phoenix Pass build in Atlanta, Georgia.  A dedication ceremony for the Phoenix Pass project, one of HomeAid's largest projects, is set for April 14 with support from former Atlanta Mayor, Shirley Franklin.  The report by the National Center on Family Homelessness, which analyzed data from 2005-06, found that Georgia was one of the states most affected by child homelessness.

"We are grateful for the support of 1800Mattress.com as 2010 is poised to be a busy year for our chapters nationwide," said Jeffrey Slavin, CEO of HomeAid. "The folks in our shelters list a bed as one of the comforts of home that they miss the most, so we are excited to help them rest easier via this partnership."

HomeAid was founded in 1989. The HomeAid mission is to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. This is accomplished through the donation of construction services and materials from members of the homebuilding industry.  To date, the organization has provided transitional housing for more than 100,000 individuals including those temporarily out of work, abused children, victims of domestic violence, at-risk teens, people living with HIV/AIDS and victims of natural disasters.  HomeAid currently has projects in 15 states nationwide.

About Phoenix Pass:

Phoenix Pass is a nonprofit organization designed as a partnership between First Baptist Church of Conyers and Rockdale Emergency Relief.  The mission of Phoenix Pass is to serve the needs of families experiencing temporary homelessness by giving them an opportunity to reestablish self-sufficiency in a residential setting. The focus of the program is to empower homeless families with supportive services and the resources to recover and rebuild a productive, stable lifestyle for themselves and their family.  Phoenix Pass operates under the vision that those who have successfully completed the program will remain in the Conyers-Rockdale County area to live, work and contribute back to the community the education, life skills and job skills acquired during their tenure in the program.  It is expected that residents will transition from Phoenix Pass into the community as productive and self-sufficient citizens.  

The Phoenix Pass complex will eventually accommodate up to 90 people at any given time, providing housing for up to two years along with case management, a mentorship program, life skills classes and aftercare programs.  Phoenix Pass is located on the campus of Light House Village in Conyers, and is one of three nonprofit programs on the 27-acre campus. 

Tempur-Pedic International Inc. (NYSE: TPX), the leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of premium mattresses and pillows worldwide, today unveiled two new products in its TEMPUR-Cloud™ Collection, the TEMPUR-Cloud™ Luxe bed and TEMPUR-Cloud™ Pillow. The company also premiered new TV advertising, filmed on location in St. Cloud, MN, which showcases TEMPUR-Cloud Collection mattresses and invites consumers to ask TEMPUR-Cloud owners what makes their bed so special.

Like the TEMPUR-Cloud™ Supreme that launched last fall as part of the TEMPUR-Cloud Collection, the TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe and TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow feature the all-new, revolutionary TEMPUR-ES™ material. TEMPUR-ES is a breakthrough in sleep technology that creates a soft, pillowy sleep surface while still providing Tempur-Pedic's customary pressure-relieving comfort and therapeutic support. The core of the TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe will feature a thicker layer of TEMPUR-ES atop TEMPUR-HD® for a luxuriant and restful sleep experience. The TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow, filled with thousands of TEMPUR-ES micro-cushions, provides unparalleled neck support and soft-as-a-cloud comfort, ideal for all sleepers.

"The TEMPUR-Cloud Collection was developed through extensive research and a deep understanding of what many consumers want most in a mattress - softness and support without the problems they experience with traditional pillow-tops," said Rick Anderson, president of Tempur-Pedic North America. "We have already seen strong sales for the TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme, and are confident consumers will be just as excited about the newest additions to the TEMPUR-Cloud Collection."

The TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme is currently available at Tempur-Pedic retailers and through tempurpedic.com. The TEMPUR-Cloud™ will become available later this month and will retail for $1,999 (Queen Flat Set). The TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow will be in stores and online early this summer and will retail for $129 (Standard Size). Available this fall, the TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe, the most luxurious mattress in the collection, will retail for $3,999 (Queen Flat Set) and, like all Tempur-Pedic mattresses, will come with a 20-year limited warranty. For more information on the TEMPUR-Cloud, TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme and other Tempur-Pedic products, visit tempurpedic.com. Additional TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe and TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow information will become available later this year.

Sleep and health are closely connected and a new mattress can help with better sleep according to Oklahoma State University sleep experts. McRoskey owner Robin McRoskey Azevedo says that most people begin their search for a new mattress long after it's due. Azevedo adds, "More research is linking good health to getting good rest. We hear of this almost daily from our customers."

OSU research links greater sleep quality and reduced back pain, stiffness and shoulder pain to sleeping on a new mattress as compared to mattresses five years or older. According to OSU lead researcher Bert Jacobson, EdD, timely replacement and mattress quality can have a positive impact on sleep and overall quality of life. Jacobson's latest study appeared in the Journal of Ergonomics and offers fresh analysis of work published by the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine in 2006.

McRoskey Mattress Company has handcrafted mattresses in San Francisco since 1899, and offers these tips to determine if you need to replace your mattress.

TIPS ON EVALUATING YOUR MATTRESS: IS IT TIME FOR A NEW ONE?

• Do you wake up with stiffness or aches?
• Have you had a better night's sleep somewhere other than your own bed?
• Is your mattress overused?
• Does it sag, have an exposed interior or lumps?
• Are you no longer comfortable on your mattress and box spring?

If you answered yes to any of these, it's time to replace your mattress. Before you begin your search for a new mattress, do your homework to know what constitutes a quality mattress.

When testing the mattress, lie down on it for at least 15 minutes.

Comfort is personal. Softness or firmness isn't necessarily better. Choose a mattress that allows your body to relax naturally. Size relates to comfort. Choose a size that fits you and is large enough for movement.

SOURCE McRoskey Mattress Company

Sit 'n Sleep, the mattress superstore dedicated to providing a good night's sleep to millions of Southern Californians, is looking for L.A.'s worst mattress. Today, the company launched L.A.'s Worst Mattress Contest in which five lucky Southern Californians with the worst mattresses in the region will win a new, luxury mattress from Sit 'n Sleep and a chance to win $100,000.

Starting this week, contest entrants are invited to create and submit inspiring videos detailing just why their mattress is the very worst in town. Uploaded to www.worstmattress.com, entries will be judged both on creativity and the criteria used to determine whether that old mattress needs to be replaced.

And just what is that criteria?

• TEAR & WEAR: How beat up is your mattress? Does it look like it was dropped off the 5 Freeway during rush hour and hit by a semi truck? Is it discolored, ripped or are the box springs about to jump out and injure someone?
• OLDEST: Fess up, how old is that mattress? Was it purchased in a time before the Internet, cordless phones or even microwaves? Does it look like over 10,000 nights of bad sleep have finally caught up with it?
• SAG: Does your mattress look like a bowling ball has been sleeping in its center for the last decade? If so, it's time to re-think your sleeping situation.
• STAINS: Does your mattress bear the evidence of years of bedroom activity? If so, it's time to TOSS!
  

"I want to see those dirty, beat up mattresses, and get a good look at those sags and stains!" said Larry Miller, founder, president and CEO of Sit 'n Sleep. "People don't understand that, after eight years, mattresses double in weight, are filled with bed bugs, and are bad for your health. It's time to get rid of the major embarrassment below your bedspread and start getting those zz's back."

How the contest works:

• Visit the Worst Mattress website for details
• Submit a video that, in 90 seconds or less, explains why your mattress is the worst in L.A. - remember, have fun and be creative!
• Entries are due by October 30, 2009
• On November 2, 2009, five winning videos will be announced and each will win a free luxury mattress.
• The grand prize winner receives a Kingsdown 800 mattress worth approximately $5,000.00. Four other category winners receive luxury mattresses ranging in value from $1,500 to $3,900
• On Saturday, November 21, 2009 the five lucky winners will be invited to Sit 'n Sleep's Culver City Superstore to participate in a drawing with a chance to win $100,000*
  

For more contest rules and details or to submit a video, log on to: www.worstmattress.com

SOURCE Sit 'n Sleep