International Sleep Products Association

The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) is the trade association dedicated to protecting and enhancing the growth, profitability and stature of the mattress manufacturing industry. [ [http://www.sleepproducts.org International Sleep Products Association Website, 2008] ]

History

Founded as the National Association of Mattress Manufacturers in 1915, the organization was renamed two years later as the National Association of Bedding Manufacturers. Its goal was to create state tagging laws and address the health sanitation issues affecting consumers. The association was renamed the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) in 1987 to reflect its growth internationally.

From its inception, the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) has been committed to supporting the mattress industry through active public policy, public affairs and education initiatives. It has grown to represent the full bedding industry on a host of commercial, health, safety and environmental issues, and serves to provide a positive image for the sleep products industry.

ISPA today

ISPA currently represents more than 750 mattress manufacturers and bedding component, machinery and service suppliers in some 58 countries around the world. ISPA members range from multinational mattress and sleep products manufacturing companies to small, family-owned operations. This diverse membership base gives ISPA strong credibility and influence as the voice of the sleep products industry.

The Association provides a wide range of legislative, informational, and educational services that benefit its entire membership. Many of these services are exclusive to ISPA members; others seek to increase awareness of the industry's contribution to the health and quality of everyday life to targeted audiences, the media, and the general public.

Member support and services

Groundbreaking research at Oklahoma State University (OSU), supported by ISPA's Better Sleep Council (BSC), Better Sleep Council Canada, and European Bedding Industries' Association, established a critical link between a newer, better mattress and sleep quality, as well as the importance of regular mattress replacement. The study's 'high-pain' group experienced significantly reduced lower-back pain and spine stiffness when sleeping on a new mattress, and even those respondents with few or no complaints reported improved sleep. Study findings, published in the "Journal of Chiropractic Medicine" (Winter 2006), yielded important support for the proposition that sleeping on a newer mattress will improve sleep and subsequently improve overall quality of life.

ISPA provides regular and timely member communications through its publications and Website. "BedTimes" magazine offers thorough coverage of the mattress industry each month, as well as the "Supplies Guide" highlighting products and services available to mattress manufacturers. "Sleep Savvy," with the largest mattress retail subscriber base of any home furnishings trade magazine, continues to assist retailers with tools and information designed to boost mattress sales. "BedTimes Bulletin," ISPA's weekly industry e-newsletter, provides members with up-to-date information on the latest association news, legislative and regulatory issues, meetings and trade show information, and any other breaking news impacting the mattress industry.

References

External links

* [http://www.sleepproducts.org ISPA Website]

* [http://www.sleepproducts.org/Content/NavigationMenu/About_ISPA/codethics.pdf ISPA Code of Ethics]

* [http://www.sleepproducts.org/Template.cfm?Section=Events ISPA Events]

* [http://www.bettersleep.org Better Sleep Council]