The Adjustable Bed Blog from Sleep Comfort

Made In America

Posted June 1, 2011

Once upon a time, "Made in America" used to mean something to a lot of people. America was a symbol of quality and efficiency. Is still is, but most of the manufactured products sold in this country are no longer made here. Why? Simply put, to save money.

Most companies are now more concerned with short term profitability than long term reputation. So for them it makes sense to find the cheapest way to make something -- while turning their heads regarding the quality and safety of the product.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of disturbing news regarding the manufacturing processes within Asia. We have all heard of the lead-tainted paints and the dangerous toys -- and even the poisonous dog food and milk. With the lack of regulations and quality control, it is almost impossible to trust how something is being made in Asia. The best way would be to do it yourself.

This is a special concern for the bedding industry because your bed is something you are lying upon for many hours at a time. You are susceptible to the chemicals and the processes used to build your mattress. For example, it is illegal in the United State to use fire retardants containing PBDEs because they are potentially hazardous to your health. Yet, they are still widely used in China. Without adequate regulations and oversight, Asian companies are able to change specifications and substitute materials as they see fit.

And most American importers don't care to know the truth as long as they can price their mattresses lower. I recently heard a story about inexpensive flip-flop sandals -- sold in one of the largest American retail chains -- that were causing chemical burns on the soles of your feet. Yes -- they, too, were made in China.

American companies who sell inner-spring mattresses have long been complaining about the illegal dumping of Chinese-made springs in America. But recently there have been additional issues with the Asian-made foam products as well. It is disturbing to hear recently that some of the memory foam produced in Asia is being combined with clay to increase the density of the foam -- but without increasing the quality.

Companies who import this type of foam from Asia will pay less, charge you more and sell you a product that won't last as long nor perform as well.

So how do you protect yourself? The old-fashioned way. Check out the mattress. Ask questions. Don't just believe a pretty picture. At Sleep Comfort, we go even one step further. All of our foam products are CertiPUR-US certified. That means you can rest assured that your memory foam mattress is made in America to USA standards.

Additionally, Sleep Comfort is registered with the FDA which gives you extra security in our procedures. So don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish -- as the old saying goes. Most people wait a long time before buying a new mattress. Make sure it's a good one made right here in the USA.

Signed,