Natura World invites mattress manufacturers to reveal what lies beneath

Buying a mattress isn’t like putting a puzzle together, with the pieces fitting neatly into place and the missing pieces easily noticeable. Instead, it’s a mystery with confusing (and sometimes misleading) information leading to false conclusions. Puzzles can be solved but mysteries often aren’t. This past week in Vegas, Natura invited the mattress industry into our showroom to discuss the need for transparency. Our panel of distinguished guests included:

• Michael Nermon – Owner of Ergo Customized Comfort, specialty retailer in Southern California and Vice President of the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA)
• Ryan Trainer – Executive Vice President of the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA)
• Jessica Koster – Marketing Manager for Cargill’s BiOH Experience
• Gerry Wong – Director of Bedding and Sleep Experience at Mega Group/Brand Source Canada
• Ralph Rossdeutscher – President of Natura World Inc
• Moderator – Julia Rosien, Communications Director for Natura World Inc.

The discussion began with panellists commenting on the need for the right information as well as making it easy to compare manufacturer to manufacturer. The audience heard a wide variety of opinions from all points throughout the supply chain, but the need for common guidelines among manufacturers transcended the discussion. Jessica Koster said the first step is as simple as helping consumers understand why it’s important to ask the questions in the first place.

Why does it matter if a mattress has soy in it? Gerry Wong said the information most consumers get is so confusing a translator is needed to make sense of it. Standardized tags would make it easier for consumers to comparison shop and make more informed choices. And if you know what you’re buying (and why) you’re likely to be happier in the long run. Ralph Rossdeutscher said Natura is taking an active role by being part of industry organizations that pull manufacturers together to write standard guidelines.

Ryan Trainer agreed saying, “We need to regulate ourselves rather than wait for the government to mandate it.” One retailer voiced concerns that she doesn’t know what to say when asked what’s in a mattress. If the manufacturers don’t offer the information and make it difficult to find that information, what do you say to a consumer who’s worried about greenwashing or chemical exposure?

“If a consumer is comparing mattresses in a store and one has the insides clearly listed and the other doesn’t, the consumer is going to be the one to force the issue with her purchasing decisions,” said Michael Nermon.

The evening wrapped up with the audience and panelists all agreeing that the answers are not simple. But solving the mystery begins with asking the question. And perhaps that’s the most important lesson of the evening.

Do you worry about what’s in your mattress? Do you know what questions to ask when you’re mattress shopping?