Mattress manufacturers make mattresses. They may also produce other types of bedding, such as bed frames, box springs, and protective mattress covers. They often work with other suppliers in the industry to provide their products, such as fabric, foam, and metal coils. They also use suppliers for services such as cutting, sewing, and labeling. Many mattress manufacturers are located in the United States, but there are others worldwide. Some are a part of the mattress supply chain, and some are independent companies.

The earliest mattresses were stuffed with rags, animal hair, cotton batting, or straw. These primitive mattresses were difficult to clean and provided an inconsistent texture. Early mattress makers sought ways to improve their product. The most significant advance was the introduction of innerspring mattresses during the mid-1800s. By placing a set of uniform springs inside layers of upholstery, these mattresses could be produced with a more stable texture and were available to a wider range of consumers than earlier products.

Today, most mattresses are made in standard sizes such as twin, 39 inches wide by 74 inches long; double, 54 inches wide by 74 inches long; and queen, 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Many of the larger mattress manufacturers, such as Tempur-Sealy International and Serta Simmons Holdings LLC, account for the vast majority of sales for mattresses in the United States.

Although there is a wide range of quality and value in these larger mattresses, a number of smaller independent mattress manufacturers offer a better opportunity to find the right mattress at the best possible price. These smaller manufacturers are generally open and transparent about the materials used in their mattresses and tend to sell them for much lower prices than the large manufacturers.

Unlike the large mattress manufacturer, these smaller independents are not as well known to the public. Most of these producers operate out of small communities, with few locations that are open to the public. They largely rely on Internet sales to get their mattresses in front of consumers. Those who do visit their showrooms will probably find the selection limited but can expect to be offered great value for the money.

These independents are a fascinating and growing segment of the mattress market. Whether they are a good fit for you depends on a variety of factors, including the transparency of their production methods, the quality of their materials and design, and the values that drive them to produce mattresses that they believe will be most appealing to customers. These values can be expressed on both a corporate and individual level, and are perhaps the most important factor in their ability to resist general trends that might have negative consequences for the mattress industry as a whole.