Specialty Sleep Association:
The Specialty Sleep Association is an advocacy group for manufacturers and retailers of innovative, technology driven sleeping surfaces. Its purpose is also to educate consumers, retailers and manufacturers alike.
SSA was founded in 1995 as the successor to the waterbed industry, but today it has grown to become the fastest growing segment of the bedding industry with projections that by 2011 it will have about 40% of the total share of all retail earnings from bedding products.
Specialty Sleep Products:
Specialty Sleep products are a full range of innovative, new technology mattresses and other bedding products such as visco-elastic foam beds, latex rubber beds, flotation beds, adjustable beds, as well as futons, convertible beds, etc. These products are not limited to mattresses, but include bed frames, and top-of-bed products such as pillows, sheets, comforters, and fabric guards as well.
New technology and materials are being tried and developed further. And it is not all about new technology alone, as green, all natural and sustainable materials such as soy, bamboo, wool, and 100% cotton are also being used.
SSA's Green Initiative:
SSA launched a "Green Initiative" in 2009 to identify, define and set standards for "green labels " on its products. The purpose is to make it easy for consumers to identify whether a product is green, natural, all natural or organic.
The goal for SSA is to create a certification program that is based on existing standards in conjunction with industry-specific terms and standards.
SSA recently became a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.
How to Buy Specialty Sleep Products:
Specialty Sleep products are available at mattress and bedroom stores, as well as stores that sell products for healthy living. You can also buy them over the internet or directly from some manufacturers.
To find a retailer near you visit SSA's website. You will also find a list of manufacturers.
