Even before he joined the Mattress Recycling Council as its program manager for California, Mark Patti already had a passion for recycling. Now, he’s putting that passion into action every day, setting up permanent collection sites and one-day collection events to expand MRC’s mattress recycling network while also facilitating MRC’s Illegally Dumped Mattress Collection Initiative.
In his free time, you might find him playing his guitar or visiting new places in California with his wife, Cathy. “We recently visited Pismo Beach to see the Butterfly Grove where monarchs migrate from as far north as Canada,” he says.
BedTimes: What drew you to the mattress industry?
Mark Patti: I was an environmental studies major in college and have worked in municipal solid waste and recycling for many years. I wanted to stay in the environmental field but pivoted to EPR (extended producer responsibility). Getting the opportunity to help start a new recycling program in California was also exciting to me.
BT: What’s something unique about MRC that people might not know?
MP: MRC is contracted with seven mattress recycling facilities in California to dismantle and recycle more than 1.5 million mattresses every year.
BT: What is one of the most exciting projects you’ve accomplished at MRC?
MP: The initial roll-out of the Bye Bye Mattress Program. Working with waste-hauling companies and landfills to better understand the mattress recycling law in California and getting them to participate as public mattress collection locations was challenging. Ten years ago, we were able to launch a network of more than 60 public drop-off locations, which has grown to more than 240.
BT: Can you share a few details about your family and personal life?
MP: I’m married with three adult children. My wife and I are enjoying being empty nesters while watching our kids grow up! Our youngest just started college, our middle child is a flight attendant, and our oldest is a computer programmer. This summer, he will be getting married in Colorado, and we are looking forward to the festivities!
BT: What’s something unique about you that people might not know?
MP: I’m a huge Star Wars fan. I’ve been a fan of the movies since I was a kid and still have my original action figures! I think they are a family heirloom at this point.
BT: What is a book, podcast, or movie you enjoyed recently that you want to recommend to others?
MP: Every morning, I take a long walk before work. During my walk, I enjoy listening to news from NPR and The Atlantic. There’s a wide variety of topics and interesting stories. Every morning, it’s a grab bag of sorts, and I learn something new that’s happening in the world. This week, there was an interesting article about how private schools in Miami have grown more competitive with the influx of billionaires moving to the area, coupled with the change in tax codes that have impacted the state’s voucher program—real interesting stuff!
Each year, the International Sleep Products Association’s “Mattress Industry Trends Report” surveys mattress manufacturers in the U.S. to report the size and performance of the market, drawing on broad participation across the industry. For 2025, the results show the industry remained under pressure after several turbulent cycles. With full reporting finalized, the data indicates that 2025 declined more sharply than early estimates suggested, with both dollar value and unit volume down from the prior year. In total, the U.S. mattress market, including stationary foundations, reached $9.25 billion in wholesale value in 2025, down from $9.9 billion in 2024, underscoring the extent of the year-over-year contraction.
The 2025 results and supporting report tables reinforce the value of looking beyond top-line figures alone. Unit volume and dollar value each tell an important part of the story, but together they provide a fuller view of how the market is changing. In a year marked by weaker shipments and lower values, the relationship between those measures helps illustrate not only the scale of the downturn, but also the pricing pressures across product segments shaping overall industry performance. That broader view makes the dataset especially useful as a benchmark for tracking how the mattress market is adjusting over time.
Imports were an important part of the 2025 story. While imported unit volume declined only modestly, average values fell more sharply, reflecting continued price pressure and shifts in the countries supplying mattresses and foundations to the U.S. market. In 2025, activity increased in parts of Southeast Asia and Africa, while average values per unit trended downward, pointing to continued competitive pressure at the lower end of the market. ISPA members looking for a deeper view of historical import unit trends, pricing, and country and regional shifts can explore the interactive dashboard in the Statistics portal.
Regionally, 2025 wholesale data showed that declines in mattress and foundation shipments were broadly similar across the U.S., suggesting a nationwide market adjustment rather than weakness concentrated in a few areas. These figures reflect wholesale shipments from manufacturers, not retail sell-throughs, so they measure product flowing into the market rather than end-user purchases.
That distinction matters. Wholesale shipment data offers an important view of how manufacturers are adjusting supply and production, even if that data does not always mirror regional consumer demand. Even so, the detailed breakdown remains a valuable benchmarking tool for manufacturers and suppliers evaluating performance and opportunity across specific markets.
The “Mattress Industry Trends Report” also reflects ISPA’s continued focus on transparency and methodological rigor in how market data is reported. Recent efforts have included recalculating prior years for more consistent trend analysis, adding inflation-adjusted figures, and updating data displays and labels to help readers make clearer comparisons over time. Looking ahead, supplemental data collection will play an important role as the industry tracks shifts in manufacturing activity, wholesale shipment patterns, and sourcing strategies, alongside evolving consumer preferences and retail trends. •
A letter from ISPA’s board chair
By Allen Platek, vice president, new product development, Tempur Sealy International
Our industry succeeds when we’re aligned on where we’re going and clear about how to get there. Whether we’re developing new products, strengthening supply chains, or improving environmental performance, progress depends on setting measurable goals and doing the work required to meet them.
That focus on practical, achievable improvement is what has guided my career in the industry—and it’s the mindset I bring to this role as the International Sleep Products Association’s board chair.
My work in product development has always focused on continuous improvement. How do we improve products and processes that will deliver benefits to our customers—better outcomes, better systems, better performance? That mindset translates directly to the work ISPA leads on behalf of all of us. Real progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we collaborate to set clear goals, invest in collective solutions, and stay coordinated in how we pursue them.
ISPA’s advocacy work continues to be one of its most important contributions to the industry. The regulatory landscape is complex, and it affects every part of our operations—from materials and components to labeling and recycling. What matters most is that the decisions shaping our future reflect how the industry actually works.
That’s the value of a unified voice: not just representation but informed, practical guidance that leads to workable outcomes.
Sustainability isn’t a trend for our industry—it’s part of our long-term competitiveness. Programs like the Mattress Recycling Council and Sleep Products Sustainability Program (SP2) have shown that progress is possible when we take a structured, data-driven approach. The ISPA Sustainability Conference has become an important venue for refining that approach, sharing tested solutions, and aligning on what’s realistic and impactful.
Our collective goal should be clear: an industry that grows while minimizing its environmental footprint and maximizing resource efficiency.
Success depends on understanding the full marketplace. Retail models continue to diversify, and ISPA is investing in deeper engagement across the spectrum—from suppliers to established retailers to emerging brands. When the industry understands the consumer journey from multiple angles, we all make better decisions.
The strength of ISPA comes from its members’ willingness to contribute their experience, challenges, and insight. When companies across the supply chain share their perspectives, we create a stronger foundation for everyone. Active engagement helps us identify emerging issues faster, respond more effectively, and set priorities that support long-term success.
As I take on this role, my focus is straightforward:
Champion goals that elevate the entire industry;
Ensure ISPA’s work delivers measurable value; and
Support continued progress on sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence.
We have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us—to build an industry that is more efficient, more aligned, and more prepared for the future.
Let’s make the most of it. •