As U.S. bedding manufacturer and globally recognized consumer brand Spring Air International continues to celebrate its 100th anniversary, it has debuted an artificial intelligence-generated video campaign in support of its best-selling Back Supporter Hybrid line, bringing its iconic Spring Air Bears to life.
Initially introduced in the early 2000s, the Spring Air Bears have played an integral role in the company’s creative marketing and advertising efforts. Once set in a fairytale cottage, the new AI campaign follows the bears as they discover that “just right feeling” of comfort and support found within Spring Air’s best-selling Back Supporter Hybrid collection. According to the company, the campaign brings to life the comfort and value of investing in a better night’s sleep—in a creative new way.
“The bears hold a special place in our hearts. Customers love them because they showcase the quality of our products in a fun and memorable way,” says Spring Air CEO Nick Bates. “Our new Spring Air Bears campaign allows us to tell an entirely new story about our Back Supporter line of mattresses, while also unlocking a nostalgic memory for many of our longtime customers, reinforcing what makes Spring Air truly special.”
The Back Supporter Hybrid collection features 16 different models, including its signature three-zoned fabric, wrapped coil system, 360-degree perimeter-edge support, comfort foams, and cool-to-touch fabrics strategically placed for that “just right feeling.” The full Back Supporter Hybrid collection ranges in price from $999 to $2,499.
The Back Supporter Hybrid Amelia Firm mattress features 878 individually wrapped coils, a cooling fabric cover, and high-density foams for enhanced zoned support and a more refreshing night’s sleep. MSRP is $999, and the mattress is also available in a Plush model.
The Back Supporter Makayla Plush features 875 individually wrapped coils, cooling fabrics, gel-infused foams, and premium coil systems that enhance lumbar support and motion separation. MSRP is $2,099, and the mattress is also offered in a Firm model.
The Spring Air Bears campaign will also be used on Spring Air social media platforms and across the company’s retail partner websites, as the company plans to expand the campaign throughout the year.
New Sleep Number Research Shows Adjusting Bed Temperature Can Add Up to Nearly an Hour of Sleep Per Night
New research from Sleep Number, presented at SLEEP 2026 in Baltimore, shows that adjusting the temperature of one’s microclimate is an effective way to improve sleep. The findings also highlight how Sleep Number’s adjustable comfort and dynamic temperature capabilities help people sleep longer.
The body relies on a natural cooling process to initiate and maintain sleep. As core temperature drops, the skin warms to help dissipate heat, creating the right conditions for rest, but factors including room temperature, bedding, and physiology can disrupt that balance. Sleep Number’s temperature technology, like that found in its Climate™ Collection, is designed to help solve these issues by adjusting the bed’s temperature throughout the night, helping keep sleepers comfortable. For example, the Climate360® and ClimateCool® beds cool up to 20 times faster than a leading competitor,* and previous analysis shows Climate360 users get 52.5 minutes more restful sleep per night.**
“Temperature has a powerful impact on your comfort and your sleep,” says Melissa Barra, Sleep Number’s executive vice president and chief product, strategy, and technology officer. “As a leader in temperature innovation, we designed our beds to adjust with you through the night—helping you sleep up to 15 degrees cooler or warmer on each side—so you stay comfortable and wake up feeling more rested. This research shows how mattresses are evolving and how personalized comfort that adapts to you can help improve sleep and wellness over time.”
In one of the largest real-world sleep studies of its kind, Sleep Number researchers analyzed data from nearly 82,000 people across more than 1 million sleep sessions gathered directly from Climate360 sleepers in their homes. The study looked at how using the Climate360 bed’s temperature settings and adjustments throughout the night influenced sleep patterns.
The data showed that by adjusting the temperature of the mattress, sleep duration increased by more than 52 additional minutes per night compared with those who did not adjust temperature. The most effective approach gently warms the bed early in the night to promote heat loss from the body and support the natural drop in core body temperature, then later cools the sleeper by actively drawing warm air away from the body to align with its natural sleep cycle.
Together, these findings provide strong, population-scale evidence that dynamic temperature control is an effective, science-backed way to improve sleep.
*Based on sleeper microclimate temperatures before and after activating max cooling in Climate™ series versus in a leading competitor’s product.
**Based on average SleepIQ data from October 2024 to January 2025 of Climate360 sleepers using the SmartTemp program versus their sleep with the program turned off.
Purecare Marks 10 Years of FRÍO Cooling Technology With Expanded Product Portfolio
Wellness-focused bedding manufacturer Purecare is marking the 10th anniversary of its FRÍO® cooling technology, a milestone that reflects the company’s continued investment in temperature-regulating sleep products.
Commemorating this milestone at the Las Vegas Market, Purecare is expanding its cooling portfolio with next-generation technologies that pair its signature FRÍO fibers with phase change material for enhanced temperature regulation. The Alexium PCM-treated Shattered Ice collection has expanded to include new foam-and-fiber and memory foam shoulder-notch pillow designs, while the new Snowflake collection introduces four cooling constructions, including fiber, foam-and-fiber, shredded foam, and latex-and-fiber models.
Originally introduced in 2016, FRÍO cooling fibers are now incorporated across multiple Purecare product categories, including mattress protectors and pillows. Unlike topical cooling finishes, Purecare’s mica-infused nylon FRÍO fibers are engineered with cooling minerals embedded directly into the yarn. The fibers are clinically proven to cool five times faster than traditional polyester and maintain their cooling properties throughout the life of the fabric.
“From the very beginning, we focused on delivering cooling products that last, both in quality and in cooling,” says Sarah Bergman, Purecare chief marketing officer. “The unique mineral blend at the heart of every FRÍO fiber never washes out and is guaranteed to match our limited lifetime warranty.”
Following the introduction of its cooling mattress protector, Purecare expanded FRÍO technology into pillows with the SoftCell® Chill Pillow. Today, the company’s cooling portfolio includes 13 FRÍO-enhanced products spanning multiple bedding categories.
Cooling continues to be one of the bedding industry’s fastest-growing categories. “With the cooling pillow market in North America valued at around $1.2 billion, retailers are hungry for a wider range of cooling options,” Bergman says. “Our collection of cooling pillows is growing in order to meet the demand from our customers.”
The home furnishings industry came together once again in support of City of Hope and raised more than $900,000 during the 34th annual West Coast Golf, Tennis, & Pickleball Tournament in Coto de Caza, California.
More than 400 guests gathered for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie and to honor Javier Sanchez, president and CEO of furniture brand Jonathan Louis, for his outstanding contributions to the home furnishings industry and his steadfast commitment to City of Hope’s mission.
Following the day’s competitions, attendees gathered for an evening of connection and celebration featuring auctions, dinner, and recognition. The program featured two moving presentations that underscored the vital importance of philanthropic support for cancer research and patient care.
City of Hope Vice President of Philanthropy Sharon Joyce addressed guests with a powerful reflection on the organization’s history and the role of industry philanthropy in driving medical breakthroughs. Marking a key milestone—the 50th anniversary of City of Hope’s bone marrow transplant program—Joyce reminded the audience of what visionary giving can achieve. “Every breakthrough we achieve … every treatment we bring closer to patients … every life that moves from uncertainty to hope … is possible because of you,” Joyce said. “You are not just supporters of this work. You are part of every success we celebrate.”
Joyce noted that City of Hope’s bone marrow transplant program began in 1976 with just two physicians, three beds, and a single successful transplant. It has since given more than 20,000 people a second chance at life. “The success of our bone marrow transplant program shows what’s possible when science, philanthropy, and vision come together,” she said.
Joyce introduced patient speaker Kristine DeSantis, whose story of survival powerfully illustrated the stakes of the evening’s fundraising efforts. In 2011, DeSantis—then a mother of three young daughters—was diagnosed with leukemia and given only an 8% chance of survival. She underwent chemotherapy, total body radiation, and, ultimately, a bone marrow transplant at City of Hope. DeSantis had only one sibling, who was not a transplant match, and the bone marrow registry found a perfect match from a 26-year-old donor in Germany.
“The City of Hope became more than a hospital to me—it became family,” said DeSantis. “Because of that donor … because of the extraordinary doctors and nurses … because of places like the City of Hope … I am here today.”
This year, DeSantis celebrated 15 years since her transplant, coinciding with City of Hope’s 50th anniversary of performing life-saving bone-marrow transplants. She urged attendees to recognize the power of their generosity: “Every donation helps fund research, treatment, innovation, and compassionate care for families like mine, who suddenly find themselves facing the unimaginable.”
City of Hope thanked all attendees and recognized the event’s dedicated committee and longtime co-chairs: Larry Furiani, Jaclyn Jimenez, Ryan Mahoney, Rick Powell, and Chuck Reilly. This year’s top sponsors also received special recognition:
Champion sponsor ($100,000): Jonathan Louis
Diamond sponsor ($50,000): Living Spaces
Platinum sponsors ($25,000): Ashjer LLC, GigaCloud, and JB Hunt
Gold sponsors ($15,000): ANDMORE, Dorell, Parker House, Sit ‘N Sleep, and Tempur Sealy
Silver sponsors ($10,000): King Koil, Moore & Van Allen, Planned Furniture Promotions, Progressive Leasing, Serta Simmons, South Bay International, and Z-Wovens
Copper sponsors ($5,000): Bru, Julie Campbell, Crypton, Diamond Mattress, E.S. Kluft & Company, LS Direct, Michael Nicholas Designs, Naders Family, Najarian Furniture, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Radiate Textiles, RC Willey, Richloom Fabrics, and Dave Thompson Family
Hat sponsor ($7,500): Leftbank Art
T-shirt sponsor ($7,500): Z Gallerie | Karat Home
Signature cocktail sponsor ($7,500): Morgan Fabrics
Hole in One sponsor ($5,000): Osaki USA/Titan Chair
Premier Media sponsor: Furniture Today
City of Hope is an independent biomedical treatment and education center for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. As one of the leading research centers in the nation, credited with numerous medical breakthroughs, City of Hope’s broad philanthropy program powers its medical research with events such as the West Coast Golf, Tennis, & Pickleball Tournament to bring industry partners together.
City of Hope also hosts the Spirit of Life Celebration in honor of industry leaders around the world who are dedicated to improving their community’s quality of life by funding medical and clinical advancements. The next event will take place April 9, 2027, during the spring High Point Market.
Night Lark Collaborates With Chester Zoo to Support Conservation
Bedding brand Night Lark has announced a new strategic partnership with Chester Zoo, launching an exclusive bedding collection that brings the wonder of Chester Zoo into the home through beautifully illustrated, easy-care bedding while supporting wildlife conservation. The collaboration also strengthens Night Lark’s positioning within the growing home and lifestyle market.
The Night Lark x Chester Zoo collaboration introduces a new bedding range that includes both children’s and adults’ bedding, built around a shared mission to connect consumers with nature while supporting meaningful positive environmental impact.
At the heart of the partnership sits a clear consumer proposition: 10% of every purchase is donated to support Chester Zoo’s conservation work, allowing customers to make purchases that combine both practical everyday value and wider social impact.
The collaboration marks a significant moment for Night Lark as the brand continues to build awareness around its core proposition of “bedding made easy”—offering an innovative coverless bedding solution that removes the need for traditional duvet covers.
Designed to appeal to both families and design-conscious adults, the collection includes two beautifully illustrated children’s designs under the creative message “Dreams made wild. Bedding made easy.” alongside an adult design created to bring a calmer, nature-inspired feel to the bedroom through the message “Embrace nature. Create calm. Bedding made easy.” All three designs are inspired by some of the zoo’s most iconic animals—including snow leopards, red pandas, and Asian elephants.
The partnership supports Night Lark’s broader strategy to create stronger consumer connections through products that combine convenience, thoughtful design, and purpose. For Chester Zoo, the partnership extends its conservation mission, creating a new way for people to engage with wildlife and support global conservation projects through an everyday household purchase.
“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to bring together everything Night Lark stands for—product innovation, comfort, and making everyday life easier—while partnering with an organization whose mission creates genuine impact,” says David Abbott, marketing director at Night Lark. “We know consumers increasingly expect brands to deliver more than just functionality, and this collaboration allows us to create something both commercially exciting and purpose driven.”
“We’re always looking for new ways to take our conservation mission beyond the zoo, creating simple and innovative ways for people to support wildlife through everyday choices,” says Hannah Wright, partnerships manager at Chester Zoo. “This bedding collection and partnership does exactly that. Not only does it bring the wonder of nature into people’s homes, but it also helps to protect it—and that’s what makes it even more special.”
The launch also reflects growing consumer demand for homeware that combines practical functionality with purpose-led purchasing, as brands increasingly look to create stronger emotional connections through products that deliver both everyday value and positive environmental impact.
Alexium Expands Global PCM Platform With Micronal Integration to Deliver Next-Generation Thermal Management Solutions
Alexium International Group Ltd. has announced the continued expansion of its global phase change material platform.
Through its acquisition of Microtek Laboratories, Alexium obtained ownership of the Micronal intellectual property portfolio and related PCM technologies, significantly strengthening the company’s vertically integrated thermal management platform and expanding its capabilities across coatings, foams, laminates, fibers, and textile applications.
Micronal has long been recognized within the textile and thermal management industries as a pioneering micro-encapsulated PCM technology platform that is used across a broad range of performance applications. By integrating the Micronal platform into Alexium’s broader innovation ecosystem, customers gain access to expanded formulation flexibility, domestic manufacturing capabilities, advanced application development support, and a wider portfolio of thermal management solutions engineered for specific end-use requirements.
“Micronal carries strong recognition within the marketplace as one of the foundational PCM technologies in thermal management,” says Billy Blackburn, CEO of Alexium. “Through the Microtek acquisition, Alexium now owns the Micronal intellectual property portfolio and is uniquely positioned to build upon that legacy with expanded manufacturing capabilities, vertically integrated development, and next-generation innovation across thermal management technologies.”
Alexium’s expanded PCM platform supports applications across bedding, performance apparel, footwear, protective textiles, industrial materials, and technical textile markets. The company’s portfolio now includes multiple specialized thermal management platforms designed to address varying performance, manufacturing, and sustainability objectives, including:
Micronal for proven microencapsulated PCM performance across diverse industry applications from textiles and mattresses to building materials and construction, performance and comfort apparel, and industrial applications.
NexTek microencapsulated PCM solutions for formulators seeking high thermal effusivity.
VivTek microencapsulated PCM for formulators seeking the highest cooling capacity on the market with a sustainability story.
AlexiCool® formulated coatings engineered for mattress systems, foam applications, and system-level thermal regulation.
BioCool® formulated coatings supporting bio-based thermal management solutions.
Next-generation technologies currently under development that are focused on sustainability and advanced encapsulation architectures.
The integration further enhances Alexium’s ability to support customers with application-specific thermal management strategies rather than one-size-fits-all cooling technologies.
As part of the expanded platform strategy, Alexium is leveraging its in-house testing, formulation, and predictive modeling capabilities to help customers evaluate PCM performance across complete systems rather than isolated material tests alone. This includes the company’s recently introduced Predictive Thermal Profile platform, designed to model and evaluate thermal regulation performance across multilayer product constructions.
“With increasing demand for meaningful cooling performance, brands are looking beyond simple cool-to-the-touch claims toward more holistic thermal management strategies,” Blackburn adds. “Our expanded PCM platform allows us to collaborate closely with customers to engineer solutions optimized for duration of cooling, thermal regulation, manufacturability, and end-user comfort.”
The integration of Micronal into Alexium’s vertically integrated platform also strengthens domestic supply chain capabilities and reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to innovation across advanced thermal management materials.
Corsicana Mattress Unveils Latest Tommie Copper® Mattress Collection
Corsicana Mattress, a leading manufacturer of bedding products for the home furnishings industry, has announced the launch of its latest Tommie Copper® mattress collection.
The five-model collection marks the newest chapter in Corsicana’s longstanding partnership with Tommie Copper, the wellness brand known for redefining compression apparel since its founding in 2010. Each mattress in the lineup is built around Tommie Copper’s patented Copper Znergy® technology, along with copper-infused memory foam and signature Lumi Bands™, bringing the same science behind the brand’s trusted pain relief and recovery products directly into the sleep surface.
“Tommie Copper has spent more than a decade earning the trust of consumers who rely on its technology for everyday relief and recovery,” says Geri Frank, senior product manager, sales and marketing, at Corsicana Mattress. “Bringing that same science into the mattress category gives our retail partners a sleep story that’s backed by a brand their customers already know and believe in.”
Every mattress in the collection features:
Copper Znergy technology: Tommie Copper’s patented anti-odor technology fuses copper and zinc to eliminate odor-causing microbes while delivering wicking, breathable, and temperature-regulating performance.
Copper-infused memory foam: The same copper science found throughout the Tommie Copper product line is brought directly into the comfort layers of the mattress.
Lumi Bands: A signature design element carried across all five models in the collection, these are designed for advanced heat regulation and cooling.
The collection will be available to retailers in both flat-packed and roll-packed formats, offering flexibility for receiving and floor logistics.
Paramount Sleep Company Supports JCOC’s Affordable Housing Campus in Virginia Beach
Paramount Sleep Company has partnered with the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center to furnish bedrooms at the nonprofit’s Betty B. Chidester Campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, expanding access to safe, comfortable housing for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
The initiative was spearheaded by Anne Fleder, community supporter of the JCOC and shareholder of Paramount Sleep Company, whose longstanding involvement with charitable organizations helped bring the partnership together.
Founded in 1986, the JCOC is a Virginia Beach-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals, families, and veterans experiencing homelessness achieve stability and self-sufficiency through housing, hunger relief, and supportive services. The centerpiece of the JCOC’s Betty B. Chidester Campus is the new Macon and Joan Brock House, which will significantly expand the JCOC’s role in helping single adults experiencing homelessness to move into permanent homes.
“As a family-owned company rooted in this community for more than 90 years, we believe in supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” says Fleder. “JCOC’s work provides hope, stability, and opportunity for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances, and we are honored to contribute to that mission.”
To support the new housing facility, Paramount donated 40 mattresses and foundations to furnish resident bedrooms. The donation will help create comfortable living spaces for individuals working toward greater independence and long-term housing stability.
The donation is part of Paramount Sleep Company’s broader commitment to supporting organizations that create meaningful opportunities for individuals and families in need. Through initiatives such as the Second Chances program, which helps provide employment opportunities for individuals rebuilding their lives, and support of the Virginia Beach Fellows program, the company continues to invest in efforts that strengthen communities, foster personal growth, and create pathways to long-term success.
KPX Chemical and Chinyang Polyurethane Co. Ltd. Enter the Flexible Polyurethane Recycling Business
Polyurethane specialist KPX Chemical Co. Ltd. is entering the flexible polyurethane recycling business. The company has secured exclusive rights to use patented recycling technology from Germany-based H&S Anlagentechnik in Korea and is establishing a recycled polyol production system to take a leading position in the sustainable materials market.
KPX Chemical announced that it will collaborate with H&S to build a flexible polyurethane foam recycling plant. The facility will be constructed at a new industrial site owned by its affiliate Chinyang Polyurethane Co. Ltd. in the Yongsan Industrial Complex, Eumseong County, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. Commercial operations are scheduled to commence in June 2027.
The project aims to establish a circular economy model by converting flexible polyurethane foam scrap, which has traditionally been treated as waste, into high-value recycled polyols. The recycled polyols can replace up to 30% of virgin polyol in flexible foam production, with even higher substitution rates possible in certain applications. The resulting products are expected to maintain mechanical properties and seating comfort equivalent to those of conventional polyurethane foam products.
Notably, KPX Chemical will become the first company in Asia to adopt H&S recycling technology for flexible polyurethane foam, which has already been commercially implemented and validated in European and Latin American markets. By securing exclusive rights for Korea, the company expects to establish a differentiated competitive advantage in the domestic recycled polyol market.
The project is also of great importance because it completes a resource-circulation system through vertical integration within the group. Chinyang Polyurethane will supply post-industrial scrap generated during its manufacturing processes, while KPX Chemical will convert the material into recycled polyols. This structure is expected to reduce waste-disposal costs while lowering fossil-based raw material consumption, thereby supporting environmental, social, and governance initiatives and cost competitiveness.
According to a statement by KPX Chemical, “This project goes beyond a simple investment in recycling facilities. It represents the starting point for establishing a circular economy ecosystem within Korea’s polyurethane industry. We are creating a foundation for the stable supply of high-performance polyurethane materials while reducing environmental impact.”
The company adds, “Starting with flexible foam recycling, we are also actively evaluating the introduction of recycled polyol technologies for rigid polyurethane foams used in [liquefied natural gas] carriers, refrigerator insulation, and construction materials. Our goal is to build a globally competitive and sustainable polyurethane value chain and lead future markets.”
“The introduction of a chemical recycling process for waste polyurethane foam generated during both manufacturing and post-consumer use addresses one of the industry’s longstanding challenges,” reads a statement from Chinyang Polyurethane. “It will create new economic value, help customers proactively respond to ESG management requirements, and enhance the competitiveness of companies utilizing polyurethane materials.”
“KPX Chemical and Chinyang Polyurethane are important partners in expanding the circular polyurethane market across Asia,” says Mila Skokova, deputy head of sales at H&S Anlagentechnik. “We are delighted to contribute to the development of a more sustainable materials industry through this collaboration.”
Diamond’s Auto Pilot 2.0 Debut Spotlights Advanced Adaptive Sleep Technology and Modular Design
Diamond Mattress has launched its reengineered Auto Pilot 2.0 Smart Sleep System, advancing the brand’s adaptive sleep technology with real-time comfort adjustment, biometric tracking, and a modular, service-friendly design that gives retailers a differentiated story to tell on the floor.
“Retailers are always looking for meaningful innovation that helps them stand apart from the competition,” says Shaun Pennington, Diamond Mattress CEO. “Auto Pilot 2.0 gives retailers a truly new story to share with their customers while addressing the demand for personalized comfort, wellness technology, and smarter sleep.”
A key advancement in Auto Pilot 2.0 is its redesigned modular architecture. The system’s smart topper layer houses the adaptive technology in a separate, serviceable component—enabling more efficient diagnostics and simplifying maintenance, should service ever be required. The modular design also creates flexibility for future technology enhancements.
The system continuously adjusts firmness and support throughout the night based on body shape, sleep position, and individual comfort preferences. Advanced sensors collect thousands of data points to build a personalized sleep profile and provide consumers with a daily sleep score, enabling the system to automatically perfect comfort over time.
The reengineered model also features a new smooth-top hybrid construction with premium 5-pound density foam and weightless Air Response foam, engineered to deliver enhanced pressure relief, responsiveness, and overall comfort.
Powered by millions of hours of sleep data, Auto Pilot tracks key biometric indicators including heart rate, breathing patterns, and recovery metrics. According to the company, consumers can set it and forget it, allowing the system to manage comfort settings automatically, or they can make manual adjustments via the companion mobile app. Compatible with adjustable bases, Auto Pilot 2.0 also supports advanced sleep positions such as Zero Gravity while continuing to monitor sleep performance.
“Auto Pilot 2.0 represents a significant evolution of the category,” Pennington says. “For retailers, it creates a compelling technology story that draws consumers to the floor. For consumers, it delivers a mattress that actively senses and responds to how they sleep—improving comfort and recovery night after night.” •