Foam Mattress manufacturer?

[InventNorge]

Hi all

Just a little advice if possible?

I have designed a special mattress that helps those with Fibromyalgia and several other conditions like arthritis, Сhronic fatigue syndrome, basically most illness where sleeping on a normal mattress is painful.

I have had it evaluated and had excellent comments and responses about it so I am now at the point where I need to decide which direction to head in. Manufacture myself or licence out the idea. So I was wondering if those who have been in the same situation as I am now in could give me a little advice. I understand the manufacture yourself road is alot harder but the rewards alot better.

Also where would you suggest I look for to find a manufacturer that can make a slightly complicated foam mattress? What countries in your opinion offer the best all round package?

Thank you all so very much in advance.

John

 

[sanjiv]

Before seeing manufacturers, is your product patentable? Might be something you should consider if something similar isn't on the market.

 

[InventNorge]

Before seeing manufacturers, is your product patentable? Might be something you should consider if something similar isn't on the market.

Yep thats on the list before the next major step.

 

[Wowgiftchina]

I suggest do not put it in the Chinese manufactory as there is no strong patent concept.Although I am a Chinese,I have to tell you the fact.

 

[InventNorge]

I suggest do not put it in the Chinese manufactory as there is no strong patent concept.Although I am a Chinese,I have to tell you the fact.

Interesting that you come from China but suggest not having it manufactured there. Kind of says it all doesnt it.

Thanks for being honest.

John

 

[Tim Deegan]

As someone who is in the bed industry, both retail as well as design, I would say that you will be very unlikely to obtain a patent, unless your mattress is made from a material never used before in mattresses. It could prove very costly carrying out the research for a patent, only to find out that something very similar has already been made.

I have dealt with many Fibromyalgia sufferers. And one thing that I have found is that they all have different requirements. You have to take into account their weight, their sleeping position, their preference to be warm or cool in bed, amongst many other considerations. I have in fact had quite a few mattresses specially made for fibromyalgia sufferers, and each one has been different.

I presume from what you have said, that your mattress is foam only? So you need to consider that most foam only mattresses can be very hot and sweaty (especially those that are mainly reflex foam). And you also need to consider that foam only mattresses don't give the best support.

I think your best bet would be to take a trip to West Yorkshire, where most of the independent bed industry is based in the UK. And see if any of the manufacturers are interested.

Mattresses are one of the few products that we are still best at manufacturing in the UK. And in fact China has a terrible reputation in this industry. So much so that consumers are actually warned against mattresses that are manufactured in China.

 

[Kevh1981]

Hi John,

I am a trainee patent attorney at Loven Patents and Trademarks in Lincoln. If you want to license your product to a manufacturer, you will need to apply for a patent. Without a patent, the manufacturer can simply say thank you very much and copy your idea.

I would recommend contacting a patent attorney for an initial opinion on whether your idea is patentable. As Tim Deegan says, it may well be very difficult to obtain a patent for a mattress but if you have an idea which is new and provides an inventive step over other mattresses then you may have a chance.

If you have any questions please contact me.

Thanks

Kevin

 

[Washington]

Building relationships and being clear in selection of your business partners plus efficiency in communication is the key, to having a good business anywhere in the world.

I am not sure for the OP China is the ideal market for the product, as freight prices would dictate buying local would be better currently, although there are big Chinese manufacturers selling product in the UK presently. Turkey is a good market for this type of bed also, however I think a manufacturer in the UK would offer best value presently

 

[Washington]

As someone who is in the bed industry, both retail as well as design, I would say that you will be very unlikely to obtain a patent, unless your mattress is made from a material never used before in mattresses. It could prove very costly carrying out the research for a patent, only to find out that something very similar has already been made.

I have dealt with many Fibromyalgia sufferers. And one thing that I have found is that they all have different requirements. You have to take into account their weight, their sleeping position, their preference to be warm or cool in bed, amongst many other considerations. I have in fact had quite a few mattresses specially made for fibromyalgia sufferers, and each one has been different.

I presume from what you have said, that your mattress is foam only? So you need to consider that most foam only mattresses can be very hot and sweaty (especially those that are mainly reflex foam). And you also need to consider that foam only mattresses don't give the best support.

I think your best bet would be to take a trip to West Yorkshire, where most of the independent bed industry is based in the UK. And see if any of the manufacturers are interested.

Mattresses are one of the few products that we are still best at manufacturing in the UK. And in fact China has a terrible reputation in this industry. So much so that consumers are actually warned against mattresses that are manufactured in China.

A lot of what is said here makes good sense, and West Yorkshire is the home to many manufacturers.

My suggestion is to find a supplier who can make your product in the UK and get them to make you some 'own label' product, the financial commitment and set up would be easier than buying outside the UK. The own label will allow you to make a margin and you can start to build a brand for yourself...and eventually as you build you will be able to add new designs and specifications. You should be able to find bed agents who would sell the product direct to stores and specialist retailers

 

[MOIC]

Work on your patent first. It will take a long time and money.

Then decide on whether it’s best to manufacture or licence your product.

I would go for licensing.

 

[alan1302]

Work on your patent first. It will take a long time and money.

Then decide on whether it’s best to manufacture or licence your product.

I would go for licensing.

It's been 11 years...they may have gone off the idea now...or made a fortune.

 

[Washington]

? So it is !!

 

[DW76]

Hi John,
There is much wonderful advice here. Apart from what they all have suggested, I would say consider your own capabilities/ assets first. There is no right or wrong answer but there is an answer that could work for you better.
For example, if your talent & capabilities are in developing new innovative products, then you should focus on that. Simply find partners who can commercialise your idea asap. If you're great with building a business around such an innovation, then perhaps the route to building your own brand with your own team work best for you.
Sit down with a pen and paper, and do your capabilities/ assets 'inventory checking', the answer should come to you by itself at the end of your exercise.

 

[david.zucker]

I think the comment is disrespectful. I have worked with a number of Chinese companies and they have been at least as honourable as the Euro companies I have worked with.

Building relationships and being clear in selection of your business partners plus efficiency in communication is the key, to having a good business anywhere in the world.

I am not sure for the OP China is the ideal market for the product, as freight prices would dictate buying local would be better currently, although there are big Chinese manufacturers selling product in the UK presently. Turkey is a good market for this type of bed also, however I think a manufacturer in the UK would offer best value presently

Agree with you . You have said is by far the most objective comment I have seen. Do a background check on the manufacturer before working with any manufacturer. This is critical. There are so many manufacturers in China. One bad manufacturer doesn't negate all manufacturers.

 

[aeroglu]

Hello, I would like to help with production. You can produce in Turkey with quality workmanship, cheap cost and transportation.