Mattress Firm, Protect-A-Bed launch Back to School campaign

Kids Today Staff -- Kids Today, 8/7/2012 11:10:35 AM

As many children prepare to head back to the classroom this month, Mattress Firm and Protect-A-Bed have teamed up for a Back to School campaign designed to raise awareness of the importance of quality sleep for young people.

As part of the campaign, Mattress Firm is offering special pricing on select mattresses and products and discounts for teachers, faculty, staff and school alumni. The campaign also includes a sweepstakes program that runs the entire month of August. Students and parents can "like" Mattress Firm and Protect-A-Bed Facebook pages to share sleep advice and register for weekly giveaways of mattress protection products. On Aug. 31, one grand prize winner will be randomly selected to receive a bedding protection kit and a $500 Visa gift card.

The Better Sleep Council estimates that nearly 70% of old mattresses are handed down to children and many of them are 10 years or older, Mattress Firm said in a release. The council added that a mattress that has been used for more than eight years does not support the body as well, which can cause aches and fatigue.

"As students start the school year, it's a good time to think about the age of their mattress," said Steve Stagner, president and CEO of Mattress Firm. "Newer mattresses provide optimal support that can help the body feel rested and refreshed in the morning, leading to better physical and mental performance all day long."

James Bell, CEO of Protect-A-Bed, said that mattress protectors were especially important for college students or anyone sleeping in a dormitory.

"Unprotected mattresses, especially in a dormitory setting, can absorb dust mites, germs and bodily fluids after many years of different people using the mattresses," he said. "Protect-A-Bed mattress encasements and protectors create a layer between students and what's lurking in their mattresses to create a more hygienic sleep environment."