Specialty Bedding Isn’t So
Special Anymore, It’s Shelf-Worthy
Serve the growing market for specialty sleep, comfort and support items
CHARLOTTE, NC (February, 2011) – Contour Products™, a company focused on
developing solutions-based products that solve specific sleep, comfort and
support problems for consumers, has experienced tremendous growth in the sleep
market over the past eighteen months. As the baby boomer population emerges, the
demand for products that are designed to support and align the body for a great
nights sleep and improved overall well-being is on the rise.
“We’re extremely pleased with the way that the market has responded to our
products,” says Contour Products’ director of marketing, Sue Sarko. “Our
in-house design team prides itself on developing feature-rich items that meet
the postural needs of consumers everywhere. We collaborate with medical experts
during the product development phase and validate those designs through end user
feedback. It is truly gratifying to receive such a positive response from our
customers.”
Contour Products recently conducted a mall intercept study, in which consumers
were asked to rank various types of pillows ranging from traditional shaped
fiberfill to more uniquely shaped orthopedic pillows. According to Sarko,
pillows that were designed around providing orthopedic neck support were almost
always preferred over the basic offerings.
“In my mind, the opportunity for retailers to capitalize on this significant
shift in consumer preference is tremendous,” said Sarko. “We look forward to
partnering with more of them toward the mutual goal of meeting the growing needs
of their customers.”
One example of a tremendously successful specialty item is the patented Contour
Leg Pillow. Its unique shape offers a perfect solution for side sleepers who
struggle with low back issues, because it stabilizes the pelvis by keeping the
knees separated and preventing the spine from twisting which can exacerbate back
problems.
Another item that has experienced tremendous growth is Contour’s CPAP Pillow. It
is the perfect example of how their product development team recognizes a
problem and creates a solution. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
Therapy is the most commonly prescribed treatment method for OSA (Obstructive
Sleep Apnea), a condition that has received a lot of attention in the media due
to its link to illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and brain
dysfunction. CPAP Therapy is a highly effective treatment method for OSA, but
patient compliance is a challenge. That’s where Contour’s CPAP pillow comes in.
Its key features are two pressure-free zones that accommodate any CPAP mask,
preventing the mask from shifting, leaking and pressing into the side of the
user’s face. By keeping the CPAP therapy user more comfortable, they are more
willing to use the equipment and stay compliant with their program. The company
was pleasantly surprised at how well the pillow sells in the mainstream market,
yet another indicator of the importance of shelving these kinds of specialty
items.
“Our mantra for 2011 is that specialty sleep, comfort and support products are
shelf-worthy,” says Sarko. “We’re excited about the growth opportunities that
exist and look forward to showcasing our products in Chicago at the
International Housweares Show this year.” You can see Contour’s product line at
their new location, booth #L13312.
For more information, please visit www.contourproductswholesale.com or call Adam
Kester at 1-800-692-6686 x111.
About Contour Products
Founded in 1991, Contour Products (www.contourliving.com) is a leader in the
ergonomic comfort and support industry. Since the introduction and success of
its first innovation, the Contour Pillow, the company has sold more than 20
million products in the United States and 80 other countries. Contour Products
has an extensive distribution network in place through traditional
brick-and-mortar retailers, sleep centers, DME providers, online stores,
direct-response television, the Internet, key furniture shows, catalogs and home
shopping networks. The company has 66 patents and trademarks registered in the
United States and abroad. Contour Products is headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale,
FL. and has an operations facility in Charlotte, N.C. “Contour® - We support you
for Life”
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PRODUCT & MARKETING CONTACT:
Sue Sarko, ssarko@contourliving.com, 440-930-2446