Sealy announced today that its new line of Stearns & Foster bedding will be protected by Sealy's FlameGuard system. The Company also announced that its new SpringFree latex line of bedding will be launched with FlameGuard as well.

Sealy's FlameGuard system meets California's TB-603 state regulations for flammability standards in household bedding.

This move makes Sealy's Stearns & Foster line FR-compliant nationally -- well in advance of the federal OFR (open-flame resistant) regulation, which is scheduled to take effect in 2007.

"We're very proud of our commitment to FR-from our participation in the drafting of federal and state legislation and regulation-to the engineering and creation of FR supply chains, quality systems and products in the bedding industry," said Dave McIlquham, chairman and chief executive officer of Sealy.

Sealy intends to launch all new products in 2006 and beyond with FR (flame resistant) materials.

"We have already realized important benefits from our investments in FR, including faster time-to-market for new product development," said Bruce Barman, senior vice president, research & development.

The new Stearns & Foster FR-compliant and the Sealy SpringFree FR- compliant lines will be launched at Furniture Market in High Point October 19 and begin shipping by late November.