The industry allocation of foam over the next several weeks will affect our just-in-time manufacturing output in the U.S. and Canada
Statement issued today by Sealy

Sealy, Inc., the world's leading mattress producer, announced today that it anticipates the shortage of polyurethane foam. The shortage will result in a temporary disruption of its manufacturing production schedules. La-Z-Boy warned retailers and investors of the same shortage yesterday (see story).

The recent Gulf Coast hurricanes in late August and September of 2005 caused extensive damage to petrochemical processing facilities that supply an essential raw material called TDI, used to manufacture polyurethane foam, a material used in the majority of Sealy's bedding products. As a result, there is a temporary foam shortage that will affect North American manufacturers in the mattress, furniture, and automobile seating industries.

To respond to the situation, Sealy said it will leveraging global business relationships in an attempt to source foam product from its partners.

Sealy intends to produce and ship all Sealy Posturepedic, Stearns & Foster, TrueForm and Reflexion brand orders on a normal order cycle. However, spot foam supply shortages in specific plants may disrupt daily or weekly production schedules for the near future.

"Sealy's ability to respond to market conditions and challenges is a true source of strength for our company, particularly in the areas of operational excellence and sourcing. Our value to our customers is our ability to adjust our production schedules and direct product orders to meet demand," said David McIlquham, Sealy's president and chief executive officer.

"The industry allocation of foam over the next several weeks will affect our just-in-time manufacturing output in the U.S. and Canada. We're working in close partnership with our suppliers, customers and entire manufacturing system to minimize the disruption to our business," said Mike Hofmann, senior vice president of operations.

While the full duration and extent of the TDI shortage remains unknown, the Company's management believes that the steps being taken in response to the situation will minimize the impact of this disruption on Sealy's customers and its business. At this time, however, the Company is unable to quantify any potential adverse impact this disruption may have on its operations.