Please note: ISPA wants to hear about challenges and successes in supplying critical equipment needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you encounter government regulatory problems where we might be able to help, or if you have ideas on how ISPA can further assist the industry in its efforts to help, contact Grant Johnson, ISPA policy and government affairs, phone 571-635-6302, email [email protected]. Find more information: ISPA COVID-19 Member Resources page
Mattress manufacturing plants that are members of the Therapedic International licensing group have been producing and donating tens of thousands of protective masks to individuals and groups across the United States. Factories in Colorado, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey and North Carolina are giving masks to healthcare workers, first responders and law enforcement, the Princeton, New Jersey-based company reported.
The five plants have the capacity to produce 20,000 masks per week and as of mid-April, all had signed up to produce hospital mattresses as the need arises.
“Each of the Therapedic factories should be commended for their incredible response in a time of national crisis to not only serve those on the frontline of the pandemic and their communities, but also to preserve employment in their businesses as best they can,” said Gerry Borreggine, Therapedic chief executive officer.
The factories vary in size, production capacity and the number of employees working to produce masks and fill regular orders. Uniform across all the plants is implementation of health and safety procedures compliant to CDC guidelines and respective local and state orders, with protocols such as checking temperature of employees upon arrival for work, wearing personal protective equipment, keeping distance of six feet and periodic cleaning of equipment and workspaces.
At Therapedic Colorado, initial batches of masks were given to employees and their families and donated to first responders and customers where needed. Additional production is available to outside organizations for purchase.
Therapedic Florida is donating masks to a local organization that distributes them to hospitals, first responders and police stations in surrounding communities. Officials said after an inventory is built, masks will also be available for sale to grocery stores, nursing homes and other local essential business in the Tampa Bay area.
In Idaho, the Therapedic licensee has made local donations of masks, in addition to sending a much-needed supply to a hospital in Butte, Montana, where the factory owner’s sister works.
The New Jersey factory in the heart of the country’s hardest hit area, has been making and donating masks to local hospitals since the pandemic began.
Therapedic North Carolina has donated masks to a group of 10 hospitals and over 100 medical offices covering 29 counties in eastern North Carolina. Additional donations will be made to local law enforcement and fire and rescue crews.
“I am so proud to see our factories unite to assist others in need during this challenging time. We have remained strong through other crises and continue to do so through this one,” Borreggine said. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to the healthcare workers, first responders and others deemed essential, who are working on the front lines to keep the rest of us safe and fed.”
