How to Write a Mattress Specification for a Bulk Order
A mattress specification lists every layer with material, density, hardness and thickness, plus cover, size, tolerance and required tests. Without it, quotes cannot be compared fairly.
Key points
- What to list. Name each layer from the top: comfort layer, transition layer, support core and base.
- Add tests and packing. State the fire, chemical or durability tests you need and the evidence required.
- Next step. Send the specification with quantities and destination.
- Common specification gaps. Thickness stated for the whole mattress but not for each layer.
- Detailed guidance. Write the specification in the order a factory builds: cover, comfort layers, support core, base, then finishing.
What to list
Name each layer from the top: comfort layer, transition layer, support core and base. For each state the material, density in kg per cubic metre, hardness and thickness. Add the cover fabric and quilting, the total height and the finished size with a tolerance such as plus or minus a stated number of millimetres.
Add tests and packing
State the fire, chemical or durability tests you need and the evidence required. Add labelling, packing method, carton marks and delivery terms so the quote covers the whole order, not only the mattress.
Next step
Send the specification with quantities and destination. We confirm what we can match, suggest changes and quote in writing.
A layer table you can copy
| Layer (top to bottom) | Material | Density | Hardness | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cover | Knit or quilted fabric | n/a | n/a | State mm |
| Comfort layer | Memory foam, latex or soft foam | State kg/m3 | State scale | State mm |
| Transition layer | High-resilience foam | State kg/m3 | State scale | State mm |
| Support core | Foam, pocket springs or coir | State | State | State mm |
| Base | Firm foam or fabric | State | State | State mm |
Common specification gaps
- Thickness stated for the whole mattress but not for each layer.
- Density given without the test method or unit.
- "Firm" or "medium" written without a hardness measure.
- No tolerance on length, width or height.
- Cover fabric named but not its weight or finish.
Detailed guidance
Write the specification in the order a factory builds: cover, comfort layers, support core, base, then finishing. For each layer give the material, density, hardness and thickness, and say which test method produced the hardness value, because two makers can report different numbers for the same foam. Add the finished size with tolerance in millimetres, the total height and the target weight, since weight is a quick way to spot a thinner or lower-density build.
Then add what surrounds the mattress: cover fabric weight and finish, zip type, handles, label text and position, and packing. Finally list the tests you need and the evidence you will accept, such as a laboratory report for the exact build. A specification written this way becomes the reference for the sample, the quote, the inspection and any later dispute. Keep it under revision control so everyone works from the same version.
Worked example (illustrative figures)
A 40-room guest house wants one king mattress per room. Version one says "medium-firm, 10 inch". Three suppliers quote very different prices. Version two lists a 30 mm comfort layer, a 50 mm transition layer, a 150 mm support core, a knit cover and a plus or minus 10 mm height tolerance. Now all three quote the same build, and the price gap shows what each really offers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you quote without a specification?
We can propose one from your use case, but a quote against a written specification is more accurate and easier to compare.
Where do I send my requirements?
Use the bulk and export request form or message Sleepwit on WhatsApp. We reply with questions and a written quote; prices, minimums and lead times are confirmed in the quote.
Need a quote for this? Sleepwit manufactures and exports to specification. Send your requirements and we reply in writing.
OEM and bulk manufacturing Request a quoteKeep reading
Bulk Mattress Manufacturing Guide: OEM, Specification and Process
How bulk mattress manufacturing works: OEM and ODM, specification, sampling, quality control, packing and what to ask a manufacturer.
Read more →Bulk & exportMattress Quality Control and AQL Inspection for Buyers
How incoming, in-process and final inspection work, and how AQL sampling is used to accept or reject a bulk mattress order.
Read more →Bulk & exportHow to Compare Mattress Manufacturer Quotes
A line-by-line method to compare bulk mattress quotes: specification, density, cover, packing, documents, terms and warranty.
Read more →This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have persistent pain or sleep problems, please speak to a doctor.
Related reading
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