Sealy History

Did you know Sealy is a place? And we’re not just talking about that comfortable place where you get your best sleep; Sealy is an actual town in Texas – and it’s where the first ever Sealy mattress was made.

The Sealy journey began in 1881 in Sealy, Texas, with Daniel Haynes. Haynes – a cotton gin builder – started a cotton mattress business, eventually selling after 15 years to another Texas-based company. The company launched a national advertisement campaign across the United States with the slogan “Sleeping on a Sealy is like sleeping on a cloud.” A national phenomenon was born.

“Sealy mattresses are continuously improved thanks to ongoing research and development, but one thing has remained the same since Haynes made his first cotton mattress more than a century ago: They’re all made with the same care and pride,” says Sealy South Africa brand executive, Riaan Strydom. “We’ve been making Sealy beds in South Africa for more than 50 years, supporting South Africans through the ups and downs of life.”

After experiencing widespread success in the United States, Sealy expanded globally, beginning operations in South Africa in 1967. Sealy South Africa produced its first mattress at a factory in Johannesburg that year, and the technical innovations they introduced to the market led to its mattresses becoming the number one choice for South Africans.

Now, more than 50 years later, Sealy South Africa is still producing Posturepedic Technology™ mattresses to the highest quality imaginable – in consultation with Orthopedic surgeons – at facilities in Johannesburg, Cape Town, KwaZulu Natal and Windhoek. In 2006, Sealy announced the creation of the Orthopedics Advisory Board. This committee is an industry authority, bringing together the expertise of orthopedic and clinical surgeons to focus on development and innovation. Through a knowledge exchange partnership with Sealy USA, Sealy South Africa has access to the latest advancements in sleep technology.

“This partnership puts Sealy South Africa one step ahead of other local manufacturers, thanks to the millions of dollars spent on research and development,” Strydom adds. “All this is in support of our mission to provide South Africans with a more peaceful and restful sleep.”

Sealy mattresses are sold at select dealers throughout South Africa and the company is also a leading supplier to the hospitality industry in the country. “We’re proud to look back on more than five decades of history, heritage, and remarkable achievements in sleep technology. In the next 50 years, we will continue our efforts to remain the top consumer choice and remain unwavering in its vision to help customers sleep better,” concludes Strydom.