Start with the finished product
Define market, application, size, height, firmness and target construction before drilling into material rows.
TECHNICAL RFQ
Mattress Specification Parameters for OEM RFQs
A useful mattress RFQ should connect the finished-product target to measurable spring, foam, fabric, packaging and documentation fields.
A useful mattress RFQ converts a product idea into fields a factory can quote, sample and repeat. The brief should connect market/application requirements to finished size, height, firmness, support core, comfort layers, cover, edge design, packaging, labeling, documentation and quantity.
The Technical Database can supply reference values, but the RFQ should contain only the parameters that control the selected mattress. A concise, structured specification is easier to compare across quotations and easier to freeze after sample approval.
Core Sections of a Mattress RFQ
Connect every key material
Spring, foam, fabric and edge support should be named or measurable enough to compare quotations.
Add packaging and branding
OEM specifications are incomplete without packaging, labels and artwork requirements where applicable.
Record documentation needs
Certification, test reports and buyer standards should be stated before sampling.
How to Build a Sample-Ready Mattress Specification
| RFQ block | Core fields | Why it belongs in the brief | Relevant resource |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished mattress | Size, height, firmness, construction, target market | Defines the product the buyer is actually purchasing | Mattresses / Applications |
| Support core | Spring type or foam support structure, key technical fields | Prevents a core substitution that changes feel or cost | Spring Guide / Foam Guide |
| Comfort layers | Foam type, density, ILD, thickness, specialty materials | Controls comfort and repeatability | Materials |
| Cover & finish | Fabric, quilting, side panel, labels, zipper/tape edge as required | Controls presentation and brand execution | OEM Cover |
| Logistics | Flat/roll pack, carton, labels, destination, quantity | Connects production to shipping and channel needs | OEM Packaging |
| Compliance | Required documents, certification scope and claim wording | Prevents late-stage sourcing changes | Certifications |
Build the RFQ From the Outside In
Start with buyer program, destination market, size matrix, target height, firmness position and packaging. Then define the support core, comfort layers, cover/quilting, edge support and any required features.
This order prevents a technical bill of materials from being disconnected from the commercial use case. The same construction can require different packaging, labels or documentation for a hotel project, distributor or e-commerce program.
Using Technical Reference Data in an RFQ
Use spring, foam, fabric and finished-mattress reference data when it helps define the target, but include only the parameters that actually control the selected design. An RFQ becomes harder to use when it contains large lists of values that do not affect quotation, sampling or inspection.
If an exact material value is not yet known, describe the required performance, target feel and closest approved construction. The factory can then propose a sample specification that can be measured and confirmed before bulk production.
Specification Control After Sample Approval
Once the physical sample is approved, freeze the bill of materials, construction drawing or layer schedule, finished dimensions, packaging, labels and key quality checks that are necessary to repeat the product.
Changes after approval should be recorded as revisions. If a replacement material could change feel, appearance, certification or recovery, it should be reviewed and reapproved before bulk production.
Keep One Controlled Specification Across Purchasing, Production and QC
The purchase order, approved sample record, carton information, production instruction and inspection sheet should not describe different heights, sizes or materials for the same SKU. A master specification reduces errors as the project moves from sampling to repeat orders.
For multi-SKU ranges, assign a clear model code and revision to each approved specification. When a change is accepted, record the new revision so the buyer and factory are always referring to the same construction.
Detailed Technical Reference Data
When you need exact reference values, open the Technical Database for detailed spring, foam, fabric and finished-mattress records that support quotation and specification work.
Finished Mattress Complete ParametersUse complete model records as reference configurations when preparing a new specification.Open dataset →
International Mattress Parameter GuideUse technical terminology as a sourcing glossary.Open dataset →
Spring Technical ParametersOpen the spring dataset when the support core needs deeper definition.Open dataset →
Foam Technical ParametersOpen the foam dataset when comfort layers need deeper definition.Open dataset →
Related Products, Materials and OEM Options
OEM & CustomChoose the customization path after the technical brief is defined.Open →
Technical DatabaseOpen detailed row-level references.Open →
ApplicationsDefine the end-use, channel and purchasing requirements before finalizing the RFQ.Open →
Send an RFQSubmit the final brief for quotation and sample review.Open →
Minimum Fields for a Complete Mattress RFQ
- Target market and buyer application
- Size range and quantity by size
- Finished height and firmness
- Support-core specification
- Comfort-layer specification
- Cover/quilting/branding requirements
- Edge-support method
- Packaging and carton requirements
- Certification/documentation requirements
- Approved sample and change-control notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum information for a mattress RFQ?
Include application/channel, size matrix, target height, firmness, construction, main materials, cover/branding, packaging, destination market, quantity and required documentation.
Should buyers copy the entire parameter database into an RFQ?
No. Use database rows as references, then select only the fields that control the chosen mattress and need to be quoted or inspected.
Why use a structured mattress specification sheet?
It makes supplier quotations more comparable and creates a clearer baseline for sample approval, production instructions and repeat orders.
What happens after the sample is approved?
Freeze the approved construction and key measurable fields, record the revision and control any later material or packaging changes.
How should multiple sizes be handled?
Use one model specification with a size matrix when construction is common, while recording any size-specific spring, quilting, carton or labeling differences.
OEM MATTRESS PROJECT
Prepare a Sample-Ready Mattress Brief
Send the size range, quantity, target construction, firmness, materials, packaging, destination and documentation requirements so the project can move into quotation and sample review.