Tempur-Pedic Raises $500,000 for Pancreatic Cancer Research

LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tempur-Pedic International Inc. (NYSE: TPX), the leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of premium mattresses and pillows worldwide, concluded its 2009 Tempur-Pedic Hugs Back campaign Monday with the presentation of a $500,000 check to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  Tempur-Pedic also announced plans for a second campaign this fall to further support the efforts of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100202/CL47937 )

The 2009 campaign was a collaboration between Tempur-Pedic and its supporting retailers, with the donation resulting from sales of a limited edition of the company's popular My Tempur-Pedic Teddy Bear®. The money raised will help the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network continue to fund research for this devastating disease, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.

"We at Tempur-Pedic have been truly inspired by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the survivors we've met and the unbelievable support we've received from our participating retailers and consumers," said Rick Anderson, president of Tempur-Pedic North America. "The money raised will help us get one step closer to finding a cure, and we are pleased to continue supporting this cause in 2010."

"Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers in our country with a five-year survival rate of just 5 percent. There is an urgent need for additional funding to ensure scientific progress is made," said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "Support from corporate champions like Tempur-Pedic is critical to our mission of advancing research, supporting patients and creating hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer, and will help us to fund innovative research into early detection methods and effective treatment options currently lacking for patients."

The limited edition My Tempur-Pedic Teddy Bear is filled with the same proprietary, pressure-relieving TEMPUR® material that is featured in the company's mattresses and pillows, giving the bear a unique, comforting feel perfect for snuggling.

While the 2010 limited edition My Tempur-Pedic Teddy Bear will not be available until this fall, 2009 bears are still available for purchase for $59 each, while supplies last, online at www.tempurpedic.com/teddy_bear, by calling 888-225-7560 or at participating Tempur-Pedic retailers, which can be found by visiting www.tempurpedic.com/teddy_bear.

ABOUT THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization raises money for direct private funding of research—and advocates for more aggressive federal research funding of medical breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fills the void of information and options by giving patients and caregivers reliable, personalized information they need to make informed decisions. It creates a sense of hope and community so no one has to face pancreatic cancer alone. The organization helps support individuals and communities all across the country work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit www.pancan.org.

ABOUT TEMPUR-PEDIC

Tempur-Pedic International Inc. (NYSE: TPX) manufactures and distributes mattresses and pillows made from its proprietary TEMPUR® pressure-relieving material. It is the worldwide leader in premium and specialty sleep. The Company is focused on developing, manufacturing and marketing advanced sleep surfaces that help improve the quality of life for people around the world. The Company's products are currently sold in over 80 countries under the TEMPUR® and Tempur-Pedic® brand names. World headquarters for Tempur-Pedic International is in Lexington, KY. For more information, visit http://www.tempurpedic.com or call 800-805-3635.

SOURCE Tempur-Pedic International Inc.