ROCKDALE, ILL. � SEPT. 2, 2002 � myBed Inc., a Rockdale Ill.-based developer of bedding solutions for the hospitality industry, has tapped the expertise of PRPRO, a hospitality-specific public relations firm based in Cleveland, to expose hoteliers to the economical and hygienic benefits of its renewable mattress system for hotels. 

The myBed mattress is the only environmentally friendly, high-tech, patented mattress designed specifically for the hospitality industry that features replaceable components�from the box and mattress springs to internal and external mattress pads and/or pillow tops�with the pull of a Velcro® strip.

�Several years ago I met an editor named Barb Worcester from one of the leading hospitality trade magazines while exhibiting at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show in New York,� said Frank Cavazos, president of myBed. �Barb was intrigued by our modular, renewable mattress solution and wanted to learn more about its features and benefits to share with readers of the publication. Our business grew quickly from the editorial coverage, and so did our friendship.

�Today, myBed has the good fortune to work with Barb Worcester again, but this time as head of PRPRO, a public relations company she formed last year along with her former colleagues,� he said. �For us, there is only one hospitality team with the contacts, content and costs to trust our marketing message to: PRPRO.�

PRPRO is a public relations and marketing-communications consulting and services group that is �in the know� when it comes to the hospitality industry. The team--comprised of Barb Worcester and Account Managers Marty Whitford, Robert Nozar and Bill Gillette--served on the staff of HOTEL & MOTEL MANAGEMENT between 1981 and 2001 and represent more than 40 years of combined hospitality industry experience. In addition to H&MM, these veteran industry journalists have contributed articles to other respected industry publications such as Lodging, Lodging F&B, E-Hospitality, AAHOA Lodging Business, Lodging Real Estate, Corporate Meetings & Incentives, Hotel Interactive, Hotel Business, Hospitality Technology and National Hotel Executive. Worcester founded PRPRO in February 2001

Tried and True

Worcester said she is thrilled to be working with Cavazos and myBed because it is a company and a product that she truly believes in. In fact, over the past several years, Worcester has purchased three �washable� residential myBed mattresses for her home.

�Although PRPRO was just recently retained to manage the PR and marketing campaign for myBed, I feel as though I�ve been doing that job for many years,� Worcester said. �I purchased my first myBed in 1998 at the IH/M&R Show, and have purchased two additional mattress since that time. I�ve personally been marketing the �residential� myBed system by referring relatives, friends and industry colleagues to the product.�

What makes the myBed system so attractive is its modular structure, Cavazos said. The mattress tops and cushioning pads are removable and replaceable to address hygienic and durability issues, and they are easy to store and maneuver. The box spring covers also are removable and can be replaced. 

�The box spring unit and the mattress inner spring makes up to 40 percent of the material cost of manufacturing the mattress,� Cavazos said. �Hoteliers can extend the life of the steel and the wood by replacing only the mattress tops and cushioning materials. That�s where the savings comes in for hotels.�

Cavazos said while most people believe a worn, saggy mattress is the result of damaged box springs or mattress inner springs, the real culprit is usually worn, tired internal cushioning pads and external mattress tops. MyBed�s renewable system allows hoteliers to only replace the parts that need to be replaced � including soiled, odorous mattress tops. This saves hotels thousands of dollars annually in mattress procurement and saves hoteliers from guest complaints regarding mattress discomfort and cleanliness.

About PRPRO
PRPRO writes and distributes Press Releases to the hospitality trade media, national news publications and Wire Services; designs Brochures and E-Newsletters; assists in Media Buys & Plans; coordinates Direct Marketing Campaigns; and provides Event and Tradeshow Management services exclusively for the hospitality industry. Current clients include: ARESCOM, Baymont Inns & Suites, Daylight Software, Grand Tradition Hotels & Resorts, Green Suites International, High Country Hospitality, myBed Inc., RHR Systems and TESA ESI.

�We all have known for a long time that relationships are key in this industry�not only for �getting the story,� but for helping to implement a successful public-relations campaign,� Worcester said. �We once walked in the shoes of the media, so we know what editors consider newsworthy. We want to share that knowledge and experience as the hotel industry�s go-to public-relations professionals.�

Because of their editorial background and longevity in the industry, the PRPRO team has built coveted relationships with high-profile decision-makers at the chains, management companies and industry associations, and they network daily with the hospitality trade press and the vendor community. 

�PRPRO�s relationships will help to open doors to new customers and new business partnerships, and also will help us educate the industry on the benefits of our renewable mattress system,� Cavazos said.

About myBed Inc.
myBed Inc. has been manufacturing its renewable mattress system for the hospitality industry since 1998. myBed mattresses are specified in hotels across the globe, spanning all property types and sizes, including major hospitality chains. The United States Government also uses myBed mattresses at military housing facilities, military hotels and bachelor quarters, and Universities are specifying the product for Dormitories and Campus Housing. For more information on myBed, visit www.mybed.com or call 1-800-32-myBed.