Hands up who, as a kid, got their kicks out of the nationally (un) recognised childhood pastime that was jumping on the bed?
If I were a betting woman, I’d lay my money on the fact Sealy Australia’s Research & Development Officer, Gareth, used to be one such star jumper, testing out the springs that laid beneath. Because if indeed he did in indulge in these clandestine childhood activities, then it’s all been for the betterment of his career. Fast forward in time and he is paid to (and I quote) “make stuff and break stuff”, all in the name of a better night’s sleep for Sealy’s faithful customers.
I know – Coolest.Job.Ever.
On Wednesday I had the pleasure of meeting Gareth, along with a whole spectrum of other equally dedicated employees, whilst visiting the outskirts of Brisbane, where the heart of the Sealy Australia operation beats.
![]() |
Done Deal! Happily signing my sleep ambassadorship with Ross,National Marketing & Sales Manager |
Thanks to my recent success taking out the coveted “Sleeping on The Job” crown, a trip to Sealy headquarters was in order. This allowed me to not only sign my official “Sleep Ambassador” contract with Ross (the congenial National Marketing & Sales Manager) and meet his equally committed team of Britta, Kim & Sally, but also see first hand what actually goes into the process of manufacturing their superior sleep products.
![]() |
A close inspection of products with Will from Lucre PR & Kim Bennett, Retail Marketing Manager |
From the vast workshop floors that house the various arms of manufacture, accommodating state of the art machinery, through the pleasant office area and beyond into the showroom, enticing with its array of Sealy Australia beds on display (how staff don’t sneak over there for regular Nanna naps, I’ll never know) the cogs turn in a finely oiled manner. Everyone is working towards a common goal; a commitment to ensure Australians sleep comfortably.
Between 400 – 600 beds are made to order each week, offering a three day turnaround from order placement to shipping. BUT, that is only if the product has first met Gareth’s rigorous schedule of test!
![]() |
The sleep lab in full swing! |
Walking into his sleep testing laboratory, is a treat to wannabe experimenters the world over! Humming away before us was an 110kg hexagonal weight rolling continuously back and forth over a mattress to simulate 10 years of use, to see how it withstood. This runs around the clock for five consecutive days to gauge its durability. And if its not in use, you might see a “bottom shaped” sledge hammer (err, obviously not its technical term) suspended from a height, ready to slam into a mattress below, to ascertain the wear and tear that comes with the innate human tendency to always sit on the same edge of the bed spot!
But beyond all of its impressive gadgetry, workmanship and commitment to customers, the crux of their success lays with their loyal staff and the fact they are a proud, family run, Australian owned and operated business which is as steeped in tradition as it is excellence.
![]() |
Will & I pose for a final group shot with the Sealy Aust. team, who made us most welcome |
It is with this sort of basis that they are able to uphold the reputation Sealy has for being the best-selling premium bedding brand. They know beds are big investments. Because, in an ideal world, its where we are meant to spend the bulk of our time re-energizing ourselves, healing and preparing. And Sealy are so committed to making sure every night of respite on one of their superior products is like a little slice of bedded bliss.
So next time you see your child – or even feel like reliving your childhood yourself – wanting to bounce away on the bed, spare a thought for Sealy R&D Guru Gareth. You might have yourself a future bedding researcher and developer in the making!

I’ll have to pass the link to this post on to my sister-in-law. Her son is definitely in training to join Gareth’s team.
Sounds like you had a busy day when you visited Sealy. Did they let you jump on the beds to test them as well? Sounds like something a Sleep Ambassador should be allowed to do. 🙂