North American Mattress Upcycling (NAMU) provides a comprehensive system for the responsible removal and upcycling of mattresses that is environmentally sustainable, cost-effective and provides high-quality, affordably priced mattresses for sale to financially stretched families and community organizations that serve them

In 1996, fresh from college and newly married, Andy Shifrin partnered in a family company that supplied vinyl and other fabrics to small furniture upholsterers in the Chicago area.

Soon after, while working as a mattress ticking representative, he realized that mattress renovators lacked a source of quality materials. He saw an unmet need for quality sleep surfaces among financially stressed families who need an affordable alternative to traditional, full-price retailers. And he understood the urgency to reduce mattress landfill waste and diminish its danger to the environment.