The widespread devastation after the earthquake in Haiti has prompted many to step forward and offer support.

Anatomic Global, a California-based mattress manufacturer, and five of its leading suppliers, FXI Foamex Innovations, UPS, Deslee Textiles USA, Royal Packaging and the Brookwood Companies, have joined together to provide "transitional" mattresses or WorldBeds for thousands of Haitians who are in need of comfort and shelter.

The WorldBed comes in a rugged nylon cover. When not in use, it can be rolled up with a specially designed strap, and carried easily over one's shoulder should the need arise. The mattress is specially treated to be moisture resistant and comes with instructions for care and use. It also carries a statement in English, French and Creole saying that it is a gift from members of the U.S. bedding industry.

The first 500 mattresses were shipped from Southern California this weekend, and are expected to arrive in Haiti later this week. Each week, additional thousands of mattresses will be shipped until the company reaches its goal of 200,000 mattresses, which is the number that is needed according to experts.

This is the second such time this group has manufactured the WorldBed, the first being after Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to the donating mattresses, Anatomic Global also said it was re-investing all its corporate profits in the first quarter of 2010 to manufacture WorldBeds for Haitian relief. Anatomic Global's CEO David Farley is welcoming other mattress manufacturers to join Anatomic Global on this initiative.