SPAN-AMERICA AWARDED SEATING DEVICES CONTRACT
BY BEVERLY ENTERPRISES

GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 13, 2000) -- Span-America Medical Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq/NM:SPAN) has been awarded a two-year, sole source, seating devices contract by Beverly Enterprises.

Under terms of the agreement, Span-America's entire line of seating products will become the products of choice at more than 600 Beverly-operated facilities around the nation including nursing and rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, outpatient therapy clinics, and home care/hospice agencies.

Beverly Enterprises, Inc., is the nation's leader in long-term and rehabilitative healthcare. Through its subsidiaries, Beverly operates more than 550 nursing homes (skilled nursing centers), 180 outpatient therapy clinics, 30 assisted living facilities, and 60 home care and hospice centers in 30 states including the District of Columbia.

"We're excited to be chosen by Beverly after a rigorous proposal process," said Clyde Shew, vice-president of medical sales and marketing for Span-America.  "We look forward to working together to help provide excellent patient care."

The agreement goes into effect June 1, 2000, and will extend through May 31, 2002. "Span-America's products possess all of the qualities that Beverly is looking for in our seating device needs," said Lisa Huckelbury, director of corporate procurement for Beverly.  "Our Product Review Committee chose Span-America for its proven clinical outcomes, flexibility, material quality, appearance, field support, and pricing.  We are pleased to be partnering with such a fine company."

About Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.

Span-America manufactures and markets a comprehensive selection of pressure management products for the medical market, including Geo-Matt®, PressureGuard®, Span+Aids®, and Isch-Dish® products.  The Company also supplies custom foam and packaging products to the consumer and industrial markets.  Span-America's stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market under the symbol SPAN.  For more information, contact the Company at (800) 888-6752, via e-mail at info@spanamerica.com, or write to Span-America Medical Systems, Inc., P. O. Box 5231, Greenville, SC 29606-5231.

About Beverly Enterprises, Inc.

Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:BEV), through its subsidiaries, operates more than 550 nursing homes (skilled nursing centers), 180 outpatient therapy clinics, 30 assisted living facilities, and 60 home care and hospice centers.  Beverly's operating units include Beverly Healthcare, the nations largest nursing home company, as well as Beverly Care Alliance, a leader in physical, occupational and speech rehabilitation therapy, home care and hospice programs.  For additional information regarding Beverly services, visit www.beverlynet.com.