SPAN-AMERICA ANNOUNCES PRIVATE LABEL
AGREEMENT WITH HILL-ROM

GREENVILLE, S.C. (January 16, 2004) -- Span-America Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ/NM: SPAN) today announced that it has signed a contract to supply private label mattresses to Hill-Rom.

"This contract highlights Span-America's success in developing products that are attractive to the health care industry," said Jim Ferguson, President and CEO of Span-America.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

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®, Geo-Mattress®, Span+Aids®, Isch-Dish®, and Selan® 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, visit www.spanamerica.com.

About Hill-Rom

Hill-Rom helps caregivers safely deliver effective and efficient care to their patients in acute care, long term care and home care environments.  The company's comprehensive offering can include: facility assessments, patient beds, stretchers, therapy surfaces, communication systems, modular headwalls and lighting systems.  The company also offers expert, clinical and equipment services and programs that can help improve asset productivity, operational efficiency and patient outcomes.  Hill-Rom's global headquarters is based in Batesville, Ind., and employs approximately 6,000 people worldwide.  It is an operating company of Hillenbrand Industries (NYSE:HB).