Since the launch of the Wavemaker vertical lapped nonwovens line about two years ago by Santex AG Nonwoven, Switzer-land, eight commercial installations, have been constructed and installed. principally in Europe. The fundamental concept, of Czech origin, is described. The wide range of applications covered include shoe cushioning and moulded insoles, upholstery fabrics and mattress pads in various combinations. Automotive uses are also accommodated and future possibilities discussed. The operating principle of the Wavemaker is described with the various processing steps covered. There are notes on the design and capabilities of the machine. A number of advantages are summarised which include initial cost benefits, lower routine maintenance costs, potential for greater speeds and higher resilience. The influence of the feed web is discussed with the most suitable combining a parallel-carded surface with a random-carded surface, a combination producing a product with good resilience and process ability and satisfactory strength. ( 1fig).