The opinion set forth below is rendered with respect to the 52,052 shares, no par value, of common stock of Span-America Medical Systems, Inc., a South Carolina corporation (the "Company"), that will be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the above-referenced Registration Statement on Form S-8 pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the Span-America Medical Systems, Inc. 1991 Stock Option Plan and the Span-America Medical Systems, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “Plans”). We have examined the Company's Articles of Incorporation, and all amendments thereto, the Company's Bylaws, as amended, and reviewed the records of the Company's corporate proceedings. We have made such other investigation of law and fact as we have deemed necessary in order to enable us to render this opinion. With respect to matters of fact, we have relied upon information provided to us by the Company without further investigation. With respect to all examined documents, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to authentic originals of all documents submitted to us as copies and the accuracy and completeness of the information contained therein.

Based on the foregoing and subject to the comments, limitations and qualifications set forth below, we are of the opinion that upon satisfaction of the vesting and other conditions set forth in the Plans and any applicable award agreements or letters, shares of the Company's common stock covered by the above-referenced Registration Statement that are issued after the date hereof pursuant to and in compliance with the terms of the Plans and any applicable award agreements or letters will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

This opinion is limited to matters governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina in force on the date of this letter. We express no opinion with regard to any matter that may be (or that purports to be) governed by the laws of any other state or jurisdiction. In addition, we express no opinion with respect to any matter arising under or governed by the South Carolina Uniform Securities Act.

This opinion is rendered solely for your benefit in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 respecting shares of the Company's common stock to be issued under the Plans and may not be relied upon, quoted or used by any other person or entity or for any other purpose without our prior written consent.