In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a cot assembly that includes side pieces, supporting end pieces and bedding material. Preferably the cot assembly holds the end pieces a spaced apart distance, and in one feature allows a side piece to be selectively released. In one embodiment, the end pieces move towards each other to release a side piece, optionally by sliding a side piece through an end piece channel. In one preferred embodiment, the bedding material is mounted to and retained by the end pieces and extends across the interior of the cot to overlap or enclose the side pieces without any gaps between the material, the side pieces and the end pieces. In other embodiments, the invention includes an improved method for attaching the material to the end pieces and an improved cot assembly method. In a preferred option, the bedding material is continuously attached to the end piece along a portion of an end piece. In an alternate optional feature, the end pieces have a curved profile, with a middle portion higher than the end portions.