Sleep on This: Certified Foam Offers Mattress Shoppers a Different Kind of Comfort
Certification Provides Assurance That Foam in Mattresses Meets
Strict Standards for Content, Emissions and Durability
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mattress shopping has never been easy – you can’t look under the hood or
remove the wrapping to inspect what’s inside. Also, the sheer number of
brand names and models makes it difficult to comparison shop.
Fortunately, however, there is a new way for consumers to have
confidence about the flexible polyurethane foam inside their mattress.
The CertiPUR-US®
foam certification program is like a health check-up for foam. The
program is administered by a not-for-profit organization, and was
established to address concerns primarily about substandard foams that
were being imported into the U.S. It was suspected that some of these
foams contained substances that chemical watch groups claim raise
environmental and health issues.
The certification process was developed in collaboration with
environmentalists, consumer advocates, chemists, and bedding and
furniture industry leaders.
CertiPUR-US-certified foams meet strict standards for content, emissions
and durability, and have been tested by an independent laboratory to be
made without ozone depleters; mercury, lead, and heavy metals;
formaldehyde; phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety
Commission; and PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants. The
foams are certified to be low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions
for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million).
According to Executive Director, Mike Crowell, foams that are certified
must be re-certified after six months in the first year, and annually
thereafter. In addition, the organization does random verification
testing of foam samples.
“Judging from the number of calls we receive, it’s apparent that foam
certification is becoming a significant consideration for people who are
shopping for home products such as mattresses, pillows, sofas and
upholstered chairs,” explains Crowell. “It’s gratifying to see how the
program has raised the bar for foam. We’re proud of that.”
Crowell says one of the strengths of the program is its transparency.
“Consumers can find everything about the program on our website
including details on our Technical Guidelines and criteria for
certification, testing methods, and more.”
To find the 450 companies and brands offering bedding and upholstered
furniture products containing certified foam, visit www.certipur.us.
The CertiPUR-US®
foam certification program is administered by a not-for-profit
organization.
Contacts
CertiPUR-US program
Helen Sullivan, 703-606-7622
hsullivan@certipur.us
Hi-res
photos available
