What Is CertiPUR-US Certification?

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July 28, 2023

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When you shop for a new mattress, you have to consider a wide variety of factors, such as price, comfort level, size, etc. However, many mattress shoppers seem to forget about one other important aspect: safety.

You want a mattress that is not only safe for you, but safe for the environment overall. That’s why, as you’re shopping for the best mattress for yourself, you’ll want to look for a CertiPUR-US Certification, which is a set of guidelines that establish how safe the mattress materials are for you and the environment.

The CertiPUR-US Certification Program

The CertiPUR-US Certification program started in 2008 when certain US-based foam producers were concerned about poorly produced, substandard foams being imported into the country. Many of these imported foams were believed to contain harmful chemicals that could cause cancer or other health issues such as infertility and birth defects. Customers had no way to determine if the foam in their bedding was safe or not.

CertiPUR-US was established so that consumers could be properly armed with the knowledge that their sleep options are safe. This program ensures that mattress foams and foam products, such as flexible polyurethane foam, are independently analyzed in accredited testing laboratories, and that they meet specific safety standards for content, durability, health effects, and emissions.

To learn more about the CertiPUR program, you can visit Certipur’s site.

What it Means to Be CertiPUR-US Certified

A high-quality mattress that is CertiPUR-US Certified means that it contains foams that have passed rigorous testing to establish that it’s safe. But what exactly does “safe” mean?

CertiPUR-US Certified mattress foams are made without:

Ozone depleting components. The ozone layer is an important aspect of the Earth’s atmosphere that protects us from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Certain elements, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), can severely deplete the ozone, and unfortunately, many older mattresses contain such substances. On the plus side, modern mattress manufacturers have discovered a way to create foam mattresses without the need for CFCs and other ozone depleters, which makes them CertiPUR-US compliant.

Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is known for affecting indoor air quality. CertiPUR-US Certified foam mattresses go through a small chamber emission test to verify that they are free of any formaldehyde.

Heavy metals (mercury, lead, etc.). Heavy metals can be found in many items around your home, such as in certain foods, toys, and furniture. CertiPUR-US Certified memory foam mattresses go through extensive laboratory testing, like molecular analysis, to establish that they are free of mercury, lead, and other potentially harmful heavy metals.

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs). Years ago, many mattress foams and other foam products consisted of flame-retarding chemicals known as PBDEs, but this practice was banned in the United States in 2005 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Now, foam mattresses are forbidden from having such flame retardants as PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEPs (Tris) because they may cause cancer or genetic defects in unborn children. A CertiPUR-US Certified mattress is free from all types of harmful PBDE flame-retardants, so you don’t need to worry about safety.

Phthalates. Phthalates are a softening agent that can be found in some mattresses, toys, and other items around the home. In 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Commission passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which forbids the use of eight potentially dangerous phthalates in children’s toys and care items. As part of the CertiPUR-US Certification, mattress foams are required to go through a detailed laboratory analysis to make certain that they are free of all phthalates.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Some of the biggest contributors to air pollution are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Foams that pass CertiPUR-US Certification go through a specialized type of testing where they are conditioned for 72 hours, and then their emissions are measured to determine their effect on the air. Only when a foam has an incredibly low VOC count does it become eligible for CertiPUR-US Certification.

How Does a Mattress Get CertiPUR-US Certified?

Certified foams go through multiple stages of testing to ensure safety. Any mattress company can buy and use CertiPUR-US foam in their beds, but must officially register with CertiPUR-US in order to use the logo in their marketing and product description.

CertiPUR-US Certification is necessary for mattress shoppers who want to put safety above all else. With this certification, you can have peace of mind knowing that your mattress passed an exhaustive certification process to determine that it is eco-friendly, non-toxic, harmful chemical-free, and overall much healthier for you, your family, and the environment.

Conclusion

CertiPUR-US Certified mattresses are a safe and healthy sleep option. While you shop for your new mattress, as you’re looking at the size, mattress materials, and price, don’t forget to also establish whether it’s also safe. With the CertiPUR-US Certification seal, you can rest assured knowing that you have a mattress that isn’t negatively affecting the environment or your own health. If you’re interested in environmentally-friendly, user-safe products, head over to our lists of the best organic mattresses and best latex mattresses.