Mattress Safety Standards

United States
Mattresses sold in the United States are potentially subject to a number of federal safety standards administrated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). For example, they must meet two federal flammability standards codified at 16 CFR Parts 1632 and 1633. These standards apply to both new mattresses and renovated mattresses.

In addition to these federal flammability standards, certain types of children's mattresses must also meet new lead and phthalates content limits, as well as other existing safety standards that address choking and sharp points hazards. Mattress manufacturers and importers must issue certificates of conformity, identifying which relevant CPSC standards the products meet. Mattress manufacturers and importers have a duty to promptly report certain product defects and other problems to the Commission.

Finally, the CPSC also administers several safety standards for other children's bedroom products that could indirectly affect mattresses.

In addition to mattresses, the CPSC and California have initiated rulemaking proceedings to determine whether to set flammability standards for bedclothes (that is, top-of-bed accessories, such as pillows, blankets, comforters, etc.).

Canada
Mattresses sold, imported or advertised in Canada must resist ignition by a smoldering cigarette when tested in accordance with Method 27.7-1979 of CAN 2-4.2 M77, Textile Test Methods - Combustion Resistance of Mattresses - Cigarette Test. Method 22.7-1979 of CAN 2-4.2 M77 is similar to the CPSC's smoldering cigarette standard in 16 CFR Part 1632 in that both involve measuring the distance of charring or melting from the point of ignition and continued combustion after exposure to a lit cigarette that burns along its entire length, but the test methods are different.

In addition, Health Canada's Consumer Product Safety Bureau has requested comments on whether to make a voluntary open-flame test method developed by Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC) mandatory for all mattresses sold, imported or advertised in Canada. The voluntary ULC standard, entitled Standard Method of Test for Fire Growth of Mattresses (Open Flame Test), CAN/ULC-S137, became effective in July 2007. In developing S137, ULC intended for it to be equivalent to 16 CFR Part 1633.

ISPA has submitted comments on this matter to HC which were developed in consultation with the Sleep Products Safety Council and the ISPA Government Relations Committee, urging harmonization with the U.S. standard. Health Canada also regulates the fire performance of bedclothes under Item 13 of Part I of Schedule I to the Hazardous Products Act, which references test method CAN/CGSB 4.2 NO. 27.5-94, entitled Textile Test Methods – Flame Resistance – 45° Angle Test – One Second Flame Impingement.

How to Notify Authorities About Violations of CPSC's Standards
Do you have reason to think that some companies (including mattress renovators) are not complying with Parts 1632 or 1633, or other CPSC requirements? The CPSC accepts complaints from industry about companies that are suspected of violating safety standards.

You may submit such complaints through the CPSC’s website, as well as by phone and anonymous letters. Use the following links and other contact information to notify the CPSC about such concerns:

Report Unsafe Consumer Products

CPSC Hotline:
1-800-638-CPSC or 1-800-638-2772

Mailing address:
Office of Compliance and Field Operations
Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814

ISPA Urges CPSC to Increase Public Education of Part 1633 Requirements
ISPA met with CPSC staff to discuss ways to promote compliance with Part 1633 among mattress renovators and resellers. As part of the discussion, ISPA suggested that CPSC undertake a joint campaign with ISPA to educate the public on the requirements of 1633 and the importance of purchasing compliant mattresses, including those that are used or have been renovated.  Working with the Sleep Products Safety Council, ISPA has submitted a proposal for a public education program to the CPSC.