Sleep Safer: A fire resistant mattress can save your life

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Effective July 2007, mattress sets are required to meet the federal safety standard for open-flame fire resistance. Protection from cigarette ignition has been in place for more than 30 years.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) rules buy you and your family more time to escape before the fire gets out of control. Many mattress fires are caused by children playing with open flames such as candles, lighters and matches or when candles are left unattended.

The mattress label must show that the mattress meets federal mattress flammability requirements.

Mattress label example (USgov)

Reducing Deaths and injuries from mattress fires

S.L.E.E.P. Facts:

S-Standard for open-flame mattress flammability is mandatory for mattress sets sold in the United States

L-Limits the intensity of a mattress fire.

E-Estimated to save as many as 270 lives every year and prevent as many as 1,330 injuries each year, when fully effective.

E-Every mattress is required to have a label that states the mattress set meets the federal standard.

P-Provides more escape time for consumers.

Frequently asked questions:

Why is the mattress regulation necessary?

The federal open-flame flammability standard for mattresses is necessary because it will save lives and prevent injuries and property damage by providing more fire resistance. However, increased fire resistance does not mean there is no fire risk. CPSC urges consumers to never smoke in bed, be careful with candles and keep cigarettes and lighters away from children.

How do I know if my mattress complies?

Look for the required label on the mattress set to make sure it complies with the open-flame standard.

Does CPSC require manufacturers to use fire-retardant chemicals?

No. CPSC does not require mattress manufacturers to use fire-retardant chemicals or any other specific technology to meet the requirements of the standard. There are compliant mattress sets available that do not use fire-retardant chemicals.

Will the mattress set look and feel the same?

Mattress sets that comply with federal flammability standards shouldn’t look or feel any different and shouldn’t be any less comfortable.

Contact the manufacturer if you have questions or need additional information.

A conventional mattress is in flames in just a few minutes compared to a mattress that complies with the federal open-flame standard on the right.

CPSC Fire Safety Tips:

*Don’t smoke in bed.

*Don’t allow kids to play with candles lighters or smoking materials.

*Don’t fall asleep while a candle is burning.

*Do extinguish candles before you leave the room.

*Do have working smoke alarms on each level of your home and in every bedroom.

*In case of a fire, call 911 from a safe place.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

4330 East West Highway

Bethesda, MD 20814

Phone: (800) 638-2772

Web: http://www.cpsc.gov

Email: info@cpsc.gov

https://www.cpsc.gov/

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission pamphlet on mattress safety, and I give them full credit for the information. Please go to the attached website for more information.