What are the CPSC standards for the flammability of mattresses?

Home :: What are the CPSC standards for the flammability of mattresses?

The CPSC flammability standards for mattresses exist to reduce the risk of injury, death and property damage from fires caused by lighted cigarettes. The standards apply to all mattress in size crib and larger. Small baby mattresses for cradles, bassinets, co-sleepers, Moses baskets, changing tables, etc. are exempt. To comply, mattresses must pass ignition-resistance tests. Most commonly, chemical flame retardants are added to mattresses to make them resistant to ignition.

Historically, conventional mattress manufacturers have used antimony, PBDEs, PCBs, borates and many other flame retardants. The adverse health and environmental effects of many of these materials are well-known and have led to some of them being banned (such as PBDEs in the EU). Natural and organic mattress manufacturers often use wool, which has natural flame-resistant properties, but is undesirable for many reasons, including its large environmental footprint, allergenic properties, and animal rights concerns.

In my experience, the risk of injury from fire can be greatly minimized by using good fire-prevention practices (see tips at the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) website), and I also firmly believe that the health/environmental risks of chemical flame retardants outweigh their benefits. If you live in a place where you share walls with your neighbors (such as an apartment, condo, or duplex), the risk of fire may be greater and this must be considered. Ultimately you and your physician must make the decision about what is best for your family.

Vegan, organic mattresses made without wool or flame retardants are available by prescription only. A "one of a kind" exemption is permitted if the mattress is manufactured in accordance with a physician's written prescription.

NOTE: Naturepedic's vegan, organic cotton mattresses do NOT require a prescription because Naturepedic's non-toxic, natural fire protection meets CPSC standards.

Prescription Requirements for Futons

For the purposes of the regulation in the USA (where our futons are made), the prescription must be written by a qualified "physician" (a medical doctor (M.D.), osteopath (D.O.), or chiropractor (D.C.) licensed to practice medicine anywhere in the United States).
The prescription may be written for anyone in the home (for example, if you purchase a crib futon, the prescription can be in the mother's name instead of the infant's).
The prescription must specify that the individual requires a "chemical-free" AND "wool-free" mattress.

Prescription Requirements for Mattresses

For the purposes of the regulation in Canada (where our mattresses are made), the prescription must be written by a medical doctor (M.D.) licensed to practice medicine anywhere in the United States.
The prescription may be written for anyone in the home (for example, if you purchase a crib futon, the prescription can be in the mother's name instead of the infant's).
The prescription must specify that the individual requires a "chemical-free" AND "wool-free" mattress.

Please obtain your prescription BEFORE you place your order with us, as we are unable to even begin working on your futon/mattress until we have received your prescription. Once you have placed your order, we will email you instructions on how to send your prescription to us by email, fax or mail.

For more information, see the CPSC STANDARD FOR THE FLAMMABILITY OF MATTRESSES AND MATTRESS PADS.

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