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FAQs For your reference, we've assembled answers to the most common consumer questions about mattress and bedroom safety. Click a question to read its answer. If you have a question that's not addressed here, you can email it to us at SPSC Media, and we will respond to you promptly.
Are there any federal regulations in place for mattress manufacturers regarding flammability? Yes. The 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard requires that all mattresses manufactured or sold in the United States be resistant to ignition by a lighted cigarette. This flammability standard has been quite successful. In addition, the Sleep Products Safety Council (SPSC) continues to work with regulators to develop effective, workable standards that make mattresses safer. Read more about SPSC's Prevention and Safety Efforts.
Yes. Any mattress purchased prior to the 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard should be replaced. Local retailers can provide information on proper disposal of old mattresses. In fact, many retailers who deliver mattresses will pick up and dispose of your old mattress free of charge.
What are good storage areas for unused mattresses? Unless a mattress is currently being used as part of a bedroom set, it should be properly disposed of. Most people don't realize what a potential fire hazard extra mattresses can be when they are stored in crawlspaces, basements, attics, and garages – especially if they're near oily rags, gasoline, and other flammable materials. When it comes to mattresses and fire safety: If you're no longer dozing on them, dispose of them.
Where can I dispose of my mattress properly? Call your local sanitation department – many counties have dumps or landfills that accept large household trash and appliances. If you are buying a new mattress, check with your retailer – many will pick up and dispose of your old mattress when they deliver your new one.
How can I know for sure that my mattress complies with the Federal Mattress Flammability Standard? The best way is to know when and where your mattress was manufactured. All mattresses made or sold in the United States after 1973 must comply with this standard. To help inform consumers, the Sleep Products Safety Council began a voluntary hangtag program in 1987. Along with showing that a mattress complies with the flammability standard, these hangtags also provide important safety information. They are typically attached to the mattress, itself, or included with the purchase information handed out by retailers. The hangtags are now available in two versions: English/Spanish and English/French..
What is the Sleep Products Safety Council safety hangtag? It's an informational tag that manufacturers typically attach to residential mattresses. It warns consumers of potential fire and safety hazards that may result from the improper use of sleep products, and it offers guidance for home fire protection and actions that should be taken if a fire occurs. In addition, the tag shows that a mattress complies with the Federal Mattress Flammability Standard.
How can I protect my family in case of a mattress fire? The best measure you can take is to replace any mattresses in your home that were made before 1973, the year the Federal Mattress Flammability Standard went into effect. And be sure to get rid of old mattresses; they are a fire hazard when kept in garages, basements, attics, or other storage areas. There are also other important steps you can take to protect your family, which include having working smoke detectors and a fire escape plan.
How can I educate my family about fire safety? The For Grown-ups and For Teachers areas of our site have games, interactive quizzes, and other terrific ways to educate your family. In addition, the U.S. Fire Administration's Web site offers fact sheets, publications, games, and a directory of additional resources.
What should I do if my new mattress has an odor? Much like new cars, mattresses sometimes have a "new mattress" odor. Often, you can remedy it by letting the mattress air out before putting on sheets or other bedding. While there is no set amount of time for airing out a new mattress, the longer, the better. However, if the odor does not dissipate within 24 hours, contact your retailer to request an exchange.
Earlier this year, stories about new-mattress odor caused by improperly formulated foam were in the news. Unlike the standard odor described in the previous answer, this new-mattress odor was described as "musty or mildewy." The improperly formulated foam was not harmful, but mattress retailers and manufacturers acted immediately to remedy the situation. The particular batch of improperly formulated foam was quickly identified and eliminated from stores, factories, and warehouses. If you believe that you have one of these mattresses, contact the retailer that you purchased it from to request an exchange.
I recently heard a report on the dangers of babies sleeping in adult beds. Why is this hazardous? Parents often think that if they push a big bed up against the wall – or put pillows along the sides of the bed – their babies will be safe as they sleep. This is not true. There are many potential hazards of adult beds for infants, and several deaths have been reported. Read more about Hidden Hazards for Babies in Adult Beds.
The mattress industry is aware of those reports and shares your concerns about these chemicals. These reports cite the presence of certain PBDEs in the breast milk of nursing mothers but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has evaluated all available scientific information has concluded that PBDEs do not pose an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment. EPA also announced that it "does not believe that there is a need to remove or replace products that may contain these chemicals." To find out more on this subject, please click here. (PBDE statement).
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