When it comes to cushioning materials in bedding and upholstered furniture, CertiPUR-US® certified foam stands out as a mark of quality and trust. If you're seeking flexible foam with durability, performance, and environmental responsibility, look no further than those bearing the CertiPUR-US® certification.
What is CertiPUR-US® Certified Foam?
CertiPUR-US® certification applies exclusively to flexible polyurethane foam used in bedding products, pillows, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. This certification ensures that the foam meets rigorous standards for content, emissions, and durability. Here's what you need to know about certified foam:
Certification Criteria
The certification process is comprehensive, focusing on three main aspects:
- Physical Performance: Ensures the foam maintains its shape and support over time.
- Content Analysis: Verifies that the foam is made without chemicals that have been classified as carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins.
- Emissions: Assesses the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to ensure low indoor air pollution (less than 0.5 ppm).
Only Applies to Flexible Polyurethane Foam:
- Biobased foams
- Conventional foams
- Super-soft foams
- High resilience foams
- Viscoelastic (memory) foams
- Memory foams with gel or glaze
- Molded foams
Note that CertiPUR-US® does not certify latex foam, and the certification applies only to the foam itself, not the entire mattress, pillow, sofa, or chair.
CertiPUR-US® Certified Foam are:
- Made without formaldehyde
- Made without ozone depleters
- Made without phthalates regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Made without mercury, lead and other heavy metals
- Low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million)
- Screened for relevant chemicals, including flame retardants, that are classified as carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins and are harmful to human health
Certification Process
Getting CertiPUR-US® certified is a detailed and thorough process, taking 60-90 days and requiring:
- Prior vetting of each foam producer
- Application submission
- Lab test results from one of four independent, accredited laboratories
- Production line photographs
- Affidavits and declarations on prohibited substances
After initial certification, ongoing compliance is ensured through:
- Certification twice in the first year
- Annual recertification thereafter
- Random on-site verification checks where foam samples are taken from the plant site and analyzed by laboratories to ensure compliance
- CertiPUR-US® program maintains supply chain records to ensure compliance