Atlanta–based Simmons Bedding Co. says that all of the polyurethane foams in the company’s mattress lines have earned the CertiPUR–US certification seal, verifying that the foams are low–VOC and free from CFCs. The certified foam products are made without PBDE fire retardants, lead, mercury, formaldehyde, prohibited phthalates and other potentially harmful materials.
“Consumers today are paying very close attention to what’s inside the products they purchase—whether it’s food, toys, paint, furniture or bedding,” said Anne Kozel, brand director of Simmons’ specialty sleep division.
In a recent survey, Simmons found that almost two–thirds of consumers were “very” or “extremely” concerned about the health and safety of the products they buy.
To achieve the CertiPUR–US certification, foams are sent to an independent, third–party lab for durability and indoor air quality emissions testing, as well as a content analysis.
The foams must meet the environmental, health and safety standards described in the “U.S. Voluntary Physical Performance and Environmental Certification Guidelines for Flexible Polyurethane Foam for Use in Furniture and Bedding Items.”
A team of industry leaders, scientists and environmental experts contributed to the creation of the standards while developing the CertiPUR–US program for the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, a foam industry trade organization based in Loudon, Tenn.
