What is CertiPUR-US®?
When memory foam mattresses first came on the scene, the majority of them were made from imported polyurethane foam. Unfortunately, a lot of that foam contained dangerous chemicals and substances that are banned in the U.S.
As a result, a nonprofit organization was formed to create CertiPUR-US®,a testing, analysis, and foam certification program to verify the safety of the foams used in mattresses and other furniture. The organization includes foam manufacturers, environmentalists, consumer groups, chemists, and other experts, and it is considered to be the industry’s most diligent and challenging certification program.
All foam used in a certified CertiPUR-US® mattress must undergo rigorous testing to ensure that it is made without:
Ozone depleters: chemicals called CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) that can harm the ozone layer.
PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP: chemical flame retardants that have been shown to negatively affect both the environment and your health.
Heavy metals: mercury, lead, and other heavy metals are incredibly dangerous, and CertiPUR-US® testing can detect even tiny trace amounts.
Formaldehyde: even low levels of this preservative can be highly toxic and cause poor indoor air quality.
Toxic phthalates: these are softening agents, and there are eight that are specifically prohibited by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The foam also has to have low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions, meeting the standards for indoor air quality. This means that it won’t release harmful gases into your home.
The organization updates its CertiPUR-US® mattress foam testing requirements regularly to stay in line with the latest scientific and environmental health standards.
And it’s not just a one-time certification. All CertiPUR-US® mattress foams must pass certification testing twice in the first year and annually going forward. They can also be subject to random testing at any time to help ensure consistent compliance.
Benefits of CertiPUR-US® Mattresses
What does this mean for you, and why should you look for a CertiPUR-US® mattress? First, a CertiPUR-US® mattress certification tells you that the foam in your mattress has undergone rigorous testing and meets the standards for manufacturing, content, and emissions. That way, you can be confident that your mattress is free from harmful chemicals and high VOC emissions that may cause health issues.
Second, it assures you that your mattress is made from durable, quality foam, so you can get the maximum lifespan out of your investment. In fact, high-quality memory foam mattresses last up to five years longer than traditional innerspring mattresses.
Third, a CertiPUR-US® mattress is better for the environment, since the foam is made without ozone depleters, flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde, or phthalates, and has low VOC emissions. This means that the manufacturing process was more environmentally friendly and that the mattress won’t be detrimental to the environment when it’s time to get rid of your mattress.
How to Tell If Your Mattress is CertiPUR-US® Certified
Now comes the important part—how to make sure you’re getting a genuine CertiPUR-US® mattress. You can start by looking for this logo on the mattress, display, online description, or other marketing materials.
CertiPUR-US® has strict rules regarding who can use its logo. But of course, some companies may misrepresent their products, so you can also verify the authenticity of any CertiPUR-US® mattress certification using the CertiPUR-US® Directory. You can search by company or brand to check out their current certifications.
Rest Easy with Leesa CertiPUR-US® Certified Mattresses!
We support your health and the health of the environment—that’s why all of the foams used in our Leesa mattresses are CertiPUR-US® certified. No harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or high VOC emissions here!
Whether you like firm support or being cradled by a cloud, we have a safe, tested mattress that will give you your best night’s sleep every night. So if you’re ready for a new mattress that meets the most rigorous standards for safety and quality, check out our Leesa Sapira Hybrid or Leesa Original, or take our mattress quiz to find the perfect bed for you.
