CertiPUR-US
Technical Guidelines for Flexible Polyurethane Foam
CertiPUR-US Technical Criteria
Technical review of CertiPUR-US environmental chamber testing, 0.5 mg/m3 TVOC ceiling, and prohibited chemical lists.
CertiPUR-US is an independent certification standard for flexible polyurethane foam used in bedding. Certified foams are tested in dynamic environmental chambers to ensure total volatile organic compound (TVOC) emissions do not exceed 0.5 mg/m3 after a 72-hour exposure. The standard strictly prohibits ozone depleters, PBDE and Tris flame retardants, mercury, lead, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates regulated by the CPSC.
Enforces a strict TVOC emission ceiling of less than 0.5 mg/m3 measured in test chambers.
Prohibits halogenated chemical flame retardants (PBDEs, TDCPP, TCEP).
Bans ozone depleters, formaldehyde, phthalates, and heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic).
Explore an example related to this answer.
Inspect the physical law label tag, decode the state Uniform Registry Number (URN), and review certified material percentages under CPSC 16 CFR Part 1633.
Under FTC 16 CFR Part 303 and IABFLO uniform law label standards, bedding manufacturers must disclose exact net filling weights using standardized generic fiber terms. Marketing buzzwords are prohibited under federal penalty.
UNDER PENALTY OF LAW THIS TAG NOT TO BE REMOVED EXCEPT BY THE CONSUMER
ALL NEW MATERIAL CONSISTING OF
Certification is made by the manufacturer that the materials in this article are described in accordance with law.
Specifications
Values and benchmarks recorded for this question.
| Specification | Measured value | Benchmark | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| TVOC Emission Limit | < 0.5 mg/m3 (Chamber Tested) | Strict Volatile Ceiling | pass |
| PBDE / Tris Flame Retardants | 0% Prohibited Across All Foams | Zero Halogenated Additives | pass |
| Formaldehyde Limit | < 0.1 ppm in 24-Hour Chamber | Near Zero Detection | pass |
| Heavy Metals (Pb, Hg, As) | Not Detected (Strict Ban) | Zero Toxic Metals | pass |
Standards reference: Benchmarks derived from ASTM D3574 (flexible cellular foam), CPSC 16 CFR 1633 (open flame flammability), and clinical capillary closing thresholds (32.0 mmHg).
Checklist
Step-by-step physical inspection procedure for flame barrier integrity and law label compliance.
Look for the registered CertiPUR-US logo or certification statement on the mattress tag.
Watch for: Beware of unaccredited brands claiming 'made with CertiPUR foams' without a license number.
Search the CertiPUR-US online directory to confirm the brand is an active licensee.
Watch for: Never buy uncertified polyfoam mattresses shipped directly from unregulated overseas mills.
Verify that all internal foam strata (comfort, transition, base) are certified.
Watch for: Avoid beds where only the top 1-inch layer is certified while core foams remain unverified.
Sources
Read the source documents behind the thresholds, measurements, and policy details used here.
CertiPUR-US
CertiPUR-US Technical Criteria
ASTM International
ASTM D5116