Mattress Testing, Safety and Flammability Services

Overview

Mattresses are used between six to nine hours a night. It is important that they perform as expected while keeping consumers safe in regards to chemical and flammability hazards. We offer a number of services to help manufacturers meet regulations and customer expectations.

Benefits of our mattress testing services

We provide flammability, chemical emissions and content testing for mattresses, bedding and mattress pads, safety certifications for motorized and heated bedding products, as well as GREENGUARD Certification, which help manufacturers and retailers bring safer, quality products to the market, and meet regulatory requirements.

16 CFR 1632 and 1633

Federal flammability standards require manufacturers that sell mattresses in the U.S. meet rigorous flammability requirements to 16 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1632 and 1633. Our global network of laboratories can test to a variety of local and international flammability test methods. Test methods for flammability testing include reaction to heat, small flame, radiance plates, and cigarette and match tests.

Mattress testing standards

We can test mattresses and futons to the current editions of the following global testing protocols and standards:

• Federal Standard 16 CFR 1632, Requirements, Test Procedures and Apparatus for Testing the Resistance of a Mattress or Mattress Pad to Combustion Which May Result from a Smoldering Cigarette
• Federal Standard 16 CFR 1633, Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets
• Boston Fire Department (BFD) IX-11, Boston Fire Department Mattress Fire Test
• California Technical Bulletin (CAL TB) 129, Flammability Test Procedure for Mattresses for Use in Public Buildings
• CAL TB 603, California Requirements and Test Procedure for Resistance of a Residential Mattress/Box Spring Set to a Large Open-Flame (preempted by 16 CFR 1633 in July 2007)
• ASTM E1590, Standard Test Method for Fire Testing of Mattresses
• European Norm (EN) 597, Furniture, Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases
• Italian Ministerial Decree (D.M.) 26/06/1984, Reaction to Fire Classification and Fire Prevention Homologation of Materials (UNI 9175-CLASS 1.IM)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films
• Upholstered Furniture Action Council (UFAC), Filling/Padding Component Test Method: Part A – For Slab or Garneted Materials

Performance testing

Mattress performance testing is designed to determine how mattresses wear over time, so that manufacturers can evaluate long-term performance, comfort and safety. We can evaluate static loads, and conduct impact and durability testing all to widely used, internationally recognized testing standards.

Mechanical tests

To verify that beds do not have sharp edges or crushing points, and can handle mechanical stresses during their lifetime, we can perform mechanical tests for static loads, impact tests and durability tests. These tests are required by EN 1725, Domestic Furniture – Beds and Mattresses – Safety Requirements and Test Methods.

Softness and durability testing

We can perform tests to measure the load/deflection curve of a new mattress or bed set and determine the initial hardness value (H) and firmness rating (Hs), which are required in the European standard EN 1957, Furniture – Beds and Mattresses – Test Methods for the Determination of Functional Characteristics and Assessment Criteria.

Loss of height

Mattresses can also be measured for loss of height after the cycles. After testing, the mattress is inspected to see if any damage to seams, springs, and displacement in filling material or other deterioration has occurred. Measuring mattresses is difficult due to their soft, flexible nature. We can perform mattress measurements according to EN 1334, Domestic Furniture – Beds and Mattresses- Methods of Measurement and Recommended Tolerances. Mattress dimension are measured using special pads, applied with a specified force, to have reliable results.

Finally, we can test textiles for seam strength, color fastness and durability.

We are a leading provider of safety certifications for bedding products that have motorized or temperature control components. Certifying products to UL 962, the Standard for Household and Commercial Products, tests and certifies that products meet safety standards and perform safely while in use. If you are interested in how the UL Safety Certification process works, view the typical procedure and other customer resources.

Ensuring ongoing compliance in supply chains

We work with manufacturers to verify that ongoing production consistently meets compliance requirements through our Follow-Up Services (FUS), which audit component suppliers a minimum of four times per year. Additionally, our recognized component program helps you demonstrate consistency in the products you provide to customers.

Safety certification

In addition to flammability and chemical content and emissions testing, we are a leading provider of safety certifications for bedding products that have motorized or temperature control components. Certifying products to UL 962, the Standard for Household and Commercial Products, tests and certifies that products meet safety standards and perform safely while in use.

GREENGUARD Certification

Increasingly, the health attributes of products is becoming a concern to consumers. We are a provider of GREENGUARD Certification, which tests products for chemical emissions that contribute to poor indoor air quality and negative health effects. We can also test products for international and regional emissions and materials requirements, such as European Union (EU) Ecolabel and California Proposition 65 for chemical content and emissions.

Choose UL Solutions for your mattress safety and performance testing

We have been testing for public safety since 1894 and are a leader in fire, chemical and performance testing for mattresses and bedding.