In this post: we review CertiPUR-US® certification and why it's a great label to look for when shopping for home products made with foam.
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One of the things that can be frustrating about trying to find sustainable items for your home is that some of the most important aspects are difficult to see. That is certainly the case with foam cushioning which can contain invisible but harmful substances that contribute to an array of health problems. And while many countries have regulations guiding the safety of these products, as the places where home goods can be made continues to expand, it can be harder to accurately assess how safely a product was made.
That’s where CertiPUR-US® comes in.
In the past two decades, the CertiPUR-US® certification program has established a comprehensive set of standards that provide assurance and peace of mind when you're shopping for safe upholstered furniture and mattresses for your home.
How CertiPUR-US® began
The nonprofit Certipur-US® organization was created in 2008 in response to an influx of low quality foam imports. Some of these imported foams contained substances that had been banned or deemed potentially harmful by chemical watchdog groups and regulatory bodies with the US. This alarming situation prompted a coalition of foam manufacturers, environmentalists, academics, industry experts, consumer advocates, and chemists to take action.
The details of CertiPUR-US® standards
The CertiPUR-US® certification program is widely regarded as the industry's most stringent and comprehensive certification for foams. While the CertiPUR-US® program started in the United States, its influence has extended beyond domestic borders. The program currently encompasses foam producers from various countries worldwide, ensuring that certified foams adhere to the same standards regardless of where they come from.
To earn the CertiPUR-US® seal, foams must undergo rigorous testing by independent, accredited laboratories and meet standards in a few key areas:
Emission Control
- Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality, with a maximum limit of 0.5 parts per million.
- Formaldehyde-free formulations, eliminating the presence of this known indoor air pollutant.
Restricted Substances
- No ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), in adherence to the Montreal Protocol, a global agreement that helps protect our important ozone layer.
- Exclusion of phthalates regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Phthalates are chemicals that have been shown to have potential negative health effects.
- No heavy metals, including mercury and lead, which can pose health risks.
Screening for Harmful Chemicals
- Rigorous screening for relevant chemicals, including flame retardants, classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic by the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
Testing for durability
- Stringent durability tests to ensure the longevity and performance of certified foams.
Verification and Accountability
- Certified foams are subject to random verification testing, and program representatives conduct virtual and on-site visits to participating foam production plants to obtain samples for compliance testing at the program's expense.
- Companies claiming to use CertiPUR-US® certified foams in their products must provide verification to the program, ensuring transparency and preventing misuse of the certification logo.
What products can be CertiPUR-US® certified?
CertiPUR-US® is a certification program that applies to flexible foam products. These products are commonly used in:
Mattresses
Memory foam and other types of foam mattresses can be CertiPUR-US certified.
Upholstered furniture
Sofas, chairs, and other furniture with foam cushions.
Recreational products
Foam used in products such as camping pads and other similar items.
Mattress toppers
Foam toppers that add an extra layer of comfort to mattresses.
Pet beds
Foam beds designed for pets.
Pillows
Foam pillows, including memory foam and other types of foam-filled pillows.
Brands with CertiPUR-US® certified components
Great news! There are a lot of companies now certifying their foam products. A few of our favorites include:
- Room & Board – All Room & Board mattresses are made by a Minnesota-based company called Restwell which uses CertiPUR-US® certified foam. They also offer many sofas and upholstered products that use CertiPUR-US® foam.
- Medley – Medley offers the option of CertiPUR-US® certified foam for its upholstered products.
- Inside Weather – Inside Weather's products use CertiPUR-US® certified foam made out of recycled plastic bottles. (approximately 400 bottles per sofa!)
- GreenRow – GreenRow offers a number of products with CertiPUR-US® certification including sofas, cribs, and chairs.
For a full list of companies who participate in CertiPUR-US® certification, visit the CertiPUR-US® directory.
Look for biobased foams for reduced petroleum usage
In 2023, the CertiPUR-US® program expanded its scope to include certified biobased foams derived from renewable biological sources, such as plant oils, instead of traditional petroleum-based sources. These innovative foams, which contain a minimum of 25% biobased content derived from renewable agricultural materials, undergo additional testing and analysis by accredited laboratories specializing in biobased product certification.
Including bio-based foams in the CertiPUR-US® program aligns with the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) initiatives to increase the development, purchase, and use of biobased products, which reduces the need for petroleum and promotes the use of renewable resources.
Make sure to research non-foam components, too
Certifications like CertiPUR-US® are a great way to quickly find healthier items for your home. They are an excellent first step and we recommend doing some additional inquiry with the manufacturer once you’ve narrowed down your choices.
While certifications quite often point to better products, no one certification is perfect. A case in point: shopping for a mattress. Looking for the CertiPUR-US logo can help you find mattresses that use a safer foam, but there are other components used in the construction of that mattress that you’ll want to know about. Elements such as the mattress cover can contain harmful substances like fiberglass that are out of scope for a foam certification. While it looks like fiberglass in mattresses will soon be banned in California, it highlights the importance of asking as many questions as possible of a manufacturer to make sure the finished product is safe for your home.
Conclusion: CertiPUR-US® is a great shortcut to finding healthier foam products
Looking for the CertiPUR-US® certification is a great way to help you find high-quality, safe, and eco-friendly products for your home. As we all become increasingly conscious of the materials and substances present in our homes, the CertiPUR-US® seal serves as another tool to help us make informed choices that prioritize health, safety, and environmental responsibility.
FAQs about CertiPUR-US® certification
CertiPUR-US® is a certification program for flexible polyurethane foam used in bedding and upholstered furniture. This program is administered by a nonprofit organization and ensures that certified foams meet rigorous standards for content, emissions, and durability. The certification process includes thorough analysis by independent, accredited laboratories.
The CertiPUR-US® certification has empowered consumers by providing a reliable compass for navigating the often-confusing world of foam products. By seeking out the CertiPUR-US® seal, we’re all able to make informed decisions, confident that the foam components in our mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture meet stringent standards for content, emissions, and durability.
By choosing products containing CertiPUR-US® certified foam, you can enjoy the following advantages:
- Assurance that the products tested meet stringent and specific safety standards.
- Reduced exposure to harmful substances and indoor air pollutants.
- Support for environmentally responsible practices and sustainability initiatives.
- Peace of mind knowing that the foam components have undergone rigorous testing and analysis.
- Confidence in the rigorousness and accuracy of the certification process.
If you are looking for assurance that a mattress or piece of upholstered furniture is safe for your home, the CertiPUR-US® certification is a great first step. But like all certifications, it can only tell you about the aspect of the product that is qualified to verify. Since products like mattresses and sofas contain many different components, you’ll want to inquire more with the manufacturer about the safety of those other parts. (To learn more about finding a sustainable sofa, check out our sustainable sofa article.)
In addition, if you’re concerned about the eco-friendliness of the foam product you are purchasing, you’ll want to make sure that you are considering bio-based foams. While CertiPUR-US® certifies both latex and bio-based foams, latex foams are made of petroleum which is not a renewable resource.
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