“It’s going to save a lot of lives, prevent a lot of injuries from mattress fires, and we’re proud of that.”
- Hal Stratton, Chairman of the CPSC, after the unanimous vote to adopt the new mattress standard for open-flame ignition
Quick Facts about the New Standard:
- Effective July 1, 2007
- May save as many as 270 lives and prevent 1,330 injuries per year
- Gives people more time to escape from fires started by things such as lighters, matches, and candles
- Does not reduce mattress comfort, durability or affordability
On February 16, 2006, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) unanimously approved one of the most important safety standards passed by the CPSC in the agency’s history. A national open-flame mattress flammability standard will go into effect on July 1, 2007.
Representing a significant improvement in product safety, the rule addresses mattress fires ignited by open-flame sources, including lighters, matches, and candles. This new rule builds upon the success of a similar mattress-flammability standard adopted in California in 2005, as well as a long-standing federal regulation focused on cigarette ignition.
How the Standard Works
Much time and research went into developing test methods to support the new standard. Learn about the science behind the standard and how new products pass the test and may save lives. >More
A History of Safety
The story of the new mattress standard is a study in public-private partnership, all working toward the goal of establishing standards that enhance product safety. See how mattress standards and industry efforts have evolved and improved bedroom safety over recent decades. >More
Additional Resources
Helpful links to more information on the federal open-flame mattress standard. >More
