Fire Safety

After years of collaboration with the sleep industry, the Consumer Product Safety Commission made the move to require more stringent fire performance criteria for mattresses made and sold in the US July 1, 2007. This means there will be a tighter national standard to make mattresses safer for consumers. Testing requirements are more stringent, calling for mattresses to be more resistant to igniting from contact with open flames from matches, lighters and candles. The idea is that you'll get a few more minutes to escape from the fire and call 911 and hopefully save your life and the lives of your family.

No more differing regulations from state to state as there is a uniform standard set. In fact, California has proven to be the leader here, as the new standards are based on scientific research used to establish that state's tough mattress criteria. The manufacturers and importers will also need to keep documentation showing testing and compliance.

Kids playing with matches or sleepy smokers are still at risk but the idea is that the mattress won't ignite rapidly, and lives will be saved. It's a good thing.