A growing number of foam manufacturers are offering flexible polyurethane foams (FPF) that meet the stringent guidelines established by the voluntary CertiPUR-US program. The program offers testing, analysis and certification standards for emissions, content and durability for foam used in upholstered furniture and bedding.

To achieve certification, foams undergo laboratory examinations including tests for VOCs and chemical analysis. Products must be manufactured without use of prohibited materials, such as ozone-depleting CFCs, methylene chloride, PBDE fire retardants, lead and mercury.

“We are seeing CertiPUR-US used as a value-added marketing tool to answer the questions of a growing number of consumers who want a greater level of comfort and confidence in the furniture and mattresses they buy,” says Robert Luedeka, executive director of the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam.