Is CertiPUR foam safe?

The CertiPUR certification is everywhere right now— and it claims to be a healthier version of the polyurethane foam used in couches and mattresses. It sounds healthy — it has “PUR” in it, after all. But, it’s a little more complicated than it sounds. The certification was actually created by foam manufacturers themselves (specifically, the Alliance for Flexible Foam).

That kind of conflict of interest is a red flag, and it’s a classic example of health-washing. Essentially, all of their foam qualifies.

Although it does limit the use of some heavy metals, phthalates, and flame retardants in the creation of their foam, it doesn’t restrict all of them. And, it only applies to each individual foam layer, meaning all of the glues and encasements around it can still have the concerning chemicals.

There is reason to be skeptical. That said, some awareness and progress is still progress. While Interior Medicine does list some CertiPUR foam -containing couches, we don’t list mattresses, since you spend 26 years of your life sleeping.

Check them out here.