Fire Retardants in Mattresses

Here at Nature's Embrace, we are your go-to latex mattress experts in Canada. Allow us to break things down for you so you can gain a better understanding of fire retardants in mattresses to help you decide which is best for your needs and preferences. 

If you search online for information about fire retardants in mattresses, you'll likely find yourself inundated with negative information about the potential dangers of various chemicals. While it is natural to want to protect yourself from noxious chemicals as much as possible, especially while you are sleeping, much of the information is presented in a prejudiced manner.

Many of the commonly referenced fire retardants are no longer used. While it is true that these were potentially harmful chemicals were used in the past, there are no known users of these compounds in Canada and only low-cost imported polyurethane foams may contain them. The reality is that most mattresses made in Canada are perfectly safe.

That being said, just because most mattresses are safe doesn't mean that they are all the same. A wide range of materials can serve as fire retardants, including natural fire retardants like wool. Before we get into that, though, let's take a look at current mattress flammability standards in Canada. 

Fire Retardant Standards for Mattresses in Canada 

Much of the information you'll find online about fire safety in mattresses is based on American standards and written by biased sources. While there are a few similarities, Canadian regulations are quite different. The only similarity is that all mattresses must include some form of fire retardant. This is required by law, so any manufacturer that claims their mattresses do not contain any fire retardants are misleading you in some way.

In order to pass regulations set forth in the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, all mattresses must undergo flammability testing. In the United States, mattresses must be able to withstand open flame from a blowtorch. Here in Canada, on the other hand, we rely on a cigarette-burn test. Only mattresses that can past the test to prove their safety can be legally sold to Canadian consumers. Health Canada regularly enforces the CCPSA with random testing and any mattress that fails is subject to recall.

Exceptions to Mattress Fire Safety Standards 

It is not possible to simply request a mattress without fire retardants, as this is in violation of Canadian law. The only way to legally purchase a fire-retardant-free mattress is with a verified medical need. You'll need to have a prescription from your doctor to authorize a mattress manufacturer to accommodate your special request. The manufacturer will keep your doctor's authorization in their records should Health Canada request to verify it during a routine inspection. 

The Nature's Embrace Difference 

We are fully committed to providing our customers with the safest, highest-quality and most comfortable mattresses possible. We aim to accomplish this while also employing environmentally safe, sustainable processes in manufacturing our natural, organic latex mattresses. 

All our mattresses are made from GOLS certified organic latex foam. The foam itself does not contain any fire-retardants, so we have to protect our mattresses in other ways. While 100-percent cotton is a popular choice for mattress covers, if used alone it must be treated heavily with chemical fire retardants in order to pass safety regulations.

Instead, our 100% organic cotton fabric, certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), is quilted with wool to enhance fire-resistance in the most natural way possible. Unfortunately, this method is an expensive solution, which is why we reserve it for the pure organic mattresses at the top of our range. For the more budget-minded, we offer many latex mattresses that are just as safe and comfortable as our organic varieties. 

Instead of cotton and wool, though, these covers are made from a blend of polyester and cellulose fiber, such as Bamboo Rayon or Tencel Lyocell. This enables us to provide the necessary fire safety at a much more affordable price. These cellulose fibers are just as breathable as cotton and wool, so you'll stay just as comfortable and cool while you sleep. 

Aside from the outer covers, our mattresses don't require any additional fire retardants. This means that you'll never find any chemicals or other treatments in our products. It's all part of our commitment to creating high-quality mattresses with minimal impact on the environment. 

Experience You Can Trust 

Before moving into full production, all of our mattress designs go through extensive burn testing if new materials are used. Through countless tests over the years, we have had the opportunity to experiment with a variety of material combinations to see what works best. The end result is a mattress that is as safe, comfortable and long-lasting as possible. 

While you can get fire safety with virtually any mattress on the market today, if it's unmatched comfort, quality and safety you are after, Nature's Embrace is here to help. We offer a wide range of mattresses for you to choose from, and we'll be more than happy to help you understand the distinctions between the various styles. We invite you to browse through our selection, and feel free to reach out to us at any time with questions about fire retardants in our mattresses or any of their other features. Our team can help you determine which mattress will best meet your needs and suit your budget. Get started today!