Mattress Certifications Explained: CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX, GREENGUARD Gold, GOLS and GOTS
Mattress certification labels each cover something different. CertiPUR-US lists what its certified foams are made without. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is a label for textiles tested for harmful substances. GOLS is a standard for products made from organically grown natural rubber latex. GOTS is a certification for textiles made with organic fibres. UL GREENGUARD Gold limits emissions of more than 360 VOCs and total chemical emissions.
Who might want to check
Consumer Reports suggests that if you are sensitive to chemicals, have allergies or have a respiratory condition, you consider a mattress certified for low levels of potentially toxic chemicals. Each description below comes from the scheme owner's own page.
CertiPUR-US
CertiPUR-US describes itself as a certification program administered by a nonprofit organization. Its home page lists what certified foams are:
- made without formaldehyde, ozone depleters and phthalates regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission;
- made without mercury, lead and other heavy metals;
- low in VOC emissions, at less than 0.5 parts per million;
- screened for relevant chemicals, including flame retardants, classified as carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins.
Every item in that list is about certified foams.
OEKO-TEX
OEKO-TEX says every item bearing the STANDARD 100 label is certified as having passed safety tests for harmful substances. OEKO-TEX says every thread, button and accessory is tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances. The requirements get stricter the more intensive the skin contact and the more sensitive the skin. Product Class 1, for babies and children up to 3 years, has the strictest requirements and limit values.
Two details help when you shop. OEKO-TEX says a certificate is issued for one year. You can scan the QR code on the label or enter the certificate number in the OEKO-TEX Label Check.
GREENGUARD Gold
UL Solutions says it is the only owner, operator and issuer of the UL GREENGUARD certification and marks. UL Solutions says GREENGUARD Gold sets even lower VOC emission limits. Gold certified products must also comply with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method, in addition to limits on more than 360 VOCs and total chemical emissions. UL Solutions says all certified products are subject to a review of the manufacturing process and routine testing.
UL's own page describes GREENGUARD Gold as the optimal certification for products in nurseries, schools, healthcare facilities and homes where children's safety is paramount.
GOLS
Control Union, which developed GOLS, says the standard covers natural rubber latex and other agricultural ingredients from certified organic plantations (USDA NOP or EU) processed at GOLS certified manufacturing units. To label a final product GOLS, all its raw materials, other than approved additional materials or accessories, must meet the organic-origin requirements. Control Union says the standard sets limits for harmful substances, emission test requirements, and polymer and filler percentages.
GOTS
The Global Organic Textile Standard describes GOTS as a globally recognised certification for textiles made with organic fibres. A product can be labelled GOTS-certified only if all companies involved in its production are certified by approved independent certification bodies. GOTS requires annual on-site audits of certified facilities and transaction-based verification.
Before you buy
- For OEKO-TEX, scan the QR code or enter the certificate number in the Label Check.
- OEKO-TEX certificates are issued for one year, so the date on the certificate matters.
The bed.chat checklist includes certifications among the ten things to check before you pay. For a personal answer, Bed Fit, the chooser on the bed.chat home page, asks nine quick questions and tells you the mattress type, firmness range and size for your country.
Each scheme owner describes what its own label covers, so read each label for the part it names.