While organizations and laws do a better job than ever from keeping materials makers from cutting corners, it isn’t unheard of for a foam manufacturer to utilize underhanded methods to minimize production costs while maximizing profit, damaging the appearance of the entire industry. The materials used can create a product that is of lower quality than what the customer expects and paid for, as well as having potential health side-effects. Chemicals can be used in manufacturing and production to save a few dollars, while filling agents have been used to make materials seem denser than they really are, scamming customers in the process.
Fortunately for consumers and those concerned with the health and environmental impact of manufacturing strategies, groups exist that certify foam producers who uphold standards in quality and safety, giving customers a way to find long-lasting foam materials for their needs.
When looking for certified foam products, certain benchmarks exist that can establish a product’s quality. One of these marks is documented low-emission levels. New foam pads and polyurethane products “off-gas,” and low-emission foam minimizes how much that occurs. Products made without CFCs and Ozone depleters are commonly seen as a legal requirement, but depending on the origin of a particular material, they may have been made in a fashion that skirts these rules due to regulations in their own area. Fire retardants are another important safety additive in many foam materials, but it’s vital to make sure the material selected utilizes correct and safe formulations of these additives. Another aspect these organizations try to verify is that there are no harmful metals like mercury, lead, or formaldehyde.
Materials that receive certification and meet these factors can be considered quality products, like an all-natural latex bed for example. Otherwise, you may be purchasing problems down the road, in addition to the product you think you’re getting now.