Decoding Mattress Tags: How to Read a Mattress Tag

Who would’ve thought that those small, often overlooked tags on your mattress hold the key to better sleep and informed choices? But comprehending the information on mattress tags is crucial for making well-informed decisions about your sleep environment.

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In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of mattress tags, unraveling their significance and guiding you on how to read a mattress tag and understand them. Let’s unlock the secrets behind these tiny tags and revolutionize your sleep experience!

What Is the History and Purpose of Mattress Tags?

Mattress tags — formally called law labels — were introduced in the early 1900s to protect consumers from manufacturers using undisclosed or unsafe materials. Today they serve as a legally mandated record of every material inside a mattress by weight percentage, the manufacturer’s name and location, fire-retardant compliance, and whether the mattress contains new or recycled materials.

Once upon a time, mattress manufacturers used all sorts of materials – from horse hair to corn husks – in building mattresses. To protect consumers and ensure that mattresses were made with safe and clean materials, federal and state regulators introduced mattress tags, also known as law labels, in the early 1900s, under the penalty of law for non-compliance.

Now, mattress tags guarantee that your new mattresses are made with approved bedding materials, preventing any deceptive act. They also hinder the reselling of used mattresses without proper disclosure, allowing you to know exactly what your sleeping surface is made of.

Can You Legally Remove the Mattress Tag?

Yes — the “Do Not Remove” warning applies only to retailers and manufacturers, not consumers. The Federal Trade Commission’s Textile Products Identification Act prohibits removal before the point of sale to prevent deceptive practices, but once you own the mattress, removing the tag carries no legal penalty. That said, keeping it intact protects your warranty and gives you a reference for allergen and material information if you ever need it.

Many people believe that it’s illegal to remove the mattress tag, but this is actually a myth. See, the law is not intended for mattress owners but for mattress sellers and manufacturers, under The Textile Products Identification Act enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

As the FTC says in the act’s section on removing a tag, stamp, label, or other identification before a textile is sold, “Any person violating this (…) shall be guilty of an unfair method of competition, and an unfair or deceptive act or practice, under the Federal Trade Commission Act.”

These sewn-on tags provide important information about the mattress’s contents, manufacturing details, safety warnings, compliance with regulations, and warranty specifications, and their removal could hinder consumer protection measures. In other words, it’s about preventing fraudulent practices that can put consumers at risk.

While it’s not against the law for consumers to remove the tag, doing so could void your mattress warranty. It’s often used as proof when trying to file a warranty claim.

Removing the mattress law tag can also make it difficult to identify the mattress’s origins or specific characteristics. Mattress tags list all the ingredients found inside the mattress, which can be helpful if you need to review it for medical reasons. Such as making sure it’s safe for a guest staying over with an unexpected allergy.

So, while there’s no legal consequence for removing the tag, it’s still a good idea to keep it in place. The tag contains essential information about the mattress, and preserving it can help protect your investment and ensure the mattress warranty coverage remains valid.

What Do the Materials Listed on a Mattress Tag Mean?

Every material in a mattress — from memory foam and natural latex to wool and organic cotton — must be listed on the tag by weight percentage, giving you a clear picture of what you’re sleeping on. This is also where to look for fiberglass, which may appear as “glass fibers” or “glass wool” and is used as a fire barrier in many budget mattresses; if it escapes a worn cover it can cause respiratory and skin irritation and is difficult to remove.

This knowledge of what’s inside a mattress can provide peace of mind by confirming there aren’t any hidden chemicals or allergens. It also confirms whether the mattress was made with recycled or repurposed materials, or whether it’s an entirely new product — useful context if sustainability factors into your purchase decision.

The tag also records your mattress’s manufacturing date, usually printed near the model number or law label serial code. This makes it the most reliable way to tell how old your mattress is — more dependable than a purchase receipt, which may reflect a delivery or processing date rather than when the mattress was actually produced.

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to replace your mattress, the manufacturing date on the tag is your most accurate starting point.

What Federal and State Regulations Govern Mattress Tags?

Mattress tags must comply with US Consumer Product Safety Commission standards 16 CFR Parts 1632 and 1633, which govern flammability testing and labeling requirements. These regulations require disclosure of whether a mattress contains new or recycled materials, and a mattress offered for sale without this information is a warning sign that it may not meet safety standards.

Federal and state regulations mandate that mattress tags adhere to safety and sanitation standards. These regulations include the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 16 CFR Parts 1632 and 1633, which dictate the flammability information that must be present on mattress tags.

One crucial piece of information required by law is whether the mattress contains new or recycled materials. This information on mattress tags enables regulators to enforce safety and sanitation standards, including flammability standards and labeling requirements.

This is also why it’s suspect if a mattress seller tries to peddle a mattress without this information printed on the tag. Removing the tag could mean that the mattress is not up to safety standards.

Sleep Junkie covers more risks of buying a used mattress, which are the most likely mattresses you’ll find for sale without a tag.

What Warranty and Care Information Appears on a Mattress Tag?

Most mattress tags include the warranty duration, the manufacturer’s warranty code, and basic care instructions — all of which you’ll need if you ever file a claim. The tag also records the manufacturing date, making it the most reliable way to determine a mattress’s actual age, which is more accurate than a purchase receipt that may reflect a delivery date rather than production date.

The mattress warranty information typically consists of the length of coverage and the manufacturer’s warranty code. It’s important to keep the tag safe and in one piece, as it serves as the proof of warranty for filing a claim.

Care instructions are much like the laundry care and washing symbols on a piece of clothing or bedding’s attached tag. Adhering to the care instructions on a mattress tag can:

• Prolong your mattress’s lifespan, ensuring your mattress lasts as long as it should
• Prevent damage during mattress cleaning
• Preserve its shape and support, deterring mattress sagging and body impressions
• Minimize dust and dirt accumulation

What can contribute to your mattress’s good health? While care instructions may vary, here is the place to start:

• Regular mattress cleaning, about once a month or so
• Rotating the mattress every three to six months
• Using a mattress protector at all times

How Do Mattress Tags Reflect Eco-Friendliness and Sustainability?

Certifications printed on or referenced by the mattress tag — including CertiPUR-US, GOTS, GREENGUARD, and OEKO-TEX — tell you whether the materials have been independently verified for safety and environmental standards. CertiPUR-US confirms that polyurethane foam is free from harmful compounds, while GOTS certifies that organic fibers meet strict production criteria, giving you a reliable shortcut to evaluating a mattress’s sustainability claims without needing to research each material independently.

As environmental awareness grows, eco-friendly and sustainable materials are becoming increasingly popular in mattress manufacturing. Recycled content, organic fibers, and certified sustainable components are among these materials, aiding in a more responsible and environmentally conscious manufacturing process.

Recycled Content

Recycled content in mattresses can include steel coils and polyester fibers. These materials undergo a separation and recycling process to be reused in the production of new products. Additionally, chemical recycling processes are being developed to convert polyurethane foam from old mattresses into raw materials for creating new foam products.

Using recycled steel coils in mattresses offers several advantages, such as:

• Being eco-friendly
• Cost-efficiency
• Durability
• Supportiveness

Recycled polyester fiber, on the other hand, is used as filling material in pillows, mattress pads, and quilts, and is produced from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). Both materials contribute to reduced waste and a more sustainable mattress industry.

Organic Fibers

Organic fibers, such as cotton and wool, are preferred for their natural properties and lower environmental impact. Some benefits of using organic fibers include:

• Certified organic wool is produced without synthetic chemicals
• Organic cotton is grown from non-GMO plants
• Organic fibers are often used in the cover of organic mattresses

These organic fibers offer benefits such as excellent air flow and moisture-wicking properties, making mattresses more comfortable and breathable. Additionally, their production processes minimize harm to the environment and human health, making them a responsible choice for mattress manufacturing.

Certifications

Mattress certifications, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and CertiPUR-US, indicate that a mattress meets specific eco-friendly and safety standards.

The GOTS certification ensures that mattresses are made from organic materials and meet strict criteria for organic status.

The CertiPUR-US certification, on the other hand, verifies that flexible polyurethane foams used in mattresses are safe and free from harmful compounds.

The presence of these certifications on mattress tags can help consumers make informed decisions. It frees them to choose a mattress that aligns with their values and preferences for sustainability and safety.

What Allergy and Health Information Can You Find on a Mattress Tag?

The materials list on a mattress tag lets you screen for common allergens including latex, as well as potentially harmful substances like fiberglass, VOC-emitting chemicals, and non-certified foams. If you or a guest has a known sensitivity, checking the tag before sleeping on a mattress is the most direct way to confirm whether the materials are safe — more reliable than marketing claims on the product page.

Mattress tags can help you identify potential allergens and health concerns related to the materials used in your mattress. Common allergens Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source in mattresses include:

• latex
• dust mites
• dust particles
• dead skin cells

By checking the materials listed on the tag, you can determine if there’s anything in your mattress that could trigger allergies or sensitivities and choose the hypoallergenic mattress you need.

Different mattress materials can also raise health concerns, such as exposure to toxic chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause mattress off-gassing. If you have specific health concerns or sensitivities, opting for a mattress made with non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials is a wise choice.

Within recent years, there’s also been a growing consumer concern about fiberglass in mattresses. Fiberglass is a common material used to meet fire safety standards for mattresses made in the US, replacing older chemicals that had questionable safety.

However, mattress fiberglass has been found to have its own downfalls. Namely, if fiberglass escapes the mattress, such as by seeping through a worn-out cover, it can irritate your breathing and stomach. Plus, once it’s free of the mattress cover, it’s difficult to clean up mattress fiberglass.

A mattress tag can help you rest easy that you’ve chosen a fiberglass-free mattress model. Aside from “fiberglass” or “glass fibers,” be on the lookout for tags with “glass wool” listed.

For example, many might wonder if a memory foam mattress has fiberglass, as it is common in lower-quality budget models.

Read more on why you need a fiberglass-free mattress.

How Should You Use Mattress Tag Information When Choosing a Mattress?

Focus on three things when reading a tag before purchase: foam density (higher density indicates more durability), whether fiberglass is listed as a fire barrier material, and which third-party certifications are present. Together these three data points give you a more accurate picture of long-term quality and material safety than brand claims or price point alone.

When choosing a mattress, look for the following on the tag:

• The manufacturer
• Care and maintenance instructions
• Suggested sleeping positions
• Materials used in the mattress
• Third-party material certifiers
• Whether the mattress is new or used
• Flammability compliance
• Any other warnings required by law

By understanding the information on the tag, you, as the ultimate consumer, can make smarter choices based on your needs and preferences.

For instance, if you’re concerned about eco-friendliness, check for certifications on the tag that indicate it meets the standards for an eco-friendly and sustainable mattress.

Similarly, if you have allergy concerns, scanning the tag for potential allergens can help you determine if a particular mattress is suitable for you.

The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to find the perfect mattress for your unique needs.

What Is the Future of Mattress Tags?

Digital tags are beginning to emerge in the mattress industry, capable of delivering real-time pricing, detailed material sourcing, and IoT integration for a more transparent shopping experience, as consumer demand for ingredient transparency grows for more detailed manufacturing and environmental data than current law requires.

As technology evolves, innovations and improvements in mattress tags are likely to follow. One such development is the emergence of digital tags in the mattress industry for real-time pricing and product information in stores. They can even integrate with IoT devices to automate and streamline the shopping experience.

Another possible improvement is the inclusion of more detailed information about materials and manufacturing processes on mattress tags. As consumers become increasingly conscious of eco-friendliness and product transparency, the demand for more comprehensive information on tags may grow.

Even the physical tag itself has evolved: major mattress manufacturers have increasingly moved away from the synthetic flash-spun fabric that law labels were traditionally printed on, replacing it with laminated paper products that are easier to print, more cost-effective to produce, and compatible with the thermal transfer printers most manufacturers already use.

These shifts — in both what tags say and what they’re made of — reflect a broader push toward more straightforward, reliable labeling across the industry.

FAQs

What are the tags on mattresses for?

Mattress tags contain crucial information about the product, including manufacturing details, contents, safety precautions, and regulatory compliance. They offer essential insights into the mattress’s origin, ensuring transparency and consumer protection. Tags also serve as proof of purchase for warranty claims.

It’s important not to remove the tag unless you are the owner of the mattress.

What happens if you take the tag off of a mattress?

Removing the mattress tag, despite being a common misconception, is not a legal issue for the end consumer. The legal restriction primarily applies to manufacturers and retailers. While the consequences may not directly impact the consumer, it is advisable to retain the tag for warranty purposes and to refer to any necessary information related to the product.

Is the mattress tag on the top or bottom?

Generally, mattress tags are located on the bottom, underneath the bed. This placement prevents unnecessary visibility, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the mattress. It also maintains the tag well if you need to consult its information or submit it as proof for a warranty claim.

Do all mattresses have tags?

Yes, nearly all new mattresses are required to have tags. These tags serve as a means to ensure consumer safety, provide pertinent details about the mattress, and comply with industry standards and regulations. If you buy a used mattress it may not still have a tag, but this is another reason to be wary of used mattresses.

How do I know what model my mattress is?

Check the law tag sewn into your mattress, typically located by the head or foot of the mattress on the underside. Here on the tag, you’ll find the date of manufacture and the model number. This can help with registration, warranties, or finding something similar to a product you love.

Conclusion

Mattress tags hold valuable information about the materials, safety, and eco-friendliness of your mattress. By understanding and using this information, you can make better choices for your sleep environment and invest in a product that aligns with your values and preferences.

Remember, it’s not just about what’s on the surface – it’s also about what’s hidden beneath. Awareness of the materials used in your mattress allows you to invest in a non-toxic and chemical-free mattress. The power is in your hands – or rather, on your mattress tag.

So start paying attention to these tiny labels and sleep better knowing you’ve made the right choice!