Free resource — Embr

The Mattress Chemistry Checklist — What to Look For Before You Buy

A practical, printable checklist covering how to read your law tag, what the major certifications actually test for, and the questions worth asking a manufacturer in writing before you commit to a purchase.

Three sections Law tag · Certifications · Questions to ask Printable

Find the law tag — it's sewn into the side seam, roughly the size of an index card, usually near a corner. Look for "glass fiber" or "silica fiber" in the fill list. If either appears, do not remove the outer cover — the fiberglass fire sleeve is directly beneath it. Look for the fire barrier material. Wool, rayon, modacrylic, and aramid are safer alternatives to fiberglass — these brands typically disclose this in their marketing. Note the foam percentage and any certifications listed on the tag — these can be cross-checked with the manufacturer's documentation and the criteria in Section B.

CertiPUR-US = foam only. It certifies the polyurethane foam component — not the fire barrier, cover, or what the mattress emits after 72 hours. A CertiPUR-US mattress can contain fiberglass. See our full explainer. GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) = certified organic latex. Applies to latex mattresses and latex comfort layers only — does not cover the fire barrier or cover. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) = certified organic textiles. Covers the cotton and wool cover and comfort layers. One of the stronger certifications for the components CertiPUR-US misses. MADE SAFE = broadest chemistry certification available for mattresses. Covers the full product, not just one component. A MADE SAFE mattress cannot contain fiberglass. GreenGuard Gold = 14-day emissions test — significantly longer than CertiPUR-US's 72-hour window — but does not directly prohibit fiberglass. Ask the manufacturer about the fire barrier separately. No certification covers long-term emissions. All programs test new mattresses, once. If long-term off-gassing matters to you, ask the manufacturer for any independent chamber emission test data beyond 72 hours.

"What is the fire barrier material? Does it contain fiberglass or glass fiber?" — Ask this explicitly. "Safe materials" without a specific answer is not an answer. "Is the outer cover safe to remove for cleaning?" — If the answer is yes but the fire barrier is fiberglass, the instructions contradict the reality. Documented fiberglass contamination cases almost universally begin with cover removal. "Are there any PFAS-based stain or water treatments on the cover?" — Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are outside CertiPUR-US scope. Some manufacturers have moved away from them; many have not disclosed either way. "Do you have independent chamber emission test data beyond 72 hours?" — The brands most confident in their chemistry tend to commission this testing voluntarily. Silence is informative. Save all responses. Email creates a paper trail. If you ever need to document harm or make a warranty claim, written manufacturer statements matter. Screenshots are not sufficient — forward the original emails to a separate account.

How to use this checklist: Print it before you buy, not after. The law tag and manufacturer disclosures are easiest to act on during the purchase window — before delivery and the 30-day trial period begins. If the mattress is already in your home, start with the law tag. The answers are already in the seam.

For deeper background on any of these topics: Is Your Mattress One of the Ones With Fiberglass? · What CertiPUR-US Actually Tests For · About Embr

This checklist is free to share and print. Embr is not affiliated with any mattress brand mentioned or omitted here.

The Mattress Chemistry Checklist — What to Look For Before You Buy

Check the law tag

Check the certifications

Questions to ask the manufacturer — in writing

The Mattress Chemistry Checklist — What to Look For Before You Buy

Check the law tag

Check the certifications

Questions to ask the manufacturer — in writing

If it would change what my own family sleeps on, you'll hear it first.