Types of Symbols on a Mattress

Materials

• Manufacturers of mattresses are required to print on the tags whether the mattress consists of all new material or whether some material--and how much--is recycled. These tags are designed to protect consumers from unwittingly buying mattresses made from recycled fibers or even used mattresses. If you're buying a mattress made with recycled materials, you may see a recycle symbol consisting of three arrows forming a circle. Otherwise, the tag should read "100 percent new materials." The tag should also identify these materials. As of December 2010, most mattresses are made with synthetic materials like polyester.

Flame Retardation

• All mattress manufacturers are required to print on the tag whether the mattress is made with flame-retardant materials. This law is also designed to protect consumers. It was passed in 1953 to prevent manufacturers from producing and selling highly flammable mattresses to consumers. These manufacturers were making flammable mattresses because some synthetic materials like rayon and foam were cheap to produce. Some of these materials were not only flammable, but would also quickly melt and adhere to skin. You can easily recognize the flame retardant symbol because it looks like a flame with a line through it.

Extras

• Depending upon the mattress manufacturer, you may find a few extra symbols and numbers not required by law. This information is intended to help retailers identify makes and models of mattresses. Your mattress tag might contain information about the style of mattress, the manufacturer, the color, the size and weight or any warranty information. Although it's illegal for only retailers and salespeople, not the consumer, to remove a mattress tag, you should leave it on if it contains information about your warranty. The information about the mattress's contents is handy when cleaning the mattress.