Written by Alesandra Woolley, Content Writer
Are you one of those people who’s becoming more and more concerned with where your products originate from? If so, remember to keep these thoughts in mind when it comes to mattress shopping. Here’s a hint: the place where your mattress is made has lots of important implications that go way beyond how fast it will ship. Read on to learn some reasons why it’s important to buy a mattress made in the U.S.
Why Buy a Mattress Made in the U.S.?
When purchasing a new mattress, we know you’re looking at features like comfort, quality, and price. But have you stopped to think about the potential impacts of where your mattress is produced?
Here, we’ve outlined some of the factors that come into play when you choose to buy a U.S.-made mattress over one that was manufactured abroad.
Explore our picks for the Best Mattresses Made in The USA.
Mattress Quality
Mattresses made in the U.S. must comply with quality control and manufacturing regulations1 set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. This means they are often made of better quality materials and will last longer than those made overseas.
In general, mattresses made in the U.S. must meet standards for flammability2 and cannot contain chemicals or toxins including phthalates, formaldehyde, and CFCs. Many of these regulations are self-enforced though, so it’s up to the manufacturer to follow through.
The good news is that many mattresses come with third-party certifications to ensure the quality and safety of the materials. One of the most known certifications for mattress foams is CertiPUR-US®. If you’re buying a mattress containing standard polyurethane foam or memory foam, we recommend making sure those foams are CertiPUR-US® certified.
Learn more about the different mattress certifications in our in-depth guide.
Environmental Impact
Mattress manufacturing can have a huge impact on the environment, so if you’re trying to live a greener and more sustainable lifestyle, don’t leave your mattress out of the equation. One reason, which we mentioned above, is that U.S. mattress manufacturing regulations require companies to avoid chemicals (like formaldehyde) that could be toxic to the environment and human health.
Additionally, many U.S.-based manufacturing plants create less pollution than factories that make mattresses in other countries. Shipping is another environmental factor that might encourage you to buy a mattress made in the States. Shipping a mattress overseas will typically have a huge environmental impact, burning more fossil fuels and creating more pollution during shipment than a domestic-made mattress.
Some U.S.-based mattress chains, such as ZenHaven, Avocado, and Sleep On Latex even produce eco-friendly mattresses. These mattresses often substitute synthetic materials for more natural or organic ones.
Labor Conditions
U.S. labor laws are stricter than those in many foreign countries. Depending on where an overseas mattress is produced, workers may face poor working conditions that, in the U.S., would qualify as labor law violations.
Labor issues to think about are things like low pay and unsafe working conditions. There are labor standards and requirements in the U.S. that protect workers against unfair and unsafe conditions that aren’t always present or enforced in other countries.
Local Economics
When you buy a mattress made in the U.S. you’re supporting a local economy. This means more jobs for Americans and a percentage of your purchase price going back into manufacturing American-made goods.
Some U.S. brands even do charitable initiatives to support their local communities. For example, companies may donate a mattress to someone in need for every mattress sold, or they may offer discounts to certain groups, such as veterans, healthcare workers, or teachers.
Mattress Cost
Mattresses made in the United States can be more expensive than their foreign counterparts, leading many people to opt for the cheaper, overseas option. But a cheaper price might mean cheaper quality and flimsier regulations. Many foreign-made mattresses may not be produced to the same quality or comply with the same strict environmental and labor regulations as those produced in the U.S.
One area of cost where you’re likely to win with a domestically-made mattress is shipping. Remember that your shipping costs will most likely be lower when you purchase a mattress made here in the States because the product simply doesn’t need to travel as far.
What Does “Made in the USA” Mean?
With all this information, you might be wondering what a “made in the USA” label even means.
For a mattress to contain a Made in the USA3 label, it must meet a set of requirements4 set by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). To wear the label, “all or virtually all” of the mattress must be made in the United States, and it cannot contain any foreign components (beyond a negligible amount).4
Mattress manufacturers are able to make this claim5 without prior approval from the FTC, as long as their statements are truthful.
Mattress Brands Who Make Their Products in the U.S.
If you’re looking to buy a U.S.-made mattress, we recommend starting with our list of the Best Mattresses Made in the USA. On this list, we cover a variety of top-tier beds for all kinds of sleepers.
Also, if you’re set on buying an American-made mattress, be sure to watch out for brands that claim their mattresses are “assembled” in the U.S. This could still mean that there are parts of the mattress that are made overseas and then brought to the U.S. to put together before shipping out. If you’re not sure, reach out to customer service for clarification.
Alesandra Woolley
Editor
About Author
Growing up in the City That Never Sleeps, she learned the hard way how important a good night of rest really is. She’s made it her mission to help others realize the same. On any given day, you’ll find Alesandra in our Mattress Lab testing the latest mattress models, interviewing specialists on the importance of sleep, or curating the most helpful content for our readers. Alesandra’s been featured in Business Insider, USA Today, MarketWatch, Elite Daily and the NY Post for her perspectives on sleep health.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
References:
- “Federal Mattress Regulations”. International Sleep Products Association. Webpage accessed February 7, 2024.
- “Mattress Flammability Information”. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Webpage accessed February 7, 2024.
- “Complying with the Made in USA Standard”. Federal Trade Commission. Webpage accessed February 7, 2024.
- “Made in USA”. Federal Trade Commission. Webpage accessed February 7, 2024.
- “Complying with the Made in USA Standard”. Federal Trade Commission. Webpage accessed February 7, 2024.