Greetings!

I am pleased to announce that Simmons Bedding Company products are in full compliance with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission's (CPSC) federal flammability standard, which went into effect on July 1st of this year.

We first began planning for manufacturing fire-resistant beds in 2004 and since then, we've evaluated literally hundreds of possible fire-resistant components for safety and effectiveness. We feel that we have developed the safest, most effective barrier possible, without compromising the comfort and durability that are the hallmarks of the Simmons brand.

Even though fire-resistant mattresses may save hundreds of lives every year, we understand that people have questions about the materials used to create fire barriers, and whether prolonged exposure to these materials poses a health risk. I can assure you that each of the components used in our fire barrier have been deemed safe by the CPSC.

Since Simmons was founded in 1870, the safety, health and wellness of our customers and our associates always have been - and always will be - one of our TOP priorities. We want to do everything that we can to address any concerns that you may have.

I invite you to browse the site and learn more about our fire barrier and our approach to meeting the flammability standard. I also encourage you to submit any questions you have to safesleep@simmons.com and commit to you a response within two business days.

Thank you for your interest and loyal support.

Sincerely,
Charlie Eitel, Chairman & CEO, Simmons Company

Simmons Meets New Federal Mattress Flammability Standard with Safe and Effective Fire Barrier
June 29th, 2007: Simmons Bedding Company announced today that its products are in full compliance with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) new federal mattress flammability standard.
Read the Press Release (PDF)

DuPont Innovations Help Mattress Manufacturers Meet New U.S. Flammability Standard

The bedroom is probably the single most important room in your home. You spend one-third of your life in it, and the time spent there is when you are at your most vulnerable-when you are asleep. Mattresses are the centerpiece of every bedroom in America. At Simmons we are continually improving fire-resistant mattresses; however mattress technology alone cannot guarantee fire safety. Some simple, commonsense precautions will always be needed to protect your family from fires, including those that start in the bedroom.

Although the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that smoking materials, cooking equipment, heating equipment and arson cause most residential fires, it's always a good idea to consider everything when looking for ways to make the home safe from fire-including the bedroom. Here are five tips for keeping mattresses and bedrooms safe from fire.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in 62 percent of mattress-related fires occurring in homes, smoke alarms were either not present or not functioning.¹ Also, in 43 percent of the civilian fatalities resulting from mattress-related fires, the victims were asleep at the time.² Smoke detectors are critical to fire safety. A report by the USFA concludes that "having a working and properly placed smoke alarm is especially important in reducing mattress and bedding fires."¹ The USFA reports that "a working smoke alarm [in a home] would alert a majority of those who are asleep while the fire smolders, thereby saving numerous lives."¹ Make it a habit to check smoke detector batteries every six months. Let your children test smoke detectors so they'll be familiar with the sounds of the alarm.

The USFA reports that "a significant number of injuries were attributed to attempting to control the fire (68 percent)" and that "one out of every seven people killed in mattress and bedding fires were attempting to control the fire at the time of death."³ Combine those numbers with reports suggesting that additional fatalities related to fire are caused while people try to escape, and it becomes clear that a simple, well-rehearsed plan is essential for getting family members out safely. A family fire escape plan should identify two exits in each room, usually a door and window that are kept clear of furniture or toys. Each family member should also know where to meet after exiting the house. For second floor rooms, a fire ladder may be needed to get safely to the ground. Families should periodically rehearse their fire escape plans so everyone knows what to do and when.

Put infants and toddlers to sleep in fire-resistant sleepwear, instead of "day" clothes. When shopping for clothes for small children, look for items with flame-resistant labels or those made of less flammable fabrics. Avoid putting infants or toddlers to bed in loose fitting t-shirts or other clothing. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that loose fitting garments made with cotton catch fire easily and result in 200-300 burn injuries to children yearly.⁴

Garments that are not flame resistant should fit the child snugly, almost skin tight, and be tight fitting around wrists, ankles and the waist. A larger size purchased now to fit later is not snug.

At an early age, teach young children that fire is not a toy. Remember that your kids look to you to set the example, so make sure they see you using fire carefully. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children, ideally securing them in a locked location. As children get older, look under beds and in closets or other "secret" hiding places for burnt matches, lighters or other signs your kids may be playing with fire. Children may know they shouldn't play with fire and might hide matches or lighters in their bedrooms so they can play with them unobserved.

While adults don't think of themselves as "playing with fire," sometimes they can do things that are just as hazardous. Don't smoke in bed. As a source of mattress fire ignition, the USFA reports that cigarettes "were the leading form of heat in 26 percent of mattress and bedding fires."⁵ In a March 2002 report, USFA concluded that children playing with fire (25 percent) and adults smoking cigarettes in bed (25 percent) combine to cause about half of all mattress fires.⁶

In addition, remember to extinguish all burning candles before going to sleep or exiting the room.

A USFA fact sheet on bedroom fire safety states that "most electrical fires in homes start in the bedroom."⁷ With more electricity used for heating, lighting and appliances in cold weather, take extra precautions during winter months. Ensure that you use only approved electric blankets and warmers with cords that aren't frayed. Bedding, curtains and clothing should always be at least three feet from portable heaters. Don't let electrical cords get caught between mattresses and walls where they can heat up bedding.

Fire prevention will always be an important part of maintaining a safe and happy home. While nothing will ever completely remove the threat of fire, taking a few simple precautions will go a long way in helping you and your family sleep safely.



Q: What is your fire barrier made of and how does work?
A: Simmons' SIMGARD™ fire barrier uses a blend of components. One component forms a char layer that helps to create a barrier to oxygen which is needed for a fire. Another component swells in the presence of heat to create another barrier to oxygen to help smother flames. A third component is DuPont™ Kevlar® brand aramid fiber which combines strength and thermal protection, and is used in protective gear for firefighters and the military, and is inherently flame resistant. The SIMGARD™ mattress fire barrier is non-toxic and its components are recognized by the CPSC as being safe for consumers.

Q: I've read about the use of boric acid by mattress manufacturers. Does Simmons use boric acid?
A: Simmons does not use any boric acid in its mattresses.

Q: Do Simmons products have PBDE (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers)?
A: All Simmons mattresses have been PBDE-free since 2004.

Q: Where can I go for additional information?
A: A great resource for additional information is the Sleep Products Safety Council's website - MattressRegulation.org. If you have questions about Simmons' products, please send an email to safesleep@simmons.com.


How Simmons Helps You Sleep Safely (PDF)
www.SafeSleep.org
www.MattressRegulation.org

 

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