Reviewed by Brian S. Coutts · Reviewed October 22, 2026 · Published October 21, 2026 · Updated October 22, 2026
Key facts
- 16 CFR 1632 tests resistance to a lighted cigarette; char length may not exceed 2 inches (CPSC (opens in new tab)).
- 16 CFR 1633 limits peak heat release to 200 kW over a 30-minute open-flame test and total heat release to 15 MJ in the first 10 minutes (CPSC (opens in new tab)).
- Mattresses must carry a permanent label with month and year of manufacture (CPSC (opens in new tab)).
What to do now
- ☐ Get medical care first
- ☐ Photograph the mattress label (manufacturer, date, prototype ID)
- ☐ Keep the mattress or what is left of it
- ☐ Don't hand the mattress or label to an insurer or the maker before talking to a lawyer
- ☐ Call us at (801) 255-2102 for a free review
How do mattress fires start?
They often start when a heat source gets too close to bedding. Common heat sources include smoking materials, candles, heaters and electrical devices close to bedding. NFPA reports that over half of home candle fires started when something that can burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, was too close to the candle (NFPA (opens in new tab)). A fire's cause does not decide whether a product was defective: the question is how the mattress behaved once exposed to heat.
What federal flammability standards apply to mattresses?
Two federal rules apply: 16 CFR part 1632 for smoldering cigarettes and 16 CFR part 1633 for open flames.
16 CFR part 1632 (smoldering). CPSC explains it tests a mattress or mattress pad's resistance to a lighted cigarette; after testing, char length may not exceed 2 inches in any direction from the cigarette (CPSC (opens in new tab); eCFR part 1632 (opens in new tab)).
16 CFR part 1633 (open flame). Mattress sets must keep peak heat release at or below 200 kW during a 30-minute test, and total heat release at or below 15 MJ for the first 10 minutes (CPSC (opens in new tab); eCFR part 1633 (opens in new tab)).
Both rules require permanent labels, including month and year of manufacture, and manufacturers must keep prototype and test records (CPSC (opens in new tab)). Those records can matter in a claim, so keep the label and the mattress if you can.
When might a mattress maker be responsible?
A maker, importer or seller may be responsible when a mattress did not meet the federal standards and someone was hurt. Examples: a mattress that was never properly tested, a production run that did not match the tested prototype, or a missing or false certification. We review the records and testing with qualified experts.
Related: how product liability burn claims work · what to do after a burn injury
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Talk with us about what happened
If you or someone in your family was burned in a mattress fire, we can review it with you at no cost. There is no pressure to hire us.