When shopping for a new mattress, you've likely encountered certifications such as CertiPUR-US® and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. These certifications can provide valuable insight into the materials used in a mattress, and interpreting these certifications correctly can help you understand the products they evaluate.

While both certifications are designed to promote consumer confidence and material transparency, they focus on different components of a mattress. Understanding what each certification covers can help you make a more informed decision when selecting your next sleep investment.

What Is CertiPUR-US®?

CertiPUR-US® is a certification program for flexible polyurethane foams used in mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture. The program is administered by CertiPUR-US® and relies on independent laboratory testing to verify that certified foams meet specific standards for content, emissions, and durability.

Certified foams are tested to ensure they are made without:

• Ozone depleters
• Certain flame retardants, including PBDEs, TDCPP, and TCEP
• Mercury, lead, and other heavy metals
• Formaldehyde
• Regulated phthalates

In addition, CertiPUR-US® certified foams must meet low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions standards for indoor air quality.

For consumers considering a memory foam or hybrid mattress, CertiPUR-US® certification can provide added reassurance that the foam components have undergone third-party testing and meet established material safety guidelines (Frequently Asked Questions, CertiPUR-US®, accessed October 2026).

What Is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100?

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is an internationally recognized certification for textiles and textile-related materials. Unlike CertiPUR-US®, which focuses on foam, OEKO-TEX® evaluates fabrics and other textile components that may be used throughout a mattress.

For a product to receive OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification, every tested component must meet the organization's requirements for harmful substances.

Depending on the product, this may include:

• Mattress cover fabrics
• Threads
• Zippers
• Labels
• Textile coatings
• Other textile accessories

The certification's testing criteria are updated regularly and evaluate a wide range of substances that could potentially affect human health (OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: the original safety standard, OEKO-TEX®, accessed October 2026).

Because mattress covers and fabrics come into direct contact with sleepers, OEKO-TEX® certification can be particularly meaningful for consumers who value material transparency and product safety.

Why These Certifications Focus on Different Things

A mattress is made up of multiple materials working together to create comfort, support, and durability. Foam layers provide pressure relief and support, while fabrics, covers, and stitching contribute to comfort and overall product construction.

CertiPUR-US® focuses specifically on polyurethane foam components, helping verify the quality and emissions profile of those materials.

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 focuses on textile components, helping ensure that fabrics and related materials have been tested against established safety criteria.

As a result, the two certifications are not interchangeable. Instead, they address different parts of a mattress and offer different types of information to consumers.

Which Certification Should You Prioritize?

The answer depends on what you're evaluating.

If you're interested in the foam materials used within a mattress, CertiPUR-US® certification can help provide confidence that those components have been independently tested for certain chemicals and emissions.

If you're more concerned about the fabrics and textile materials that contact your skin, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification may be particularly relevant.

Many consumers choose to view certifications as one part of a larger purchasing decision that also includes:

• Comfort preferences
• Support requirements
• Pressure relief
• Cooling features
• Durability
• Warranty coverage

While certifications can help explain what's inside a mattress, they do not determine whether a mattress will be the right fit for your individual sleep needs.

Why Some Mattresses Feature Multiple Certifications

Because mattresses contain a variety of materials, manufacturers often pursue multiple certifications to provide greater transparency about different components within the product.

A mattress may contain CertiPUR-US® certified foam layers alongside OEKO-TEX® certified textile components. In these cases, each certification verifies a different aspect of the mattress rather than duplicating the same evaluation.

For consumers seeking additional information about the materials used in a mattress, multiple certifications can offer a broader understanding of how those materials have been independently assessed.

A Note from Tempur-Pedic®: We love sharing tips to help you achieve better sleep. While we strive to provide objective, industry-standard insights, we also design and manufacture products to address specific sleep challenges. This sponsored content is for informational or general educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician for questions you may have regarding your sleep quality and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better between CertiPUR-US® or OEKO-TEX®?

Since these certifications evaluate different components of a product, there is no “better” certification.

What’s the difference between CertiPUR-US® and OEKO-TEX® certifications?

Certi-PUR-US® evaluates polyurethane foams; OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 evaluates textiles.

Can a mattress have both CertiPur-US® and OEKO-TEX® certifications?

Yes, a product can be CertiPur-US® and OEKO-TEX® certified.

Sources:

“Frequently Asked Questions.” Published by CertiPUR-US®. Read the article. Full URL: https://certipur.us/about-the-certification/frequently-asked-questions CertiPUR-US® outlines the standards for their certification as well as other frequently asked questions.

“OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: the original safety standard.” Published by OEKO-TEX®. Read the article. Full URL: https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-standard-100 OEKO-TEX® outlines the standards for their OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification.