FTC Approves Final Consents Settling Charges That Mattress Sellers Lacked Scientific Evidence to Prove Products Were Free From Volatile Organic Compounds

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved final consent orders in three cases involving allegedly deceptive environmental claims for mattresses. The FTC’s complaints, first announced in July, 2013, against Relief-Mart, Inc.; Esssentia Natural Memory Foam Company, Inc.; and Ecobaby Organics, Inc., charged the companies with making unsupported claims that the mattresses they sell are free of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The FTC also charged that two of the companies made unsupported claims that their mattresses were chemical-free and odorless.  The FTC also challenged one company’s claim that its mattresses are made from 100 percent natural materials, and another company’s claim that its mattresses were certified by an organic mattress organization.

In settling the Commission’s charges, the companies have agreed not to make similar claims in the future, unless they have competent and reliable scientific evidence to prove they are true. In addition, Ecobaby is barred from making misrepresentations about certifications.

The Commission vote to approve the final orders and, in the cases of Essentia and EcoBaby, to send letters to the public commenters, was 4-0.  (FTC File Nos. 122-3128, Relief-Mart; 122-3129, Ecobaby Organics; 122-3130, Essentia Natural Memory Foam Company; the staff contact is Robin Moore, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2167; see press release dated July 25, 2013)

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them.  To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).  The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.