Mattress Bedding Fires Guidelines

OMB Control Number 3041-0029

Investigation Guideline
Appendix 15
September 2006

MATTRESS AND BEDDING FIRES
I. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this investigation is to learn more about the characteristics of the mattresses and
bedding that are ignited in fires and the circumstances under which mattress/bedding fires
occur. We are interested in any features or situations that are relevant to understanding the
cause of the fire and how the mattress and bedding behaved in the fire. We are now
particularly interested in the role that the ignition of bedding played in the fire.
Please remember that no guideline can cover all the pertinent factors that may apply to a
particular incident. Include an explanation of any relevant factors in your narrative, even when
these factors have not been specifically mentioned in the guideline.
A. Background Information
Fires in which a mattress or bedding article is the first item to ignite are responsible for a
major portion of the natio n’s fire casualties. In the early 1970s CPSC issued a mandatory
standard intended to address cigarette ignition (Title 16 CFR 1632). The standard became
effective in 1973. Still, as recently as 2002, there remained about 220 lives lost in such fires.
Another 220 fire deaths were associated with open flame and other ignition sources. Among the
categories of consumer products within the jurisdiction of the CPSC, mattress and bedding fires
were one of the leading causes of civilian injuries and deaths as of 2002.
The sleep products industry recently has funded extensive testing on mattresses and bedding.
One of the results of that testing has been a change in focus from prevention of ignition to
limitation of the fuel load, the amount of combustible material present, which is thought to
reduce the most severe effects of a fire. This change has resulted in renewed emphasis on
learning the role of the bedding being used.
CPSC published a mandatory standard to address fires ignited by small open flames (Title 16
CFR1633) on March 15, 2006. The standard goes into effect on July 1, 2007. Also on January
13, 2005 an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published to address open flame
ignition of bedclothes. We are interested in obtaining information on all mattress and bedding
fires regardless of ignition source.
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B. Product Descriptions
The cigarette- ignition standard (1632) defines a mattress as ticking that is filled with a resilient
material used alone or in combination with other products intended for sleeping upon. This
definition includes, but is not limited to, adult mattresses, youth mattresses, crib mattresses
including portable crib mattresses, bunk bed mattresses, futons, waterbeds and air mattresses
which contain upholstery material between the ticking and the mattress core, and any
detachable mattresses used in any item of upholstered furniture such as convertible sofa bed
mattresses, corner group mattresses, day bed mattresses, roll away bed mattresses, high risers,
and trundle bed mattresses. Mattress foundations are excluded from 1632 but included in the
open- flame standard (1633). 1633 also includes flip chairs. The term "bedding" includes items
such as pillows, sheets, blankets, comforters, bedspreads, etc. A mattress pad is a thin, flat mat
or cushion, and/or ticking filled with resilient material for use on top of a mattress and must
meet Standard 1632. This definition includes, but is not limited to, absorbent mattress pads, flat
decubitus pads, and convoluted foam pads that are totally enclosed in ticking.
The following are common terms used to describe mattress and mattress pad construction:
• Ticking – the outermost layer of fabric or related material that encloses the core and
upholstery materials of a mattress or mattress pad. A mattress ticking may consist of
several layers of fabric or related materials quilted together.
• Core – the main support system that may be present in a mattress, such as springs,
foam, hair block, water bladder, air bladder, or resilient filling.
• Upholstery material – all material, either loose or attached, between the mattress or
mattress pad ticking and the core of a mattress, if a core is present.
• Tape edge (edge) – the seam or border edge of a mattress or mattress pad.
• Quilted – stitched with thread or by fusion through the ticking and one or more layers
of upholstery material.
• Tufted – buttoned or laced through the ticking and upholstery material and/or core, or
having the ticking and upholstery material and/or core drawn together at intervals by
any other method which produces a series of depressions on the surface.
• Surface – one side of a mattress or mattress pad which is intended for sleeping upon.
C. Specific Items of Interest
Investigators will need to establish and maintain a strong liaison with local fire departments to
assure timely follow-up investigations. Inspection of products involved will be extremely

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important. Samples will not be collected. However, it is essential that investigators thoroughly
document the construction of the mattress involved if at all possible.
Issues of particular interest include:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Identification of the major ignition sources in all mattress/bedding fires and the hazard
scenarios involved
The types and role of bedding in these fires; how and to what extent these items
contributed to the fire (e.g., did burning bedclothes ignite the mattress? If so, how long
was the bedding involved before the mattress ignited?)
The geometry of the bedding (e.g., was the bed made or unmade? What items were
where?)
The size and type of mattress construction in which fires are occurring
When the mattress was manufactured, specifically, before or after Standard 1632 went
into effect and before or after 1633 went into effect (see page 6)
Ignition sequence, specifically, what item or items ignited first

The specific involvement of bedding items has been very difficult to establish from past
studies. Thorough identification of the products involved, sequence of ignition, and burning
characteristics will be very important.
Also important is the extent of the flame and smoke damage beyond the room of origin as well
as the victim location in relation to the origin of ignition. Be sure to obtain a copy of the fire
incident report, and any other available reports of the incident (e.g., police).
Include an explanation of any relevant factors in your narrative, even if we have not
specifically mentioned them in the guideline.
D. Headquarters Contacts
David Miller, EPHA, 301-504-7323, [email protected]
Allyson Tenney, ESFS, 301-504-7567, [email protected]

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II. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING SPECIFIC INFORMATION
A. Synopsis
Write a synopsis of the sequence of events that occurred prior to, during, and subsequent to the
fire. Specify the source of the ignition, the products involved, the estimated property loss
(dollar amount), and the nature of all injuries and deaths.
B. Description of the Incident Environment
PRE- INCIDENT: Include

in this portion of the narrative the sequence of events that occurred
prior to the fire (events that led up to the fire). Describe the general activities of the household
that day. Determine if there was any change in the household routine before the fire started.
Specify activity and location of occupants, particularly each victim, and the person responsible
for the fire, at the time of the incident.
INCIDENT : Describe

in the narrative how the fire occurred. Describe the ignition source and
sequence of ignition, as well as the sequence and extent of flame spread, flame damage, and
extent of smoke damage. Describe extent of damage to mattress and all bedding items. Include
a description of other major furnishings in the room that ignited.
POST-INCIDENT:

Describe conditions that may have contributed to the fire ignition or spread
(e.g., crowded or cluttered room, children playing, etc.). Indicate presence/absence of detectors
(smoke, heat, or CO), location of smoke alarm closest to the fire, and whether it operated. If it
did not operate (but was powered and smoke reached it), indicate manufacturer and model
number.
B. Description of Interaction Between Injured Person(s) and Product
Report the nature and extent of injury and treatment, as well as age, sex, and long term
prognosis for the victim(s). Report the victim’s location when he/she received the injury in
relation to the area of the fire’s origin as well as the activity of the victim(s) at the time of
death or injury. Indicate any competence-reducing factors (e.g., impaired vision, physical
handicaps, medication, narcotics, alcohol, perception of hazard, how victim was clothed, etc.)
that would tend to contribute to the cause of, or hinder escape from, the fire.

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Determine the source of ignition and describe in detail how ignition occurred (e.g., discarded
smoking materials, victim falling asleep with a cigarette, heater left too close to the bed,
children playing with matches, etc.). If the ignition source cannot be determined, indicate if
anyone in the residence had smoked within several hours prior to the fire and where they had
disposed of the cigarette. If a heater was involved, specify how close it was to the item first
ignited.
If the fire resulted from child's play, describe the ignition source involved; e.g., multipurpose or
cigarette lighter, wooden or book matches, etc. Report the age of the person involved in starting
the fire, if appropriate. Determine whether there was an intermediate ignition source (e.g., a
trash can or ashtray containing burning materials).
Report, if known, the amount of time that elapsed between ignition and discovery of the fire,
and the approximate time of day or night that the fire was discovered. Determine if, and how,
the occupants or victims became alerted to the fire (e.g., smoke alarm, visual clues such as
smoke or flames, etc.). Determine what the victim(s) response was upon discovery of the fire, if
incapacitation had not already occurred (e.g., victim(s) tried to fight the fire; victim(s) tried to
carry mattress outside, etc.).
Determine whether the occupant was the homeowner, renter, visitor, etc. Obtain the education
of the head of household, the approximate household income, and approximate home market
value if a single-family residence (including manufactured housing).
D. Description of Product
Mattress
Identify the size (e.g. crib, twin, full, etc.) and type (e.g., innerspring, foam, fiber-stuffed,
futon, etc.) of mattress involved in the fire. Note the approximate age of the mattress, whether
the mattress was obtained new or used, and if obtained used, the length of time the present
owners have had the mattress. The month and year of manufacture (or a date code) should be
on a label. Report the contents of any labels on the mattress or mattress pad that provide
information on the:
•
•
•
•

name/location of the manufacturer
date produced (or possible date codes used)
materials of construction
non-compliance with the mandatory standard (e.g., physician prescribed "one-of-akind" mattresses)
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•
•

previous use (e.g., renovated mattresses, purchased second hand)
care necessary to prevent deterioration of chemical fire retardant treatments

Describe the ticking and surface construction of the mattress (e.g., quilted vs. smooth, etc.).
Note the interior construction of the mattress, from the outer ticking through all layers of
upholstery (filling) materials. It may be necessary to cut a cross section of the mattress, from
the ticking to the inner core. Report the thickness of each layer and a thorough description of
each material [color, texture, type of materia l (e.g., foam, cotton batting) resiliency, etc.]. Try
to obtain close- up photographs or, at a minimum, provide a diagram illustrating the mattress
construction. See page 9 for pictures of different types of mattress sets.
To the extent possible, judge whether the mattress appeared to be of pre- or post-standard 1632
construction. Also determine if it is of pre- or post-standard 1633 construction. Post-standard
1632 mattresses would generally have a layer of polyester fiberfill or polyurethane foam
directly under the ticking (the outermost layer of fabric that encloses the core and upholstery
materials of a mattress). This layer would probably be at least 1/4 inch thick, but more likely ½
inch. These mattresses may have an aluminum flange at the tape edge. They may also contain
thermoplastic ticking or flame retardant-treated ticking, binding tape, and tufting cords. While
thermoplastics may be difficult to identify on sight, such fabrics and blends may exhibit some
"pilling" (to form small balls resembling pills). Post-standard mattresses may contain boric
acid-treated cotton. If the boric acid was added as a powder, hands might feel "slippery"
(similar to the feel of baby powder) after handling the batting.
Pre-standard 1632 mattresses would probably not have any of the above features. In addition,
pre-standard 1632 mattresses would probably be made of cellulosic ticking, binding tape, and
tufting cords that may show signs of wear (but no pilling) because they would be over 30 years
old. Pre-standard 1632 mattresses would generally not have a layer of foam under the ticking.
They were often filled with untreated cotton batting or similar materials (no slippery feel).
Determine where the mattress/foundation/bedding appeared to have ignited first, such as on the
top, side or bottom of the mattress, bedding, or foundation. Describe the types of filling that
burned or smoldered; e.g., fiber batting, flexible foam, etc. Also note the type of filling
materials that did not burn or smolder. If bedding ignited, describe which bedding materials
ignited and in what order if possible. Distinguish between filled and non- filled bedding items.

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Bedding
This includes such items as mattress pads, sheets, blankets, comforters, bedspreads, pillows,
and other bedding. List and describe each of the bedding items that were on the bed. Indicate
the order in which these items were used, e.g., next to mattress, second layer from mattress, etc.
For each bedding item describe the extent of fire damage. Indicate whether these bedding items
actually caught on fire and flamed, or if they just smoldered, as well as the order in which they
ignited, if possible. Bedding items that are filled with upholstery material can contribute
significantly to the open flame hazard. Indicate whether items were filled or non- filled. If
possible, determine the sequence of ignition; i.e., what ignited first, second, etc. If possible,
describe the geometry of the bedding? Was the bed made or unmade? Where were the
different bedding items? If an electric blanket was on the bed, note whether it was turned on or
off, and whether it was plugged into an outlet at the time of the fire.
See page 11 for pictures of bedding items.
Product Providing Heat of Ignition
Describe the product that ignited, or may have ignited, the mattress or bedding, for example, a
candle, cigarette lighter, electric blanket, or heater. If there is an investigation guideline for
that product, refer to it to determine the level of detail that is needed.
Other
State whether there were any non-bedding items on the bed and describe their involvement in
the fire.
E. Product Safety Standards
For information on mandatory flammability requirements, see 16 CFR Part 1632, Standard for
the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads and 16 CFR Part 1633, Standard for the
Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets.

III. PHOTOGRAPHS/DIAGRAMS OF INCIDENT SCENE
Obtain close- up color photographs illustrating the interior construction of the mattress and
filled bedding items (pillow, comforter, etc.), from the outer ticking through all layers of

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upholstery (filling) materials. If that is not possible, provide a diagram illustrating the
construction. Photographs or diagrams of the mattress/foundation/bedding should be included
to illustrate where ignition first occurred. Photograph all labels present on the mattress and
bedding items.
A diagram or sketch of the floor plan is important when indicating such things as room of
origin, extent of damage, location of victims, escape routes, or where escape routes were
blocked, detector/alarm locations, etc.

IV. OBTAINING SAMPLES AND DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE
INVESTIGATION
No sample collection from field investigation is required for this study.
Obtain copies of the fire incident report, casualty report(s), and investigation report, police
report, medical reports, insurance reports, and any other available documentation of the
incident. In cases that involve a death or deaths, procure the coroner’s report and the death
certificate.

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Mattress and Bedclothes Pictures

Ticking

Foam
Coils

Foundation

In-scope Items:
Innerspring

Adjustable beds

Foam

Mattress Used in
Upholstered Furniture

Fabric-covered Airbed

Futon

9

Daybed/Trundle bed

Flip chair or sleeper chair

Construction Details:
Quilted Surface

Flat/Tight top (arrows
point to tape edges)

Tufted Pillowtop

Flexible Foam

Tufted Boxtop

Memory Foam

Foundation:
Traditional boxspring

Bedboard

Low-profile foundation

10

Split foundation

Bedclothes:
Filled:
Mattress Pad

Bedspread

Mattress topper

Pillows

Comforter

Decorative pillows

Non-filled:
Bedspread

Blankets & Throws

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Bedskirt

MATTRESS AND BEDDING FIRES
DATA RECORD SHEET
Task number _________________________ Incident date ________________________
A. MATTRESS DESCRIPTION:
1. Material directly under surface ticking:
/___/ Polyester fiberfill
/___/ Polyurethane foam
/___/ Cotton batting
/___/ Other _________
/___/ Unknown
2. Pre- or post-standard construction (estimate to the extent possible):
/___/ Pre-standard
/___/ Post-standard
/___/ Other _________
/___/ Unknown
3. Purchased:
/___/ New
/___/ Used. If used, specify how obtained (e.g., garage sale, etc.): ___________
/___/ Unknown
4. Date mattress purchased: __________________ Mattress age: ____________
5. Manufacturer/distributor/brand: _________________________________________
6. Mattress size:
/___/ Crib
/___/ Twin
/___/ Double/full size
/___/ Queen
/___/ King
/___/ Other ______________
/___/ Unknown
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7. Mattress surface type:
/___/ Quilted
/___/ Smooth
/___/ Tufted
/___/ Other __________
/___/ Unknown
8. Type of mattress (i.e. innerspring, foam, futon, etc.) ____________________________
9. Foundation present
/___/ Traditional boxspring
/___/ Bed board (e.g. for bunk beds)
/___/ Other (describe)________________________
/___/ No foundation present
B. BEDDING:
10. Bedding items on the bed at the time of the fire (mark all that apply and specify the type of
filling used, i.e. polyester, cotton batting, down/feathers, etc.):
/___/ Mattress pad – filling ____________________
/___/ Sheet(s)- number_____________
/___/ Blanket(s)-number___________
/___/ Comforter – filling ____________________
/___/ Bedspread – filling ____________________
/___/ Pillow(s) – filling ____________________
/___/ Dust ruffle
/___/ Other ___________
/___/ No bedding items invo lved
/___/ Unknown
C. FIRE DESCRIPTION
11. Ignition sequence (what ignited first?):
/___/ Mattress
/___/ Bedding ___________
/___/ Other ___________
/___/ Unknown

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12. Ignition source:
/___/ Cigarette
/___/ Lighter; cigarette ___ multipurpose ___ unknown ___
/___/ Match; book ____ box ____ unknown ____
/___/ Candle
/___/ Heater; fuel type ____________ distance from mattress __________
/___/ Other ___________
/___/ Unknown
13. Location of mattress ignition (even if bedding ignited first ):
/___/ Smooth top surface
/___/ Tape edge on top of mattress
/___/ Quilted/tufted depression on top of mattress
/___/ Side of mattress
/___/ Underside of mattress
/___/ Dust cover on box springs/foundation
/___/ Other __________
/___/ Unknown
14. Bedding items damaged by the fire (mark all that apply and specify the type of filling used,
i.e. polyester, cotton batting, down/feathers, etc.):
/___/ Mattress pad – filling ____________________
/___/ Sheet(s)- number_____________
/___/ Blanket(s)-number___________
/___/ Comforter – filling ____________________
/___/ Bedspread – filling ____________________
/___/ Pillow(s) – filling ____________________
/___/ Dust ruffle
/___/ Other ___________
/___/ No bedding items involved
/___/ Unknown

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15. Age of person involved in ignition (if appropriate):
/___/ < 5 years
/___/ 5 -14 years
/___/ 15-24 years
/___/ 25 - 64 years
/___/ 65 -74 years
/___/ 75+years
/___/ Unknown
16. Extent of flame damage:
/___/ Confined to the room of fire origin
/___/ Beyond the room of fire origin
/___/ Unknown
17. Extent of smoke damage:
/___/ Confined to the room of fire origin
/___/ Beyond the room of fire origin
/___/ Unknown
D. FIRE SAFETY DEVICES
18. Fire Safety Devices Present
/___/Smoke Alarm, specify number________
/___/Heat Detector
/___/Sprinkler
/___/CO Detector
/___/Other, specify type: ________________
/___/ None
/___/ Unknown
19. Location of the nearest smoke alarm to point of origin
/___/ In the room of origin
/___/ Outside the room of origin but on the same floor
/___/ Other ____________________
/___/ Unknown

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20. Smoke alarm operated (sounded) during fire?
/___/ Yes
/___/ No, smoke didn’t reach alarm
/___/ No, battery missing or inoperable
/___/ No, other reason_______________
/___/ Unknown
21. Event that caused the occupant to investigate/recognize fire hazard
/___/ Smoke alarm sounded
/___/ Smelled/saw smoke
/___/ Other safety device operated___________________________
/___/ Present at ignition
/___/ Alerted by another person
/___/ Other__________________________________________________
E. VICTIM(S)
22. Total Number of Deaths _______
Enter number for each diagnosis:
/___/ Smoke inhalation only
/___/ Burns only
/___/ Smoke inhalation and burns
/___/ Other ______________
/___/ Unknown
23. Total Number of Injuries _______
Enter number for each diagnosis:
/___/ Smoke inhalation only
/___/ Burns only
/___/ Smoke inhalation and burns
/___/ Other ______________
/___/ Unknown

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