What Is Mattress Fabric? Materials, Safety & Flammability Explained

Is a Mattress Considered Upholstery

From a material composition and regulatory standpoint, a mattress is indeed a type of upholstered furniture. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) classifies mattresses as "upholstered sleep products," subject to the 16 CFR Part 1633 flammability standard — the same regulatory framework that governs traditional upholstered furniture such as sofas and cushioned chairs.

The distinction lies in intended use: traditional upholstered furniture (e.g., sofas) is designed primarily for sitting, while mattresses are designed for lying down. However, the structural logic is identical — a rigid frame, internal filling layers, and an outer textile cover. The interior design industry widely treats mattresses as part of the soft furnishings category in procurement and specification.

Types of Mattress Fabric

The outer fabric layer of a mattress directly affects breathability, feel, and durability. The most common materials on the market are as follows:

Most mattress fabrics are not a single material but a blend — for example, 60% polyester + 40% cotton — balancing cost and comfort. Fabric weight (GSM, grams per square meter) is also a quality indicator; quality mattress fabrics typically fall in the range of 280–400 GSM.

What Materials Are Inside a Mattress

The comfort and support of a mattress come from its internal structure. Common filling materials fall into three main systems:

Spring / Coil System

Spring mattresses account for approximately 45% of global sales and represent the longest-established construction. Key formats include:

• Pocketed Coil: Each spring is individually wrapped in its own fabric pocket, providing excellent motion isolation — the current mainstream for premium spring mattresses
• Bonnell / Offset Coil: Interconnected springs that deliver consistent support at a lower cost

Foam System

• Memory Foam (Viscoelastic Foam): Responds to body heat and pressure to conform to the body's contours — well suited to side sleepers
• High-Density Polyurethane Foam: The foundational support layer in most mattresses, typically with a density of 1.5–2.0 lb/ft³
• Gel-Infused Foam: Memory foam with gel particles incorporated to improve heat dissipation

Natural Materials

• Natural Latex: Derived from rubber trees; highly elastic and durable, with a lifespan of up to 15–20 years. Dunlop-process latex is denser; Talalay-process latex is softer
• Wool, Cotton, Horsehair, etc.: Used primarily in the top comfort layers to regulate temperature and humidity

What Are Most Mattresses Made Of

According to 2023 data from the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), approximately 55% of mattresses sold in the U.S. are hybrid constructions combining springs and foam, approximately 30% are all-foam mattresses, all-latex and other natural-material mattresses account for a combined 10%, and traditional innerspring mattresses make up roughly 5%.

A typical mid-range hybrid mattress, from top to bottom, is structured as follows:

• Knitted polyester or jacquard fabric outer cover (approx. 3–5 mm)
• Memory foam comfort layer (approx. 1–2 inches, density 3–5 lb/ft³)
• Transition foam layer (approx. 1 inch, medium density)
• Pocketed coil support layer (height 6–8 inches; approx. 800–1,000 coils per Queen size)
• High-density base foam edge support (approx. 1 inch, prevents edge collapse)

Are Mattresses Flammable — Flammability Standards Explained

Mattresses are inherently combustible products. Polyurethane foam is a petroleum-based material that ignites rapidly — without treatment, it can reach dangerous temperatures in under two minutes.

For this reason, all mattresses sold in the United States are required by federal law to comply with 16 CFR Part 1633 (the Federal Mattress Flammability Standard). The test requirements are:

• Two open-flame burners simulate a fire on the mattress surface, burning continuously for 70 seconds
• The mattress must not exceed a peak heat release rate of 200 kW within 30 minutes of the test
• Total heat release during the first 10 minutes must remain below 15 MJ

Manufacturers typically meet these requirements through one of the following approaches:

It is worth noting that some budget mattresses use fiberglass as the fire barrier. Removing the outer cover for washing can cause microscopic glass fibers to spread throughout the room. When purchasing, check the mattress label — a warning stating "do not remove cover" is typically a signal that fiberglass is present.

How to Choose a Mattress Based on Materials

The choice of fabric and filling should be matched to body weight, sleeping position, and health needs:

• Side sleepers: Prioritize memory foam or latex comfort layers to reduce pressure on shoulders and hips
• Back / stomach sleepers: Firmer support is needed — a hybrid spring mattress is more appropriate
• Hot sleepers: Choose bamboo or Tencel fabric paired with a gel foam or latex core
• Allergy sufferers: Natural latex + organic cotton fabric; avoid chemically treated flame retardants
• Sleepers over 230 lbs (approx. 105 kg): Choose a high-density base foam layer (≥ 2 lb/ft³) or a coil layer 8 inches or deeper to prevent premature sagging

Quick Buying Checklist

• Confirm the foam carries CertiPUR-US certification (no harmful substances)
• Check whether the mattress uses a fiberglass fire barrier (if so, never remove the outer cover for washing)
• For natural latex, look for GOLS certification; for organic cotton, look for GOTS
• A fabric weight of ≥ 280 GSM generally indicates better durability