Buying a Used Mattress? Check the Law Tag First.

The Law Tag: What It Tells You

The white law tag sewn into the side of a mattress is legally required to remain on the mattress. It contains: the model name, size, serial number, manufacturing date, materials list, and country of origin. For a secondhand mattress, the law tag tells you the actual age of the mattress and its specific model identity.

Federal regulations require that all mattresses sold in the US meet fire resistance standards (16 CFR Part 1633). If the law tag is missing or the mattress was manufactured before 2007 (when the standard took effect), fire safety compliance cannot be confirmed. This is a real concern with very old secondhand mattresses.

• Law tag shows model, serial, manufacturing date, and materials
• Manufacturing date tells you the actual age of the mattress
• Post-2007 mattresses must meet federal fire resistance standard 16 CFR Part 1633
• Missing law tag on an older mattress is a fire safety concern

Checking for Recalls on a Used Mattress

Use the model name from the law tag to search cpsc.gov/recalls under 'Bedding and Sleep Products.' If the mattress is on an active recall, the remedy is typically replacement - which may be available even for secondhand owners if the recall is active.

If the original manufacturer is still in business and the recall is active, contact them with the serial number to inquire about the remedy for the current owner.

• Search cpsc.gov/recalls by brand under 'Bedding and Sleep Products'
• Active recall remedies may be available to current owners
• Contact brand with serial number to inquire about remedy eligibility

Should You Register a Used Mattress?

Registration of a secondhand mattress provides ongoing recall protection - useful if you plan to use the mattress for several more years and want to receive any future safety notifications. Warranty coverage for secondhand mattresses is typically non-transferable, but recall protection through registration is still worthwhile for current safety notifications.

Register for Ongoing Recall Protection

Bawte allows registration of secondhand mattresses. Enter the serial number from the law tag, your contact information, and your approximate possession date. Recall alerts for your specific model will be sent directly to you.

• Register with serial number from the law tag
• Ongoing recall alerts for your specific model
• Two-minute registration process