Stearns & Foster mattresses

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. No one hurt

   Made Mar 21, 2026 · , sent to the company Mar 26, 2026 · , published by CPSC Apr 9, 2026

   The product, in the report: Furniture - Mattress: Stearns & Foster Lux Estate 15-inch Plush Euro Pillow Top

   The mattress has experienced a total structural failure where the perimeter stitching has completely separated. This has resulted in sharp internal metal coils (IntelliCoil system) becoming exposed through the side of the mattress, creating a significant puncture and laceration hazard.

   Model

   Lux Estate Cassatt 15” Model 524979

   UPC

   Model 524979

   Serial number

   451218192455

   Bought from

   Mattress Firm

   Bought

   May 24, 2020

   Where

   Las Vegas, Nevada: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 49, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Stearns & Foster, made or sold by SEALY, INC.

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

2. No one hurt

   Made Mar 26, 2022 · , sent to the company Mar 30, 2022 · , published by CPSC Apr 13, 2022

   The product, in the report: SF HURSTON LXF QUEEN see upload

   On March 23, 2022, a Stearns and Foster mattress was delivered from Macy’s Department store. I have learned A LOT about “off-gassing” and am concerned about the VOC’s being emitted in my home. Stearns and Foster customer service said although this is rare, and should not have been delivered in this condition. I developed a headache from the onset and as of today my eyes are itchy even though I have had the bedroom door closed and the window cracked open. My body is signalling warning signs and as of today, I want the mattress removed immediately.

   I hope the following emails will help you understand my concerns. I am outraged with Macy’s response to have a home inspector scheduled in 3 1/2 weeks ( April 16). I’m also disappointed that Stearns and Foster have not replied to my request for a technical sheet providing their chemical composition and manufacturing process.

   Thank you for your consideration for review, [REDACTED] [REDACTED]

   To whom it may concern,

   Macys’ delivered a Stearns and Foster/Sealy Queen Mattress Luxury Firm Hurston to my home as promised on March 23. I left home for a few hours, and on my return, a distinctive, prominent, offensive odor was detected throughout my home. As I entered the bedroom, the newly delivered mattress was the obvious source of the foul odors. I assumed it would soon dissipate, delayed dressing the bed with clean bedding, and waited 8 hours before retiring that evening. About 3 hours later, I woke up with a headache and found the odor was intolerable. I ended up on the sofa for the rest of the night. Due to heavy rains, I was unable to open the window.

   That morning, I stripped the bedding to allow air to circulate and placed the bedding in my spare room. I immediately called Stearns and Foster/Sealy customer care (March 24). The representative informed me that the mattress was “off gassing”, and rarely happens. I was advised to sprinkle baking soda on the mattress, place vinegar bowls in the room, open the window, and place the mattress on its side for better air circulation.I am 65 years old, 120 pounds, and undergoing physical therapy 3 times a week for back issues. Merchandise total is $1,931.94.

   I spoke with [REDACTED], Macy’s Oakland Mall Troy Michigan Sales associate. After laying on the mattress for about 3 hours, I shared how happy I am with the mattress comfort and how foul the odor is and uncomfortable knowing the initial release of volatile compounds are harmful and may continue to be released throughout the life of the mattress. I also inquired about an organic choice. One option offered was to exchange the mattress for another, with the hope of not repeating the off gassing again, or cancel the order entirely and arrange for a pick up. Both options without penalties or fees. The latter would leave me without a bed since my old bed was removed upon the onset of the new delivery.

   After another night on the couch, I went into the spare room this morning and found that the odor had permeated into my bedding. I contacted [REDACTED] from Stearns and Foster Customer care who directed me to the Q&A on the S&F website to find the specific chemical composition and manufacturing process of the mattress. She remained on the line while I searched for the information without success…[REDACTED] also tried without success. Both representatives from S&F/Sealy and [REDACTED] (via communication with the local Royal Oak S&F/Sealy representative), have verbally said the mattress has been tested and found safe. [REDACTED] noted that “off-gassing” should have happened before delivery and can take 72 hours to one week to dissipate.

   My only option at this point is to continue sleeping on the couch, and keep my windows opened. The premise for my new purchase was to help find some relief with my back issue. Physical Therapy seems counter productive under these circumstances.

   Please forward all information pertaining to my mattress including the chemical components and manufacturing process. I need this information in order to make the right choice going forward.

   The mattress is still “off-gassing” at this time.

   Sincerely,

   [REDACTED] [REDACTED]

   MACY’S RESPONCE

   Dear Valued Customer,

   Thank you for taking the time to email us regarding sales check number [REDACTED].

   We aim to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your purchase. We are sorry to hear that you are having an issue with your merchandise at this time. We have scheduled an independent service technician to inspect your merchandise on 04/16. The service company name is U.S. Quality and may be contacted at 800-774-8700. The In-Home Service Provider will call you the evening before and provide you with a 2-hour window.

   If you have any further questions or concerns please call us at 1-888-822-6229.

   Sincerely,

   Furniture and Bedding Customer Service

   Model

   sku 4398814 1 style 52490951

   UPC

   upload

   Serial number

   see upload

   Bought from

   Macy’s Oakland Mall

   Bought

   Mar 14, 2022

   Where

   Birmingham, Michigan: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Unknown

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Unspecified

   As this report names them

   Brand Stearns and Foster Queen, made or sold by STEARNS & FOSTER

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

3. Seen by a doctor or nurse

   Made Aug 4, 2016 · , sent to the company Sep 6, 2016 · , published by CPSC Sep 20, 2016

   The product, in the report: Mattress

   (7/23) Caller is reporting that the mattress is off gassing chemicals that made his spouse ill. He stated that she began bleeding profusely from the nose, headaches, dizziness etc. since installation. The carpet and home also absorb this overwhelming odor. Caller stated that his spouse had provided a physician’s letter per regulation about being sensitive to fire retardant chemicals but it was ignored by the company. He contacted the store about the incident.

   Caller stated that he filed a claim with the company about the incident. Claim#[REDACTED]. He stated per the company’s policy about complaint against their product that the user has to keep the product for 30 days before it would be removed. He stated that he will be taking his spouse to the doctor for medical attention.

   Caller feels that this mattress is a health hazard and should be reported.

   (1) Reference # 8/8/16 [REDACTED] case # [REDACTED] Stearns & Foster 1-800-697-3259

   (2) Sales receipt 07/07/16 sold by [REDACTED] sales check [REDACTED] store #01059 register #755 15711 Aurora Ave N. Shoreline, WA 98135 206-364-9000

   (3) Mattress returned to store as defective 8/13/16. Picked up by Sears delivery SVC per store manager, [REDACTED] and delivery service Mgr [REDACTED].

   (4) Sears insurance claim 8/8/16 [REDACTED] insurance # [REDACTED] Rep name [REDACTED].

   (5) Home destruction; clothing/shoes destruction; walls, ceiling, carpets destruction from off-gassing; [REDACTED] ADJ base destruction [REDACTED] -> [REDACTED] insurance # [REDACTED] DTD 8/8/16 [REDACTED] Rep

   (6) Photos mattress and label available, if required. Digital. PICASA3 8/10/16

   (7) 26hrs VOCO conv w/ Sears; [REDACTED]; [REDACTED]; Stearns & Foster 8/4/16 - 8/15/16 Yes 26 hours over 11 days

   (8) Cooresp w/ Sears Corporate HQ 8/13/16; VOCO conv Sears Corp HQ 8/15/16 [REDACTED] - Rep. 2:00 - 2:10 PM PST.

   (9) Mattress ordered 7/17/16 and manufactured specifically for [REDACTED].

   (10) Mattress SN # 18165 6219 Owenton Sal LXP EPT (II), $2494.40

   (11) Picture of SN tag digitally sent to manufacturer, see email.

   Model

   owenton luxury plush Euro pillowtop

   Bought from

   Sears, Washington

   Bought

   Jul 17, 2016

   Where

   Seattle, Washington: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 63, Female

   The reporter’s relation to them

   My Spouse

   As this report names them

   Brand Stearns & Foster, made or sold by STEARNS & FOSTER

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

4. Hurt, no treatment

   Made Feb 8, 2016 · , sent to the company Jun 14, 2016 · , published by CPSC Jun 28, 2016

   The product, in the report: KIng Sized Bed

   This caller purchased a king sized mattress from retailer January 15th, 2016, it was delivered January 25th, 2016 in the state of Washington.

   After airing the mattress out for approximately 8 hours she put sheets and bedding on the and slept on night then read on it for maybe two hours but while she was reading she noticed that whatever side of her body was touching the mattress she felt a burning sensation everyplace that her skin touched the mattress. Her eyes are also burning.

   Her husband tried sleeping on the mattress February 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2016 and said that it was causing his skin to tingle. The odor coming from this mattress was like that of old oil or greasy chemical smells. They arranged for the mattress to be picked up.

   Neither the caller or her husband have obtained medical assistance yet but since their skin symptoms are not going away they plan to make an appointment today.

   She said her blood pressure has never gone up a down but has fluctuated greatly since the exposure to this mattress.

   She contacted the retailer but not the manufacturer yet, however she does plan to contact them.

   She arranged for the mattress to be picked up but declined a replacement from the retailer.

   Model

   LXFEPT

   Serial number

   unknown

   Bought from

   Macy’s, Washington

   Bought

   Jan 15, 2016, about then

   Where

   Normandy Park, Washington: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 67, Female

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Stearns & Foster, made or sold by STEARNS & FOSTER

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received

5. Emergency room

   Made Feb 2, 2015 · , sent to the company Feb 12, 2015 · , published by CPSC Mar 2, 2015

   The product, in the report: Stearns and Foster California King Mattress, Style - “Ellie Grace.”

   We purchased a new mattress (Stearns and Foster, Cal King) and when it was delivered on Monday, January 26, the odor was very strong. We opened windows and turned on fans and left the bed unmade for 8 hours. That evening we made the bed and tried to sleep in it - my husband only lasted 90 minutes before leaving for the guestroom with a burning throat and headache. I sleep on multiple pillows, so I made it through the first night, but woke up extremely ill - wheezing, eyes tearing, nose watering, severe heqadache and swollen throat. I called the store on Tuesday morning and was told to remove bedding and air out mattress every day and it should dissipate in about a week. We have bought at least a dozen mattresses and never had this issue before. I slept on the couch and my husband on our futon that night. My husband was still so ill he missed work half a day on Tuesday and all day Wednesday. I was having shortness of breath and my chest was tight. I called the manufacturer of Stearns and Foster and was told IT CAN TAKE UP TO 60 DAYS to offgass. I asked why they weren’t aired out before being sealed in plastic and shipped and was told it was their policy to ship as soon as they are made. I called the store and was told they could have an inspector come on Feb 11, and until then they could not remove the mattress. I informed them that by then I would be in the hospital and my dog would be dead. We got an appointment that night. That afternoon I suffered my first full blown asthma attack in 30 YEARS! Ended up at urgent care and needed a breathing treatment, and inhalers and steroids were prescribed because of my wheezing and extreme shortness of breath. The inspector agreed that the odor was strong and recommended it be removed, but the company couldn’t send anyone out until at least the following week. The next day I was in urgent care again because my asthma had worsened and I had to be given antibiotics. The Doctor wrote a note recommending immediate removal of the mattress, which was faxed to them the next morning. Still no hurry on the part of Ortho Mattress, and I was told that if we moved it to the garage we would void the warranty. Finally, after at least a dozen calls, we got an appointment for removal on Saturday, January 31. The fumes released while packing up the mattress were so strong that as soon as they walked out the door with it, I fainted and needed to use my recue inhaler twice. Today I went to get gas in my car and had to pull over and use my inhaler again and wait for about 30 minutes before leaving the gas station. I am now having to see my first pulmonary specialist since I was 30 - I am 58. I am concerned that there has been permanent damage to my lungs, I am angry at the lack of a timely and humane response from Ortho Mattress and the cavalier attitude towards safety shown by Stearns and Foster, who is now owned together with Sealy by Tempurpedic. I worry about the health of delivery employees who open plastic on new, un-aired out mattress sometimes 100 times a day. There should be a law requiring mattresses be off-gassed prior to shipping. There should be ventilation holes in the plastic so they can continue to air before delivery. There should be warnings to all consumers, especially ones who have any history of respiratory illness, to request things be aired prior to delivery. I did not ask them to do this, as I have never in my life had this problem or known anyone else who has had the same issue. We’re not talking “new car smell.” We’re talking mustard gas! The bed has been gone now for almost 48 hours and I still can’t enter my bedroom. If, as the Stearns and Foster representative stated, this is due to “new mattress technology” than laws and warnings need to be implemembted to protect consumers and workers from these toxins.

   Model

   Ellie Grace

   Serial number

   509986-370

   Bought from

   Ortho Mattress

   Bought

   Jan 25, 2015

   Where

   Moorpark, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 58, Female

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Stearns and Foster, made or sold by STEARNS & FOSTER

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Emergency Department Treatment Received

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources