46 CFR 144.430: Mattress flammability standards on towing vessels

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This section sets flammability standards for mattresses. Each mattress must comply with one of two options. Under the CPSC option the mattress must not contain polyurethane foam, and under the IMO option it may.

What it says

  1. Each mattress must comply with one of two options, listed in paragraphs (a) and (b).

    “Each mattress must comply with either:”

  2. One option is to comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission Standard for Mattress Flammability (FF 4-72, Amended), 16 CFR part 1632, subpart A. A mattress under this option must not contain polyurethane foam.

    46 CFR 144.430(a)“The Consumer Product Safety Commission Standard for Mattress Flammability (FF 4-72, Amended), 16 CFR part 1632, subpart A, and not contain polyurethane foam; or”

  3. The other option is to comply with IMO Resolution A.688(17). A mattress under this option may contain polyurethane foam. The text says the resolution is incorporated by reference and refers the reader to § 136.112 of this subchapter.

    46 CFR 144.430(b)“IMO Resolution A.688(17) (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter) in which case the mattress may contain polyurethane foam.”

Common questions

Can a mattress on a towing vessel contain polyurethane foam?

Yes, if it complies with IMO Resolution A.688(17). A mattress that complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard must not contain polyurethane foam.

“in which case the mattress may contain polyurethane foam.”

Which standards can a mattress meet?

Each mattress must comply with either the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard in 16 CFR part 1632, subpart A, with no polyurethane foam, or IMO Resolution A.688(17).

“Each mattress must comply with either:”

Can a mattress meeting the CPSC standard contain polyurethane foam?

No. A mattress under the Consumer Product Safety Commission option must not contain polyurethane foam.

“16 CFR part 1632, subpart A, and not contain polyurethane foam; or”

The text of 46 CFR 144.430

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR

Mattresses

Each mattress must comply with either:

(a) The Consumer Product Safety Commission Standard for Mattress Flammability (FF 4-72, Amended), 16 CFR part 1632, subpart A, and not contain polyurethane foam; or

(b) IMO Resolution A.688(17) (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter) in which case the mattress may contain polyurethane foam.

Sections it refers to

The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.