Read More →
Read More →
When certification shifts from mere
labels to legitimacy
When certification shifts from mere labels to legitimacy
Read More →
June 10th 2026
June 10th 2026
June 10th 2026
The mattress industry is no longer just about selling beds; it is now part of the wider sleep economy. This article explores this evolution, drawing parallels with the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) segment to highlight how agility, branding, and customer experience are the new battlegrounds
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, is the National Standards Body of India. As the country’s premier standards organization, BIS plays a pivotal role in ensuring quality, safety, and reliability across products and services. It formulates Indian Standards, operates certification and hallmarking schemes, administers the Compulsory Registration Scheme and Management Systems Certification Schemes, and supports the quality ecosystem through laboratory recognition, training, and awareness programmers.
June 10th 2026. Comfort Times Magazine
Quality you can sleep on : A closer look at IS13489 : 2025
Among the wide range of products covered under the BIS standardization framework, bedding products such as mattresses hold particular importance due to their direct impact on daily life and well-being. A mattress constitutes an important component of bedding items. A common misconception is that a bed mattress is merely a piece of furniture; however, considering that we spend nearly one-third of our lives sleeping, the quality, durability, and performance of mattresses play a crucial role in ensuring sound sleep, comfort, and well-being. To address these aspects and to provide uniform quality benchmarks, BIS has published IS 13489 : 2025 — Textiles — Bed Mattress — Specification under TXD 20 sectional committee on Made-up Textiles including Ready-made Garments. The standard lays down performance requirements and classification criteria for bed mattresses. The standard categorizes bed mattresses into two broad types based on the materials used in core composition. Type 1 mattresses include those made primarily from rubberized coir sheets, or combinations of coir sheets with other materials used as cushioning or core components. Type 2 mattresses covers materials such as flexible polyurethane foam, latex foam, viscoelastic foam, rebonded foam, and bonnel or pocket springs used either singly or in combination as core or cushioning materials. The comfort and durability of a mattress are largely determined by the quality of materials used in its core and cushioning layers. Recognizing this, IS 13489 lays strong emphasis on the conformity of individual components to relevant Indian Standards, ensuring
June 10th 2026. Comfort Times Magazine
that mattresses deliver reliable performance and long service life. The standard specifies that rubberized coir sheets used in manufacturing shall conform to the prescribed requirements of IS 8391-Part 1(Rubberized coir sheets curled) or IS 8391-Part 2 (Rubberized coir sheets needle felt) or IS 8391-Part 3 (Rubberized coir sheets sandwiched), while latex foam is required to meet the provisions of IS 1741 (Latex foam sheet). Likewise, flexible polyurethane foam and viscoelastic foam used in mattresses are required to comply with IS 7933(Flexible polyurethane foam).In addition to this, IS 13489 also prescribes minimum quality benchmarks for bonnel and pocket springs used in mattresses. Decision fatigue, a concept mastered by FMCG companies who know that too many SKUs can actually hurt sales. If a manufacturer starts selling online for 20% less than their long-term retail partner, that partner will stop carrying their brand. Brands often create exclusive models for retail partners that aren't available on their own D2C site, similar to how Nike creates specific sneakers for Foot Locker versus their own app.
Flexibility in design with uniform measurement criteria
IS 13489 offers considerable flexibility to manufacturers by not prescribing fixed dimensions for mattresses, allowing them to design and customize products according to market needs and consumer preferences. This approach enables manufacturers to cater to a wide range of requirements, from standard household use to specialized institutional demands. At the same time, to ensure transparency and fairness, the standard clearly specifies test methods for measuring mattress dimensions. These standardized measurement procedures help protect both manufacturers and organized buyers by providing an objective basis for verification in case of any dispute regarding size or specifications. By balancing flexibility with clear testing protocols, the standard safeguards the interests of all stakeholders in the marketplace.
June 10th 2026. Comfort Times Magazine
Sustainability at the core
Comfort today can no longer come at the planet’s cost. Recognising this, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), through its Standards National Action Plan (SNAP) 2022–27, has identified climate change and sustainability as one of the key pillars of future standardization. Reflecting this vision, IS 13489 : 2025 incorporates environmental responsibility by expanding its scope to include materials such as rebonded foam and natural alternatives like coir fibre sheets. The inclusion of these materials represents a conscious shift towards resource efficiency and environmentally responsible manufacturing. In doing so, IS 13489 : 2025 transforms the idea of “green sleep” from a mere marketing claim into a measurable commitment within the framework of standardization. One of the most common expectation of consumers from a quality mattress is its durability in terms of hardness loss and sagging of mattress. To commit to the consumer expectations, mattresses conforming to IS 13489 are subjected to fatigue and rollator testing. This test is designed to simulate long-term usage conditions by repeatedly applying controlled loads over the mattress surface, replicating the effects of sleeping, body movement over an extended period. This test methodology is aligned with international standard practice, ensuring that mattresses conforming to IS 13489 demonstrate adequate durability, resistance to sagging, and sustained performance throughout their intended service life. Also, every mattress shall carry clear labelling indicating the different core materials used in its
construction to empower the customer through informed choice rather than advertising claims. However, the effectiveness of any standard ultimately depends on its widespread awareness and adoption among industry and consumers.
Strengthening quality through awareness and outreach
Since Indian Standards are voluntary in nature, their widespread acceptance and implementation by industry, organized buyers, and consumers are essential for achieving the intended impact. With a view to strengthening the national quality ecosystem and promote greater consumer awareness about quality, the BIS has undertaken several initiatives across multiple levels. A few of these noteworthy initiatives are listed below:
To enhance ease of access to Indian Standards, the BIS has made all indigenously developed Indian Standards available for free download through the dedicated public access platform : https://standardsbis.bsbedge.com/.
Recognizing the need for skilled quality and testing professionals, BIS organizes focused capsule courses tailored to industry clusters across the country. Conducted free of cost, these programmes aim to build technical competence by equipping participants with in-depth knowledge of Indian Standards and their effective implementation in quality control and testing practices.
To spread awareness about quality among consumers, BIS has launched several initiatives at different levels. These include training and sensitization of district-level officers, arranging industry exposure visits for students, and conducting awareness programmes in schools and gram panchayats.
June 10th 2026. Comfort Times Magazine
From compliance to convenience
Further, in its role as a facilitator, BIS has undertaken several industry-friendly initiatives to streamline the certification process particularly for MSMEs. These efforts aim to promote ease of doing business while encouraging wider participation of industry in the national standards and certification framework. Under IS13489:2025, seventeen licenses have already been granted and are currently in operation.
To support micro and small manufacturing units, BIS has reduced the minimum marking fee under its product certification schemes. The fee has been lowered by 80 percent for micro-scale units and by 50 percent for small-scale units, helping these enterprises obtain certification more easily and at a lower cost.
The requirement for maintaining an in-house testing laboratory has been made optional. Manufacturers now have the flexibility to utilize designated outside laboratories for testing purposes, thereby reducing infrastructure costs.
To provide greater operational flexibility, BIS allows manufacturers to declare their own Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) to ensure that their products meet the requirements of relevant standards.
June 10th 2026. Comfort Times Magazine
Evolving standards for evolving sleep
Standards are dynamic and must evolve continuously to keep pace with emerging technologies and changing industry practices. In the mattress sector, future standardization is poised to embrace innovations such as advanced materials like aerogel, phase change materials and smart mattresses equipped with sensors that can adapt to individual sleep patterns and comfort needs. There is also a need to develop comprehensive standards specifically addressing mattress requirements for cribs and cots intended for infants and children, with more stringent provisions for restricted heavy metals, firmness requirement and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, considering the sensitivity of infant skin and their physiological underdeveloped muscular control. Continued research and development, coupled with active collaboration and participation from industry stakeholders, will be crucial in determining scientifically sound and practical safe limits for such chemicals and emissions. Together, these forward-looking efforts will ensure that mattress standards remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with the evolving expectations of comfort, safety and consumer well-being.
June 10th 2026. Comfort Times Magazine
Article was written by Mr. Gourav Mishra , Scientist ‘B’/ Assistant Director Textile Department, BIS and Mr. J. K. Gupta, Scientist ‘E’ & Head (Textiles) Textiles Department, BIS
June 10th 2026. Comfort Times Magazine
The mattress industry is no longer just about selling beds; it is now part of the wider sleep economy. This article explores this evolution, drawing parallels with the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) segment to highlight how agility, branding, and customer experience are the new battlegrounds
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, is the National Standards Body of India. As the country’s premier standards organization, BIS plays a pivotal role in ensuring quality, safety, and reliability across products and services. It formulates Indian Standards, operates certification and hallmarking schemes, administers the Compulsory Registration Scheme and Management Systems Certification Schemes, and supports the quality ecosystem through laboratory recognition, training, and awareness programmers.
Flexibility in design with uniform measurement criteria
IS 13489 offers considerable flexibility to manufacturers by not prescribing fixed dimensions for mattresses, allowing them to design and customize products according to market needs and consumer preferences. This approach enables manufacturers to cater to a wide range of requirements, from standard household use to specialized institutional demands. At the same time, to ensure transparency and fairness, the standard clearly specifies test methods for measuring mattress dimensions. These standardized measurement procedures help protect both manufacturers and organized buyers by providing an objective basis for verification in case of any dispute regarding size or specifications. By balancing flexibility with clear testing protocols, the standard safeguards the interests of all stakeholders in the marketplace.
Sustainability at the core
Since Indian Standards are voluntary in nature, their widespread acceptance and implementation by industry, organized buyers, and consumers are essential for achieving the intended impact. With a view to strengthening the national quality ecosystem and promote greater consumer awareness about quality, the BIS has undertaken several initiatives across multiple levels. A few of these noteworthy initiatives are listed below:
To enhance ease of access to Indian Standards, the BIS has made all indigenously developed Indian Standards available for free download through the dedicated public access platform : https://standardsbis.bsbedge.com/.
Recognizing the need for skilled quality and testing professionals, BIS organizes focused capsule courses tailored to industry clusters across the country. Conducted free of cost, these programmes aim to build technical competence by equipping participants with in-depth knowledge of Indian Standards and their effective implementation in quality control and testing practices.
To spread awareness about quality among consumers, BIS has launched several initiatives at different levels. These include training and sensitization of district-level officers, arranging industry exposure visits for students, and conducting awareness programmes in schools and gram panchayats.
From compliance to convenience
Further, in its role as a facilitator, BIS has undertaken several industry-friendly initiatives to streamline the certification process particularly for MSMEs. These efforts aim to promote ease of doing business while encouraging wider participation of industry in the national standards and certification framework. Under IS13489:2025, seventeen licenses have already been granted and are currently in operation.
To support micro and small manufacturing units, BIS has reduced the minimum marking fee under its product certification schemes. The fee has been lowered by 80 percent for micro-scale units and by 50 percent for small-scale units, helping these enterprises obtain certification more easily and at a lower cost.
The requirement for maintaining an in-house testing laboratory has been made optional. Manufacturers now have the flexibility to utilize designated outside laboratories for testing purposes, thereby reducing infrastructure costs.
To provide greater operational flexibility, BIS allows manufacturers to declare their own Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) to ensure that their products meet the requirements of relevant standards.
Evolving standards for evolving sleep
Standards are dynamic and must evolve continuously to keep pace with emerging technologies and changing industry practices. In the mattress sector, future standardization is poised to embrace innovations such as advanced materials like aerogel, phase change materials and smart mattresses equipped with sensors that can adapt to individual sleep patterns and comfort needs. There is also a need to develop comprehensive standards specifically addressing mattress requirements for cribs and cots intended for infants and children, with more stringent provisions for restricted heavy metals, firmness requirement and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, considering the sensitivity of infant skin and their physiological underdeveloped muscular control. Continued research and development, coupled with active collaboration and participation from industry stakeholders, will be crucial in determining scientifically sound and practical safe limits for such chemicals and emissions. Together, these forward-looking efforts will ensure that mattress standards remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with the evolving expectations of comfort, safety and consumer well-being.
Quality you can sleep on : A closer look at IS13489 : 2025
Among the wide range of products covered under the BIS standardization framework, bedding products such as mattresses hold particular importance due to their direct impact on daily life and well-being. A mattress constitutes an important component of bedding items. A common misconception is that a bed mattress is merely a piece of furniture; however, considering that we spend nearly one-third of our lives sleeping, the quality, durability, and performance of mattresses play a crucial role in ensuring sound sleep, comfort, and well-being. To address these aspects and to provide uniform quality benchmarks, BIS has published IS 13489 : 2025 — Textiles — Bed Mattress — Specification under TXD 20 sectional committee on Made-up Textiles including Ready-made Garments. The standard lays down performance requirements and classification criteria for bed mattresses. The standard categorizes bed mattresses into two broad types based on the materials used in core composition. Type 1 mattresses include those made primarily from rubberized coir sheets, or combinations of coir sheets with other materials used as cushioning or core components. Type 2 mattresses covers materials such as flexible polyurethane foam, latex foam, viscoelastic foam, rebonded foam, and bonnel or pocket springs used either singly or in combination as core or cushioning materials. The comfort and durability of a mattress are largely determined by the quality of materials used in its core and cushioning layers. Recognizing this, IS 13489 lays strong emphasis on the conformity of individual components to relevant Indian Standards, ensuring