Survey: Consumers believe FR beds will enhance safety
By David Perry -- Furniture Today, June 28, 2004
Richmond, Va. — A majority of consumers surveyed by DuPont believe that fire-resistant materials will make their homes safer and that that legislation will help reduce mattress fire deaths.
DuPont, which is now marketing its DuPont Fire Resistant Material to bedding producers, is one of the only mattress suppliers to unveil consumer research on the FR issue.
A DuPont consumer study last year found that:
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67% of respondents say legislation will help reduce mattress fire deaths.
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59% of respondents say legislation is appropriate.
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58% of respondents believe FR materials would make their homes safer.
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71% are concerned about fires.
The consumer research was conducted for DuPont by an independent source, the company said.
The research also found that 81% of U.S. consumers are concerned about fire safety in their homes and are willing to spend money on fire-resistant products that protect their families. And it noted that one-third of the respondents say they would prefer mattresses that exceed legislative standards for fire safety.
DuPont conducted the research to learn more about what motivates the ultimate consumers of sleep products.
"The DuPont name represents safety and innovation," said John Dottore, corporate accounts manager for Fire Resistant Material in the company's Advanced Fiber Systems unit. "Developing fire-resistant mattress barriers is a natural step in the evolution of the company's commitment to help improve the safety of people everywhere."
Research respondents also indicated that the DuPont brand would add value to a fire-resistant product.
"The DuPont name tells consumers that they are purchasing premium products that have been researched and tested to provide a high level of quality," Dottore said.
More than 500 mattresses with DuPont FR Material have been burn-tested to help optimize barrier performance and usability, according to DuPont.
The company says it is ready to meet the bedding industry's needs for FR mattress products.
"DuPont is implementing supply and distribution programs and is now ready to work with the industry on their requirements for FR material supply," said Bill Harvey, vice president and general manager for the Advanced Fiber Systems business, based in Richmond.
