Rolled Mattresses: Unexpanded or Expanded?

5/1/2023

Hi all - I am currently reviewing an ESFR sprinkler protection of compressed, rolled-mattresses in cartons.

During a fire, once the carton burns, the mattresses will be able to retrieve, at least partially, its initial uncompressed configuration. Considering this, I'm skeptical about it being classified as a cartoned unexpanded plastic.

It seems to me that the proper classification should be cartoned expanded plastics, as I've found nothing justifying this optimistic opinion.

Do you have an opinion on how this should be properly classified, or how you would view it?

I'd love to hear about your point of view on the subject and choices made for similar projects.

Thanks and regards.

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

9 Comments

Pete H

5/1/2023 06:40:27 am

Ultimately it depends which type of foam is used to make your mattress.

In a lot of cases, it's going to be polyurethane foam.

Polyurethane is noted in the Appendix of Chapter 5 of NFPA 13 (2016 edition) as an Expanded Group A Plastic.

So in a lot of cases, it's an expanded group a plastic.

Ask for an MSDS sheet of the mattress.

Pete H

5/1/2023 06:42:39 am

Also worth noting in Table A.5.6.4.1 (NFPA 13 2016 edition) is that "Mattress; foam (in finished form)" is also noted as an Expanded plastic.

It seems really likely this is an expanded plastic.

Dan Wilder

5/1/2023 07:09:49 am

I'm with Pete...

First, what is the foam type
Second, what is it's final use

There is some ability for prewetting the exterior box (assuming it's not one of those plasticizer infuser cardboard boxes that are around everything and it's not already encapsulated on a pallet) , but then you have the foam encapsulated in plastic that's been compressed. Ya, understanding the mattress used to say 24 hours for "final form" but I've seen them in under an hour meaning it's well expanded just out of the packaging.

Anthony

5/1/2023 07:30:35 am

As you said, and I agree:

"During a fire, once the carton burns, the mattresses will be able to retrieve, at least partially, its initial uncompressed configuration. Considering this, I'm skeptical about it being classified as a cartoned unexpanded plastic."

Thus expanded.

Jesse

5/1/2023 08:06:19 am

I agree with the others. I'd definitely treat this as cartoned / expanded.

The type of foam is indeed important, but even if some of the foam is polyurethane, that will drive the commodity class.

Jesse

5/1/2023 08:08:58 am

I hit submit too fast.

The other issue involves the mattress when the carton is compromised. Yeah they say it takes 24 hours or more to achieve full shape, but in my experience these achieve 90% of their size and shape within minutes of leaving the box.

Franck

5/1/2023 12:45:44 pm

You can compress it as much as you want, an expanded plastic remains an expanded plastic (mainly because of its chemical characteristics, not only because of the possible amount of air trapped).
Some are worst than others, but they are all classified as expanded plastics.
(same with wood, some are worst than others, because of their chemical arrangement, but all are considered class III).

Bjørn B

5/1/2023 02:51:18 pm

I agree with the others. When you have a fire it will quickly become exposed expanded,

Maybe if you have kept it compressed for 10 years or so ........

Mary Bran link

6/21/2024 08:48:51 am

Hello everyone,

I'm currently evaluating a sprinkler protection for compressed, rolled mattresses in cartons. A key concern is their classification during fires, where they can partially regain their uncompressed shape after the carton burns.

I'm skeptical about labeling them as cartoned unexpanded plastic and lean towards classifying them as cartoned expanded plastics. I'd appreciate your insights on this classification and any experiences with similar projects.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Thank you.

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2024 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

Rolled Mattresses: Unexpanded or Expanded?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES