CertiPUR-US foams undergo third-party laboratory analysis that examines VOC emissions and foam chemistry. Products must be manufactured with-out the use of substance such as ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons, mathylene chloride, PBDE fire retardants, lead, mercury, prohibited phthalates and other materials of concern. CertiPUR-US also sets baseline requirements for foam physical performance regarding comfort and durability. Once a foam qualifies, the manufacturer must undergo periodic tests to prove continued compliance with program requirements.

While CertiPUR-US is not by definition a green program-for instance, there are no requirements for renewable content or energy reduction in foam production-the program does help address many concerns in the minds of today’s consumer about health, safety and indoor environments.

“Our value is to give consumers assurance that the foam will perform well, have low emissions and is made without certain harmful substances such as prohibited phthalates and heavy metals,” says Helen Sullivan, CertiPUR-US communications counsel. “This is a nice value-added tool for retailers, because many consumers are beginning to ask question about health, safety and what’s inside their mattresses. It’s a program whose time has come and it will become increasingly important.”

His first book, GOOD NIGHT: The Sleep Doctor’s 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health (Dutton/Penguin), an Amazon Top 100 Best Seller, has been met with rave reviews and continues to change the lives of readers. It is now available in paperback as BEAUTY SLEEP: Look Younger, Lose Weight, and Feel Great Through Better Sleep.

As the subject of sleep gains greater momentum in our sleep-deprived society, Dr. Breus has become a widely recognized leader in this highly evolving field. Dedicated to raising awareness of both sleep disorders and what he calls “disordered sleep” in the public and healthcare communities, Dr. Breus is on a mission to develop innovative education and communication programs.

In addition to his private practice where he treats athletes, celebrities and the like, he also trains other sleep doctors and consults with major airlines, hotel chains, mattress manufacturers and retailers to provide the optimum sleep experience for their customers. His audio relaxation CD distributed in Crowne Plaza Hotels helps millions of people fall asleep each year; and for over 10 years, he has served as the Sleep Expert for WebMD Health, a leading Internet site for health-related information and pens “Sleep Matters” a monthly column in WebMD magazine. You can also find him on AOL where he is a Wellness Coach discussing topics from mattress choice to sleep apnea. His blogs can be found at WebMD, The Huffington Post, The Insomnia Blog, Psychology Today, MedPedia, Organized Wisdom, SleepBetter.org, and Furniture Today.

Dr. Breus has provided editorial services for numerous medical and psychology peer-reviewed journals and has given hundreds of presentations to professionals and the general public. Among his numerous national media appearances, Dr. Breus has been interviewed on CNN, Oprah, The View, Dr. Oz and The Doctors. He also appears regularly on Sirius XM Radio. Dr. Breus’ PBS television special, “Good Night with The Sleep Doctor,” debuted in December 2007 and continues to air nationwide. In August 2008, Dr. Breus debuted his show “As Recommended by The Sleep Doctor,” on the Home Shopping Network (HSN).