CUSHION CRITERIA

 

The following criteria were established via a series of investigations.

A piece of laboratory equipment consisting of a box lined with cushion and carpet and containing weights is tumbled for several thousand cycles in the Hexapod Test (Test Method 103). Carpet wear from surface appearance is assessed. Additionally, controlled "walk-on tests" have been carried out.

Laboratory testing equipment: ASTM D5252 Hexapod Drum Tester   Controlled walk-on testing of carpet cushion in a university cafeteria

ASTM D5252 Hexapod Drum Tester

  

Walk-on testing at a University Cafeteria

The Carpet Cushion Council brochure on residential guidelines provides minimum recommendations for separate carpet cushion used in different areas of the home.

View the Residential Guidelines

 

The Carpet Cushion Council brochure on commercial guidelines provides architects, interior designers, specifiers and facility managers with minimum recommended criteria for satisfactory carpet cushion performance in contract installations.

View the Commercial Guidelines

 

Department of Housing and Urban Development
Use of Materials Bulletin 72a HUD Building Product Standards and
Certification Program for Carpet Cushion

The standard HUD UM 72a is considered suitable for HUD housing programs including Housing for the Elderly and Care-type Housing.

This document may be viewed at: HUD Use of Materials Bulletin 72a (PDF)

All available types of cushion are listed with the specifications for Class 1 (light/moderate traffic) and Class 2 (heavy traffic/multifamily installations).
The specification includes mechanical properties and density/weight requirements. Test methods and approved certification laboratories are listed.

Note concerning flammability of carpet cushion:
HUD UM 72a does not require that carpet cushion should comply with a flammability standard.
Specific Federal, State or Local building codes may require a product to comply with a flammability specification, depending on the application.