It was found that harmful substances and acidity levels exceeding the standard were detected in two types of infant cooling bedding. There were functional differences based on the type of bedding, including contact cooling, heat regulation, and absorbency.

On the 31st, the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) reported that two of the 11 infant cooling pads and mats from eight brands failed to meet safety standards.

On the 31st, Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) provides information comparing the quality and safety of 11 products of child cooling bedding that are highly preferred by consumers in the press room of the Fair Trade Commission in Sejong Government Complex. The photo shows a related staff member examining the test products. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

Bebenuvo's 'Hypernic Cool Mat' detected nonylphenol and phthalate-based plasticizers above the standard at the floor contact surface, while the Mummy Cool Cool mat had a pH level exceeding the standard at the edge. Nonylphenol and phthalates raise concerns over endocrine disruption and reproductive function impairment, and high acidity levels may cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis, so washing before use is recommended.

Bebenuvo is destroying all affected products and is implementing exchange or refund measures for products sold from December 20 of last year until April 4 of this year. Mummy Cool Cool is also taking the same measures for the problematic products produced in October last year.

The functional evaluation showed distinct performance differences among the products. In terms of 'contact cooling,' which provides immediate cooling upon contact, Bebenuvo's Hypernic Cool Pad and Formongde's Ette Cool Mat Duralon cooling product demonstrated relatively superior performance.

Among the products with excellent heat transfer performance are Bebedeco's Himalayan Puppy Cooling Pad, Agabang's Cool Vibration Cooling Pad, and Allerman Baby's Little Pet Cooling Pad. Even with the same materials, the closer the quilting gap, the more the seams contribute to the heat passage, enhancing heat transfer capability.

All 11 products used 100% polyethylene as the cooling fabric and 100% polyester as the filling material, with differences in density, thickness, weight, and size of materials in each product. Products with anti-slip functions had friction coefficients 2 to 3 times higher than those without, resulting in greater stability.

The agency emphasized, 'When choosing infant cooling bedding, please compare the materials and performance,' and noted, 'Confirm whether washing machines and dryers can be used when washing, and wash according to the stated methods.'

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