John Lewis recalls Dual Purpose Pocket Spring Cotbed Mattress due to issues first uncovered in Which? tests

A voluntary recall has been issued for a John Lewis cot mattress after tests carried out by the retailer saw it fail a firmness test on the newborn side.

The recall covers the Dual Purpose Pocket Spring Cotbed Mattress, which has now been removed from sale on the John Lewis website. Customers that own the mattress are being encouraged to reach out for a replacement and full refund.

In April of this year, our own expert tests covering the same mattress identified issues with a drop in firmness. This could pose a suffocation risk to a baby if he or she rolled onto their front and were unable to roll back.

Keep scrolling for more details on what to do if you own the Dual Purpose Pocket Spring Cotbed Mattress.

Best Buy cot mattresses - ensure your baby can sleep safely and soundly.

Why is this cot mattress being recalled?

The Dual Purpose Pocket Spring Cot mattress on sale at John Lewis is reversible. The firmer side is meant to be suitable for babies up to one-year-old, while the slightly softer side is designed for toddlers of 12 months and over.

John Lewis carried out testing on the mattress according to the requirements of the EU standard (BS EN 16890:2017). The product failed a firmness test on its newborn side, which means it does not comply with the standard.

The toddler side of the mattress, however, passed the test and is safe to use. John Lewis has told customers to rotate the mattress 'immediately' and use the 12 month + side instead while waiting for a replacement. This is done by unzipping the cover and turning it over.

John Lewis responds

Following its decision to recall the Dual Purpose Pocket Spring Cotbed Mattress, John Lewis has reached out to customers with instructions on getting it replaced.

When we got in touch with John Lewis, the retailer told us: 'Our customers' safety is really important to us and we undertake great care in developing products that meet our rigorous requirements.

'We are recalling the Dual Purpose Pocket Spring Cotbed Mattress as we have become aware of a recent compliance issue in relation to a firmness test.

'As a precautionary measure, we have also removed from sale all other products produced by the manufacturer while they undergo further tests.

'We are in the process of contacting customers who bought the mattress to arrange a replacement and a full refund. We apologise for the concern that this product recall may cause our customers.'

What to do if you own the Dual Purpose Pocket Spring Cot Mattress

If you own the Dual Purpose Pocket Spring Cot Mattress, you should contact John Lewis right away.

Customers have been told to call John Lewis on 01698 545 160 to discuss a replacement and full refund.

The retailer has said that it will arrange for the collection and disposal of your existing mattress in a responsible way. It is obliged to ensure the mattress is not used any more, and does not find its way onto secondary markets.

Choosing the right cot mattress is vital

Our expert cot mattress tests have uncovered safety issues with products on numerous occasions.

In May 2019, we flagged a smothering risk with a Baby Dunlopillo cot mattress and also encountered the same problem with a Stokke Home Bed Cot Mattress in April 2018.

We've spotted other safety issues affecting cot mattresses, including zips that have come loose and stickers on the mattress, both of which pose choking risks to babies.

Mattresses that are the incorrect dimensions are dangerous as they leave a gap between the mattress and the cot or bed, where a baby could get themselves trapped. And if you choose to wash a mattress cover and it shrinks, this could also compress the mattress and lead to dangerous gaps.

For more on cot mattress safety, see our video below:

Read our guide to cot mattress safety to ensure your baby is sleeping safely.