Bebenubo Phthalate Plasticizers and Nonylphenol Detected
MummyCoolCool Exceeds pH Safety Standards... Exchange and Refund Plans Announced
Bebe Deco and Agabang Products Recognized for Best Value for Money
According to the Consumer Agency, two products?Bebenubo and Formonde?demonstrated excellent performance in terms of immediate coolness upon contact, heat transmission, and sweat absorption. Bebe Deco, Agabang, and Allerremant were recognized for their outstanding heat transmission. Bebe Deco and Allerremant were also noted for their superior absorption performance.
All products showed no issues regarding color change due to saliva and sweat, nor any deformation after washing. This test evaluated the color, dimensional changes, and degree of damage to the products after washing.
However, some products were found to exceed the standards for nonylphenol and pH levels. The Bebenubo Hypernic Cool Mat detected nonylphenol and phthalate plasticizers above standard levels in the area that comes into contact with the floor. Prolonged exposure to nonylphenol and phthalate plasticizers can cause endocrine disruption and reproductive dysfunction.
For the MummyCoolCool product, the pH level at the edge of the mat exceeded the standard range of 4.0 to 7.5, making pre-use washing essential.
In response, the Korea Consumer Agency required With& Co., the operator of Bebenubo, to dispose of all units of the affected product. Additionally, the company submitted plans for exchange and refund for products sold between December 20, 2024, and April 4, 2025. Rabbit&Linmom, the operator of MummyCoolCool, also submitted an exchange and refund plan to the Consumer Agency for mats produced in October 2024 with non-compliant pH levels, in case of consumer complaints.
Furthermore, the Formonde Reversible Quilted Pad failed to meet labeling standards. According to the Electrical Appliances and Household Goods Safety Control Act, information such as fiber content and manufacturer name must be indicated, but the Formonde product lacked such labeling. Formonde explained that this issue was addressed last month in June by attaching stickers.
All tested products were found to use 100% polyethylene for both the cover and filling materials. Thickness, weight, and dimensions varied significantly among products. The thickest product was the Bebenubo Hypernic Cool Mat at 15.2mm, while the thinnest was the Bebe Deco Himalaya Puppy Cooling Pad at 3.0mm. The lightest product was the Formonde Reversible Quilted Pad at 610g, and the heaviest was the Bambubebe Circus Cooling Modal Cool Mat at 1,600g.
Regarding the prices of the tested products, in the pad category, the most expensive were the Bambubebe Cooling Pad (163,000 won), Formonde Reversible Quilted Pad (137,900 won), and Bebenubo Hypernic Cool Pad (129,000 won). The most affordable were the Bebe Deco Himalaya Puppy Cooling Pad at 69,000 won, followed by the Agabang Cool Vibration Cooling Pad at 89,000 won. In the mat category, the Bambubebe Circus Cooling Modal Cool Mat was the most expensive at 167,000 won, while the MummyCoolCool Mat was the most affordable at 91,000 won.
The Consumer Agency selected the Bebe Deco Himalaya Puppy Cooling Pad and the Agabang Cool Vibration Cooling Pad as the best value-for-money products, offering superior functionality relative to their price.
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