Mpowerd · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Mpow Waterproof Case Cellphone Dry Bag for Android and iPhone
Waterproof coating identity unknown; standard practice raises concern.
Mpow does not disclose the waterproofing treatment used on this dry bag. Waterproof phone cases typically use PFAS-based coatings, though this cannot be confirmed without brand transparency.
The safe swap
Mophie
Mophie Juice Pack Battery Case for iPhone 15
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Waterproof-coated plastic or PVC, coating unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Mpow dry bags are constructed from PVC or PVC-coated polyester with an unspecified waterproof coating system. The coating formula is not publicly disclosed by the brand, which creates uncertainty around potential PFAS use (common in water-repellent finishes). PVC itself is a stable polymer under normal storage and use conditions, but the coating composition is the critical unknown factor for chemical safety assessment.
The brand's record and disclosure
Mpowerd has not published safety certifications, material safety data sheets, or statements about coating chemistry or PFAS avoidance for this product line. No major recalls or chemical hazard reports are documented for Mpow dry bags in public databases. The brand's silence on waterproof coating identity is typical of the accessory market but represents a transparency gap relevant to informed purchasing.
How it compares in its category
Dry bags vary widely in coating strategy. Silicone or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) alternatives exist and typically avoid legacy PFAS chemistry, though cost is higher. Most budget dry bags (including Mpow's price tier) use either conventional PVC formulations or fluorocarbon-based coatings whose PFAS status remains opaque. Mpow sits in the underdisclosed middle ground typical of its category.
If you buy it
Use the bag for its intended purpose: protecting phones and small items from water. Do not heat, microwave, or expose to prolonged direct sunlight, as PVC can degrade and leach additives under thermal stress. Inspect regularly for cracks, peeling, or discoloration; replace if coating shows significant wear. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater or chlorinated water exposure to reduce residue buildup and coating stress.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
PVC plasticizer leaching (phthalates/adipates)
PVC formulations commonly include phthalate or adipate plasticizers to maintain flexibility. Contact with phone oils, screen protectors, or prolonged skin contact (arm/hand) could theoretically enable low-level migration, though short-term incidental exposure via phone storage is low-risk. No testing data for this specific product is available.
Coating degradation and microplastics shedding
Waterproof coatings on budget dry bags are prone to flaking or peeling with repeated opening, closure, flexing, and exposure to UV or saltwater. Shed coating particles may enter water or contact skin; composition of these fragments depends on the unknown coating formula.
BPA or BPS in plastic base layer
No evidence of BPA or BPS use in Mpow dry bag materials has been reported. PVC formulations for casual waterproof goods rarely contain these compounds, though the base polyester layer composition is not disclosed.
Off-gassing or volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
New PVC and polyurethane waterproof products can emit low levels of volatile compounds (including residual solvents or uncrosslinked oligomers) for days to weeks. Reported as musty or plastic odor. Ventilation of the bag before first use with a phone inside is prudent, particularly in enclosed spaces.
PFAS in waterproof coating
Fluorocarbon-based water repellents (historically PFOA, PFOS, or newer GenX alternatives) remain standard in budget dry bag manufacturing and have not been ruled out by the brand. The unspecified coating is the primary safety concern for this product and warrants caution pending disclosure.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 42% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Mophie
Juice Pack Battery Case for iPhone 15
Lithium-ion battery, plastic housing, metal contacts
No known PFAS use; battery cases rarely require fluorinated coatings.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Mophie
Juice Pack Battery Case for iPhone 15 Pro
Lithium-ion battery, plastic housing, rubber grips
Lower concern. Battery cases lack typical PFAS-prone coatings; no public disclosure available.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Pelican
Shield Phone Case for Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
Polycarbonate shell, rubber grip
Lower concern; typical phone case with no known PFAS applications.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof smartphone cases grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.