Choosing the right casket is a significant part of the burial planning process. With so many options available in terms of styles, materials, and features, it can be challenging to know which one is best for your needs. One option you might come across is the sealer casket. To help you decide whether it's the right choice for you, here’s a closer look at what a sealer casket is, how it works, and what you should consider before purchasing one.

Understanding Sealer Caskets

A sealer casket is designed with a rubber gasket or other sealing material that creates a tight, airtight seal between the lid and the rest of the casket. This seal is intended to reduce the entry of air, moisture, water, and other debris, which could potentially affect the casket’s contents after burial. The idea behind this sealing mechanism is to offer protection for the body inside the casket, preserving it for a longer period. While this may seem like an appealing feature, it’s important to understand that the seal may not offer the level of protection you expect.

Other Common Names for Sealer Caskets

Sealer caskets are often referred to by different names, which can cause some confusion. You might hear them called gasketed caskets, protective caskets, or sealing caskets. These terms all describe the same type of casket with a sealing feature designed to prevent the entry of external elements into the casket. While the name may vary, the purpose remains the same: to provide a barrier between the body and the outside environment.

How Effective Are Sealer Caskets in Protecting the Body?

Many people believe that sealer caskets provide superior protection for the body inside. However, the truth is that they don’t offer the level of preservation that many expect. Sealer caskets are not designed to stop the natural decomposition process entirely. In fact, in some cases, the sealed environment inside the casket can actually accelerate decomposition. This happens because the lack of airflow creates a humid, anaerobic environment, which can speed up the breakdown of the body.

If you’re planning a burial in a mausoleum or crypt, the seal on the casket may be broken or altered by the staff before the casket is entombed. This is done to prevent rapid decomposition in the sealed environment, which can be harmful. As a result, the sealing feature may be irrelevant for this type of burial, further questioning whether a sealer casket is truly necessary.

Additionally, while the rubber gasket may create a tight seal at first, it will eventually break down over time, reducing its effectiveness. This means that the seal will lose its ability to provide protection as the years pass.

Regulations on Sealer Caskets: What the FTC Says

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has established specific rules governing the marketing of caskets, including sealer caskets. Known as the Funeral Rule, these regulations are designed to protect consumers from deceptive advertising and misleading claims made by funeral homes and casket manufacturers. For instance, some companies market sealer caskets as being capable of preserving a body indefinitely, but this is not true. The Funeral Rule prohibits casket manufacturers from making false claims about the level of protection or preservation that their caskets can offer. This ensures that consumers are fully informed about what they are purchasing.

Is a Sealer Casket the Right Choice for You?

Before deciding whether to purchase a sealer casket, it’s essential to consider all factors involved. Sealer caskets tend to be more expensive than standard caskets, but they may not offer the level of protection many people expect. If you plan to bury the casket in a mausoleum or crypt, the sealing feature might be unnecessary, as the seal may be broken or altered by staff before entombment. Additionally, the seal will eventually degrade, reducing its effectiveness over time.

It’s important to carefully evaluate your burial plans, budget, and the protection you actually need before choosing a sealer casket. Consulting with a funeral director can help you make an informed decision about the best type of casket for your situation.