Buyer's Guide

Hotel bed and mattress fire regulations: what you need

Hotels, guest houses and serviced apartments are contract environments, which means the beds must meet a fire-safety standard that domestic furniture does not. Here is exactly what applies — and what to check when you buy.

The standard: BS 7177 medium hazard (Crib 5)

Hotels are classed as medium-hazard sleeping accommodation. Beds, mattresses, divans and headboards should meet BS 7177 at medium-hazard level, achieved by passing Crib 5 (Ignition Source 5). It is the same level required for care homes and student accommodation.

Why it applies to hotels

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for the premises must manage fire risk — and that includes the furniture guests sleep on. Using non-compliant beds can breach fire regulations and invalidate your insurance.

It is not only about fire

For hotels, the right contract bed also has to earn its keep commercially. Alongside compliance, operators typically look for:

  • Hard-wearing construction for high occupancy and frequent turnover
  • Zip & link options to switch a room between a super king and twin singles
  • Comfort and finish that match your room grade and guest expectations
  • Upholstered headboards and divans that also meet the fire standard
  • Consistent supply so you can match rooms and refurbish in phases

What to ask suppliers for

  • BS 7177 / Crib 5 test report or certificate for each product
  • Confirmation the whole bed — mattress, base and headboard — is compliant
  • Warranty terms for commercial use

How DCF supplies hotels

Every bed and mattress we supply to hotels and hospitality meets BS 7177 / Crib 5 as standard, including zip & link options, with full documentation on request. We deliver and install across the UK mainland. Read our compliance overview or request a quote.

Talk to a specialist