Flame Retardancy

The correct term to describe the fire performance of a mattress is "ignition resistance".
The ignition resistance requirement for mattresses is given in BS 7177 which sets a standard of cigarette and match resistance for mattresses sold for domestic use. The test method is according BS 6807 ( S01:cigarette test, S12:match test)

S01: Cigerette test	S12: Match Test

Contract mattresses are those mattresses which are not for domestic use. The performance requirement (ignition resistance) depends on the area where the mattress is intended to be used and on an assesment of the premises by a Fire Safety Officer.

In addition to cigarette and match resistant, contract mattresses must be ignition resistant to crib 5 (medium hazard) or crib 7 (high hazard). A crib is a standard pine wood "bomb fire" which is position on the mattress and ignited. A crib 7 is approximately 8 x larger than a crib 5.

There are 3 levels of performance for contract mattresses which are :
Medium Hazard (C53 and C5B3), High hazard (C71) and Very High hazard which is specified as an ignition source greater than source 7.

C53: Medium Hazard	C5B3: Medium Hazard	C71: High Hazard

The fillings used in any mattress must conform to the requirements of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. Generally speaking unless a mattress is to be used in a high risk area such as Oil Rigs, Mental Institutions, Prisons etc. Medium Hazard performance will be adequate providing that issues such as fire detection, alarm systems, escape routes etc. are adequately taken care of.