Flame Retardant Fabric Retail Bedding: Comfort vs Compliance

Published 16th March 2026

Flame retardant fabrics are an important part of all bedding, from medical facilities like hospitals and care homes, to contract bedding such as hotels and staff accommodation. However, creating the required level of safety for retail bedding for domestic use presents an extra level of challenge.

While most users expect, and to some extent are prepared to tolerate, a certain level of stiffness and discomfort in medical and commercial bedding, they expect a higher level of comfort from their own domestic bedding. Yet at the same time, there are still strict regulations surrounding flame retardant textiles, even for home use.

So how do you find the compromise between softness and safety in flame retardant fabrics, and how can you meet compulsory British Standards, while still meeting the high standards of your customers?

In this article, we’ll take a look at how the expert technical textiles team at Redwood can create flame retardant fabrics for retail bedding that combine both comfort and safety, to keep everyone happy.

Fire Safety Regulations for Bedding

The main fire regulation for bedding in the UK is BS 7177. This sets standards for the resistance to ignition of all parts of the bed, including the mattress and mattress cover, supporting divans and bases and any additional mattress pads or layers. This standard is compulsory and non-negotiable, and mattresses must pass tests based on cigarettes (BS EN 597-1) and matches (BS EN 597-2).

The BS7177 standard is divided into three levels of hazard, with domestic premises being classified as low hazard, hospitality as medium hazard, and medical facilities, prisons and offshore facilities classified as high hazard.

Can Flame Retardant Fabrics be Comfortable?

In the past, flame resistant textiles have had an unfortunate reputation for being stiff, sweaty and uncomfortable. However, thanks to significant advances in textile technology from companies like Redwood, modern flame retardant fabrics are almost indistinguishable from standard fabrics in terms of feel, comfort, temperature control and sleep quality.

Today, Redwood are able to offer awide range of  flame retardant textiles that deliver both the safety standards required by law and the soft touch finish required by your customers. Redwood can provide flame retardant fabrics:

• Inherent – with flame retardant properties that are a characteristic of the fabric itself, avoiding the need for coatings and improving breathability and softness.

• Impregnated – fabrics treated to incorporate flame retardance in the core of the fabric

• Coated – fabrics with an additional layer of treatment, usually on the back, providing additional flame retardance.

How To Choose The Right Flame Retardant Fabric For Retail Bedding

By offering such a wide range of flame retardant textiles, Redwood are able to help you match the performance of your fabric to meet both the regulatory demands of your target market and the personal comfort requirements of your customers.

Our expert team will work with you to establish the exact parameters needed for your product and recommend the optimal flame retardant fabric choice for your retail bedding. This includes consideration of the end user location, your brand attributes, the price point and value of the product and the many other elements that make your product unique. 

Why Choose Redwood for Your Flame Retardant Fabrics?

Redwood have been specialising in technical textiles since 1993, building a reputation for technical excellence, product innovation and customer service. Today, we are proud to be the white-label manufacturer of choice for some of the biggest names in the business, from budget brands to top of the range luxury lines. 

To get more than three decades of fabrics experience behind your retail bedding range, get in touch with our team today.

Frequently Asked Questions