A new investigation and report has revealed that several major online retailers are selling mattresses that do not comply with UK fire resistance regulations.
The joint ‘Project Phoenix’ study, which was conducted by the National Bed Federation (NBF) and the European Bedding Industries Association (EBIA), tested 101 mattresses on sale in the UK from both online marketplaces and traditional retailers.
The tests were carried out by accredited test laboratories, with the products examined against claims made both online and on the product labels.
The study tested 101 mattresses from both online and traditional retailers, with prices ranging from £47.00 to £450 for a UK single-bed-size mattress.
Alarmingly, out of the 101 mattresses tested, 65% of the imported mattresses failed to meet the required fire safety standards and made claims about the specification of the product that were inaccurate or misleading.
Other potential issues were identified, including an indication that several products contained foam fillings that may not meet the requirements of the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations and a clear lack of labelling of the textile fibre composition, both of which are legal requirements.
The findings reveal a deeply concerning lapse in safety compliance among some of the products sold by retailers, including several of the major online marketplaces and platforms, raising questions about supply chain oversight and product testing integrity.
Product safety regulations are essential to protect consumers from dangerous products and to ensure the proper functioning of the market.
Beyond the consumer safety implications, this issue is also creating an unlevel playing field for responsible manufacturers and retailers who invest time and resources to ensure their products meet all UK safety regulations. Brands that adhere to the law are being undercut by those who cut corners, a situation that undermines both consumer trust and fair competition.
A spokesperson for the NBF and EBIA stated that “Consumers rightly expect that mattresses purchased from any retailer, whether online or in-store, meet the safety standards and are as advertised.
“These results demonstrate that this is not always the case, and urgent action is needed to ensure that only fully compliant, rigorously tested products are placed on the market.”
The results of the study have been shared with the relevant government regulators, with a call for better regulation and monitoring of the compliance of products placed on the market.
What the law says
In the UK and Europe, legislation exists to ensure consumer safety and prevent misleading advertisements or omissions that would affect a consumer’s decision to purchase.
Examples of such legislation include:
- Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations (1988)
- Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCC)
- The Textile Products (Labelling and Fibre Composition) Regulations
- General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR)
BS 7177 is the British Standard used to demonstrate safety under GPSR and requires the finished product to be tested for smouldering ignition to EN 597-1 and flaming ignition to EN 597-2.
To comply with BS 7177, a mattress must pass both tests. Products that fail will not meet regulatory requirements and could also endanger lives in the event of a fire.
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About the National Bed Federation (NBF)
The NBF is the recognised trade association representing UK manufacturers of beds and their suppliers. Founded in 1912, its members today account for about 75% of the total UK bed and mattress turnover. The NBF represents the industry with government, regulators and standard makers – both in the UK and Europe, to promote product safety, compliance, sustainability and consumer protection.
About the European Bedding Industries Association (EBIA)
The EBIA represents Europe’s leading mattress and bedding manufacturers and suppliers. Its mission is to promote safety, quality, and sustainability across the bedding industry through advocacy, education, and collaboration. EBIA works closely with national regulators and testing bodies to uphold high standards of consumer protection and product integrity throughout Europe.
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