You can’t check who really made your mattress. But the National Bed Federation (NBF) can.
Nearly half of us** can’t name the brand of mattress we’re sleeping on. So how can we be sure it’s fire-safe, clean and as described? Do you know whether it was made using new or previously used materials, or where it actually came from?
When buying a mattress, it’s not just about how comfortable it feels or how much it costs. It’s also about knowing who’s behind it.
Not all mattresses are what they seem
Buying a mattress from an unknown brand or unfamiliar online seller can come with risks. Just because a mattress is listed on a familiar website or online marketplace doesn’t mean the seller or manufacturer is trustworthy, or that the product meets the required UK standards.
Some mattresses may be misdescribed, with misleading claims about their quality, materials or construction. Others may contain previously used components or fillings when advertised as new. And, if you don’t know who made your mattress, how can you be sure it meets UK fire safety and cleanliness requirements?
That’s where the NBF can help.
NBF-approved manufacturers, based in the UK and Ireland, are independently audited against the NBF’s strict Code of Practice. This includes checks on compliance with UK regulations covering fire safety, the cleanliness of fillings and accurate product descriptions.
So, when you choose an NBF-approved brand, you can have greater confidence that the mattress is what it claims to be and meets the required standards. Now that’s comforting!
Three things to check before you buy
Who made it? Check the brand and manufacturer behind the mattress. Look for clear information about the business selling it and who is responsible for making the product. If you can’t establish who made it or the country of origin, think twice before buying.
What’s inside? Read the product description carefully. Check the materials, fillings and construction, and look out for vague or exaggerated claims. Make sure the mattress is genuinely new if that’s what is being advertised. Don’t assume that a product meets these requirements simply because it’s listed on a familiar website or marketplace.
Are they a reputable retailer? Check that the seller has a genuine office address, a privacy policy and clear terms and conditions. If they are offering discounts claiming up to 70% or 80% off RRPs, the “bargain” bed may be too good to be true.
Use our Find a Retailer tool to locate your nearest stockist of NBF-approved brands.
Want to know which mattress brands you can trust?
NBF-approved manufacturers are independently audited to check they meet the relevant UK requirements. Check that the brand is NBF-approved when choosing your next mattress.
*Joint study conducted by the National Bed Federation (NBF) and the European Bedding Industries Association (EBIA), tested 101 mattresses available for sale in the UK with products purchased from both online marketplaces and traditional retailers.
**The 2026 NBF Consumer Bed Buying Survey found 40% of respondents could not remember the brand of the mattress they purchased in the last 12 months.
0 Comments