In care environments, comfort and safety go hand in hand. One key part of this balance is choosing bedding and accessories that have been tested for ignitability to recognised standards such as EN ISO 12952-1, EN ISO 12952-2 and BS 7177.
At MIP UK, we provide a wide range of Fire Safety-Conscious products that support safer, more comfortable environments for residents, and peace of mind for care staff.
Why Fire Safe Bedding Matters
Care settings face unique fire safety challenges such as reduced mobility, oxygen use and smoking. Bedding and soft furnishings that ignite easily can increase fire risk.
Products tested to ignitability can help reduce the likelihood of ignition and limit fire growth in the early stages, supporting staff response time. The right specification is an essential part of any care home fire safety plan.
The Guidance in Brief
If you manage or supply a care home, the following points are important to consider:
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the Responsible Person to manage fire risks, including risks associated with bedding, textiles and soft furnishings.
🔗 Read the Order on legislation.gov.uk - The NHS and many independent care providers follow HTM 05-03 Part C, which references bedding ignitability considerations and commonly specifies products tested to EN ISO 12952 (Parts 1 and 2).
🔗 See NHS England’s HTM 05-03 Part C guidance - EN ISO 12952-1 and 2 assess bedding ignitability using both a smouldering cigarette and a small open flame.
- BS 7177 is the UK British Standard for the fire resistance of mattresses, divans, and bed bases, classifying them into hazard levels based on their intended use.
🔗 Read the Gov.uk Regulation Guidance
Note: Fire requirements can vary depending on the product type and end-use setting. We can support tender/specifier requests with relevant test evidence and product documentation.
MIP UK Fire Tested Bedding and Accessories
The following MIP UK products are tested to EN ISO 12952-1 and EN ISO 12952-2, supporting use in care and healthcare settings where safety is a priority.
🛏️ Bedding and Bedspreads
MIP’s bedspreads and blankets are tested to EN ISO 12952 for bedding ignitability. They are durable for repeated washing and help create a homely look while supporting safer environments.
- Diamond Bedspreads
- Flame Retardant Polyester Bedding
- SleepKnit™ Combi-spreads
- SleepKnit™ Thermal Blankets – Cot, Double, Heavyweight and Standard
💤 Pillows, Duvets and Protectors
Our pillows, duvets, and protectors are tested to EN ISO 12952 and combine comfort with protection. They are designed for care environments, with options that are washable or wipe-clean to support infection control.
- TruBliss™ Washable Duvet
- TruBliss™ Washable Pillow
- TruGuard Bedding Protectors
- TruGuard Wipe Clean Duvet
- TruGuard Wipe Clean Pillow
- MRSA Resistant Wipe Clean Duvets
- MRSA Resistant Wipe Clean Pillows
- MIP Protective Covers
🧵 UltraKnit Bedding Collection
UltraKnit bedding offers soft, easy-fit sheets and covers that are tested to EN ISO 12952. They are quick to launder, long-lasting, and designed to help maintain comfort and practicality in care settings.
- UltraKnit Duvet Covers
- UltraKnit Pillowcases
- UltraKnit Smart Sheets
- UltraKnit Top Sheet
- UltraKnit Stretcher Sheets
🚑 Repositioning and Evacuation
Our evacuation and slide systems, tested to EN12952, support safer transfers and emergencies combining durability with practical handling for staff and carers.
Products Tested to BS 7177
The following MIP UK products are tested to BS 7177, meeting specific ignition resistance requirements.
🩺 Interiors and Safety Accessories
Our mats, wedges, rail protectors, and bumpers are tested to BS 7177 and support safe mobility and comfort while minimising ignition risks. Each item is practical, hygienic, and built for long-term care use.
- Fall Out Matt
- Bed Wedge
- Mattress End Infill
- Side Wedges with Connecting Sheet
- MRSA Resistant Bed Rail Protectors
- MRSA Resistant Full Length Mesh Bed Rail Protectors
- Connected Cot Bumpers
A Simple Safety Checklist for Care Homes
- Choose bedding and soft furnishings that are tested to EN ISO 12952 Parts 1 and 2 where appropriate.
- Keep supplier test reports on file for auditing and fire risk assessment support.
- Include bedding and soft furnishings within your Fire Risk Assessment process.
- Train staff on correct laundry processes, as extreme/incorrect laundering can impact product condition over time.
- Regularly review product condition and replace items when worn.
Final Thoughts
Fire safety and comfort should never be a trade-off. MIP UK’s bedding and accessories tested to EN ISO 12952-1 &-2, and where applicable BS 7177, help care providers create safer, more compliant and more comfortable living environments.
🧾 Need support choosing the right products?
Our expert team can help you select the best options for your care setting.
📩 Contact us today at www.mipuk.co.uk/contact-us.html
