National Bed Federation
The National Bed Federation (NBF) is the recognised trade association that represents UK manufacturers and suppliers of beds. As the leading authority on beds and mattresses, the NBF seeks to improve standards and legislation within the UK bed industry. The NBF also acts to support the trade and consumers through providing advice, guidance and industry-specific information.
In 2013, the National Bed Federation introduced its Code of Practice, providing a set of standards through which to encourage good practice within the bed industry and to support retailers and consumers. Manufacturers who comply with this code of practice can become certified, NBF-approved members.
To become a NBF-approved member, the company must comply with industry-recognised standards. This includes undergoing independent assessment and audit, and inspection of manufacturing sites. This has been a very welcome addition to the bed industry, as it gives both suppliers and consumers increased confidence in being able to purchase NBF-approved beds and mattresses.
What we're doing to help you
We want to reassure our customers that we provide the best quality mattresses and beds. We also want our customers to feel safe in the knowledge that they are investing in a product that has been approved by the leading voice in the bed industry. This is why we are committed to ensuring that we source our mattresses and beds from NBF approved members.
You will notice that the products that we sell from NBF approved manufacturers display the NBF membership logo within the product specifications. We hope that this gives you peace of mind that you are purchasing a quality product.
Code of Practice
As part of the Code of Practice, there are a number of strict criteria that members must comply with. This includes:
- Flammability
- Cleanliness of fillings
- Trade descriptions
1. Flammability
The NBF state that the manufacturer must be able to confirm that their products comply with BS7177 standards for their mattresses, mattress toppers, mattress pads and divan bases.
The company must also conform to the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (including amendments) for all their upholstered products.
The BS7177 standard includes a number of hazard categories. These are:
- Low hazard
- Medium hazard
Low hazard
The most widely-used category in the bed industry relates to domestic use, which is deemed as "low-hazard". These beds and mattresses must conform to flame source level 1 of fire resistance.
Medium hazard
Contract mattresses and beds, which are used in places such as hotels, hospitals and educational settings, are categorised as "medium hazard". These products must conform to flame source level 5 of fire resistance.
2. Cleanliness of fillings
The manufacturer is required to demonstrate that their supply base is fully traceable - meaning that they must know where their fillings have come from. Any recycled materials must be declared and again, must be fully traceable. Any unclean materials used to make the new mattress, base or headboard are a serious act of non-compliance and are not acceptable.
All fillings used within the product must conform to the following standards:
- BS 1425: Part 1: 1991
- EN 12936: 2001
These standards specify the hygiene and cleanliness requirements of fillings and stuffings used for bedding and upholstery, including feather and down.
3. Trade descriptions
The manufacturer must demonstrate that the products being made and sold conform to the specifications. This ensures that the products being sold are actually as described.
To read the NBF Code of Practice in full, please view this document.
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