Understanding Standards for Beds and Mattresses: Pressure Care Devices Flammability Safety Criteria
Summary: June 2, 2025 blog from the Society of Tissue Viability reviews flammability and safety criteria for pressure care devices (mattresses, cushions) used in pressure ulcer prevention. Medical devices exempt from domestic furnishings fire regs; key standards include BS 7176 (cigarette/flame/Crib tests), BS ISO 16840-15 (surrogate cigarette test for cushions), and distinctions between ignition resistance/retardancy. Fire retardants pose biocompatibility risks (skin contact concerns). Proposes risk matrix scoring environmental factors (e.g., sprinklers, smoking, oxygen use), user mobility/behavior, and device type to guide selection—low fire risk allows focus on tissue protection; higher risks require trade-offs. Emphasizes clinician procurement based on balanced assessment to minimize both fire hazards and pressure injuries.
Key Highlights:
- Standards: BS 7176/Crib 5/7, BS ISO 16840-15 (NiCr coil test).
- Risks: Noxious gases, post-wash changes; higher in domestic/institutional vs. hospital with suppression.
- Recommendations: Risk matrix for procurement; prioritize pressure relief in low-fire settings.
- Implications: Balances safety for vulnerable patients (elderly, immobile) in wound prevention programs.
Keywords: pressure care devices, flammability safety, pressure ulcer prevention, BS 7176