Bedding Fire Safety Checker
Class B bedding meets U.S. federal flammability standards under 16 CFR 1610. Check if your bedding materials typically pass this safety standard.
Select Your Bedding Material
Why This Matters
Class B bedding slows fire spread by 3-7 seconds - critical time for escape. Non-compliant bedding can ignite rapidly and spread fire.
Your Bedding Safety Assessment
When you buy new sheets, comforters, or mattress pads, you probably don’t think about fire safety. But behind every piece of bedding sold in the U.S. is a hidden rating - and class B bedding is one of them. It’s not a brand, not a thread count, and not about softness. It’s about survival. If a fire started in your bedroom, would your bedding slow it down - or feed it?
What class B bedding actually means
Class B bedding is a fire safety classification under the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) rules, specifically Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1610. It’s part of a two-tier system for flammability testing of textiles used in bedding and clothing. Class A is the highest rating - fabrics that are extremely slow to ignite and burn. Class B is the next level down, but still meets minimum federal safety standards.
Here’s how it works: A sample of fabric is held vertically and exposed to a small flame for one second. If the flame spreads less than 4 inches in 10 seconds, and the char length is under 7 inches, it passes as Class B. That’s it. No fancy labels, no glowing badges - just a pass/fail test that every manufacturer must follow to sell bedding in the U.S.
Many people assume all bedding is fireproof. It’s not. Only materials that pass this test are legal to sell. Class B doesn’t mean “safe enough” - it means “legally safe.” There’s no Class C. Anything that fails Class B is banned from the market.
Why class B matters more than you think
Bedding fires are more common than you’d guess. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires involving bedding or curtains caused an average of 530 injuries and 13 deaths each year between 2016 and 2020. Most of these fires started from candles, cigarettes, or electrical malfunctions - and spread fast because the bedding acted like kindling.
Class B bedding doesn’t stop fires. But it slows them down. That extra 3 to 7 seconds can mean the difference between getting out safely and not making it. In real-world cases, families have credited slow-burning sheets for giving them time to wake up, call 911, or grab children before escaping.
It’s not about luxury. It’s about physics. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon can melt and drip, spreading fire to other surfaces. Natural fibers like cotton and linen burn faster but don’t drip. Class B ratings apply to both - meaning even a 100% cotton sheet must pass the same flame test as a polyester blend. That’s why some cheaper cotton sheets still fail: they’re too thin, too loosely woven, or treated with flammable finishes.
How to tell if your bedding is class B
You won’t find “Class B” printed on the tag. That’s the problem. Manufacturers aren’t required to label it. Instead, look for this phrase: “Meets federal flammability standards.” That’s your only clue.
Here’s what to check on the care label:
- “Complies with 16 CFR 1610” - this is the official code for Class B
- “Flame resistant” or “Flame retardant” - these are marketing terms, not legal ones. They don’t guarantee Class B
- Nothing at all - if there’s no label, assume it’s not tested
Big brands like Brooklinen, Parachute, and Boll & Branch usually include the compliance statement. But many discount retailers, especially online sellers on Amazon or Temu, skip it. If you bought a $15 sheet set from a brand you’ve never heard of, and the label says nothing about safety - it’s a gamble.
What materials are most likely to be class B
Not all fabrics are created equal. Here’s what typically passes Class B - and what doesn’t:
| Material | Typical Class B Status | Why It Works (or Doesn’t) |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Cotton (medium to heavy weave) | Usually passes | Natural fibers burn slower if woven tightly. Thin cotton (under 120 thread count) often fails. |
| Organic Cotton | Usually passes | Same as regular cotton - no chemical treatment needed if weave is dense enough. |
| Polyester | Usually passes | Synthetic fibers melt and self-extinguish. But cheap blends with low fiber content can fail. |
| Rayon / Viscose | Often fails | Highly flammable unless chemically treated. Many budget brands use it because it’s cheap. |
| Blends (50% cotton / 50% polyester) | Usually passes | Combines the best of both - durability and flame resistance. |
| Down or Feather Filling | Passes if encased in Class B fabric | The filling itself isn’t tested. It’s the outer shell that matters. |
Watch out for “microfiber” sheets. They sound soft, but many are made of ultra-thin polyester that melts quickly. They can pass Class B if thick enough, but some knockoffs don’t.
What to do if your bedding isn’t class B
If you’re unsure - or if your bedding is older than 2015 - here’s what to do:
- Check the care label. If it says nothing about flammability, replace it.
- Don’t rely on “natural” or “organic” labels. Those mean no pesticides, not fire safety.
- Buy from reputable brands that list compliance on their website or product page.
- When shopping online, search for “meets 16 CFR 1610” - it’s the only real filter.
- Replace bedding every 5-7 years. Wear and washing can degrade flame resistance over time.
Don’t wait for a fire to happen. Replace old, thin, or unlabeled bedding now. A good set of Class B sheets costs $50-$120. That’s less than one night in a hotel. And it could save your life.
Myths about class B bedding
There’s a lot of confusion out there. Here are the biggest myths - busted:
- Myth: Class B means the fabric is treated with chemicals. Truth: Many Class B fabrics pass naturally through weave density and fiber type. No chemicals needed.
- Myth: Only mattresses need to be fire safe. Truth: Sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and mattress pads are all covered. A fire can start on any of them.
- Myth: Organic or bamboo bedding is automatically safer. Truth: Bamboo rayon is one of the most flammable materials on the market. Always check the label.
- Myth: Class B is the same as “fireproof.” Truth: Nothing is fireproof. Class B just means it meets the bare minimum to be sold legally.
Where to find class B bedding
You don’t need to buy expensive luxury brands. But you do need to shop smart.
- Look for brands that list “16 CFR 1610 compliant” on their product pages
- Check reviews - people often mention if sheets feel thin or flimsy, which can signal poor weave
- Stick to retailers like Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, or Macy’s - they require compliance from suppliers
- Avoid unknown brands on marketplaces unless they show proof of testing
Some affordable options that consistently meet standards: Amazon Basics (check label), Quince, and LinenSpa. Always verify before buying.
What’s next for bedding safety
The CPSC is currently reviewing updates to flammability standards. Proposals include stricter testing for blends, new requirements for mattress pads, and mandatory labeling in plain language. If passed, you’ll soon see “Class B” printed right on the tag - no guessing needed.
Until then, your best defense is awareness. Don’t assume. Don’t guess. Don’t buy based on looks alone. Your bedroom should be a safe place - not a fire hazard waiting to spark.
Is class B bedding the same as flame-retardant bedding?
No. Flame-retardant means chemicals were added to slow burning. Class B means the fabric passed a federal fire test - whether by weave, fiber type, or treatment. Many Class B sheets are naturally flame-resistant without any chemicals.
Can I wash class B bedding without losing its safety rating?
Yes, if you follow the care instructions. Most Class B ratings last through 50+ washes. But avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or high-heat drying - they can break down fibers and reduce flame resistance over time.
Do I need class B bedding for my baby’s crib?
Yes. All crib bedding sold in the U.S. must meet Class B standards. But crib mattresses have even stricter rules under 16 CFR 1633. Always check that both the mattress and sheets are labeled as compliant.
Is class B bedding required by law?
Yes. Since 1973, all bedding sold in the U.S. must meet Class B flammability standards under 16 CFR 1610. Selling non-compliant bedding is illegal. But enforcement is weak - many online sellers slip through.
Can I test my bedding at home to see if it’s class B?
No. The official test requires a controlled lab setup with a specific flame size and timing. Home tests (like lighting a corner) are dangerous and unreliable. If you’re unsure, replace it. Safety isn’t worth risking.