Bedding Safety Checker
Class S bedding is the Australian fire safety standard for bedding that burns slowly and gives you precious time to escape during a fire. This tool helps you check if your bedding meets the minimum safety requirements.
When you buy bedding, you probably check the thread count, fabric type, or how soft it feels. But there’s one thing most people never look at-Class S bedding. It’s not a brand, not a style, and not about luxury. It’s about safety. And if you’re sleeping on bedding that doesn’t meet Class S standards, you might be at risk without even knowing it.
What Class S Bedding Actually Means
Class S bedding is a fire safety classification used in Australia and New Zealand under the AS/NZS 1249:2014 standard. It applies to all bedding products meant for domestic use, including sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, and mattress protectors. The ‘S’ stands for ‘slow-burning.’ This doesn’t mean the material won’t catch fire. It means that if a flame touches it-say, from a candle, cigarette, or faulty wiring-it won’t spread quickly.
Class S is the minimum legal requirement for bedding sold in Australia. Any product sold in a store, online, or through a catalog must pass this test. It’s not optional. It’s not a marketing gimmick. It’s the law.
How Class S Is Tested
The test is simple but strict. A small flame is applied to the fabric for 15 seconds. Then, experts measure how fast the flame spreads and how long it takes to self-extinguish. To pass Class S:
- The fabric must not burn more than 100mm in 30 seconds
- The after-flame time (how long it keeps burning after the flame is removed) must be under 2 seconds
- The char length (the burned area) must not exceed 150mm
These numbers aren’t random. They’re based on real fire incident data from Australian homes. Studies by Fire and Rescue NSW showed that bedding contributed to over 120 house fires between 2018 and 2023. Most of them started from smoking in bed or electrical faults. Class S bedding doesn’t prevent fires-but it gives you precious seconds to react.
Why Class S Matters More Than You Think
You might think, ‘I don’t smoke in bed.’ But what about your partner? What about a child dropping a phone charger near the bed? What about an old lamp with a frayed cord? Fire doesn’t wait for perfect conditions.
Class S bedding is especially important for:
- Older adults (who may have slower reaction times)
- People with mobility issues
- Households with young children
- Anyone using electric blankets or heated mattress pads
In 2024, a family in Perth lost their home after a faulty electric blanket ignited their duvet cover. The bedding was imported from a country with no fire safety standards. It burned through in under 8 seconds. The Class S label on their old sheets? They’d thrown them out thinking they were ‘too worn out.’
How to Spot Class S Bedding
You won’t find ‘Class S’ printed on every tag. Manufacturers don’t always make it obvious. But here’s what to look for:
- Look for the AS/NZS 1249:2014 symbol on the care label
- Check for the words ‘Meets fire safety standard AS/NZS 1249’
- Reputable Australian brands like Adairs, Myer, and Bed Bath N Table clearly label compliant products
- Avoid products labeled ‘for decorative use only’-those are exempt from Class S rules
If you bought bedding online from a marketplace like Amazon, eBay, or Wish, and it came with no label, assume it’s not Class S. Importers sometimes bypass Australian standards because enforcement is patchy. That’s why the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued over 80 recalls for non-compliant bedding since 2020.
What Happens If Bedding Isn’t Class S?
Non-compliant bedding isn’t just risky-it’s illegal to sell in Australia. But that doesn’t stop some sellers. You might find cheap sets with high thread counts and trendy patterns. They look great. But if they fail the Class S test, they’re a fire hazard waiting to happen.
Here’s what’s at stake:
- Flames can spread 3x faster on non-compliant polyester blends
- Some cheap cotton blends are treated with flammable chemical finishes
- Bedding without flame retardants can ignite from a single spark
In 2023, a fire in a Melbourne apartment started when a phone charger overheated. The bedding caught fire, and the flames reached the ceiling in under 90 seconds. The occupants escaped, but the home was destroyed. The bedding? Imported from China. No safety label. No compliance.
What Should You Do?
Here’s your simple checklist:
- Check every set of bedding you own-especially if it’s been more than 2 years
- Look for the AS/NZS 1249:2014 label on the care tag
- If there’s no label, don’t use it for sleeping
- Replace non-compliant bedding with certified Class S products
- When buying new, ask the salesperson: ‘Is this Class S compliant?’
Don’t wait for a fire to remind you. Class S bedding costs the same as regular bedding. The difference? One could save your life.
Class S vs Other Standards
Other countries have similar rules, but they’re not the same:
| Region | Standard | Key Requirement | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand | AS/NZS 1249:2014 | Slow-burning (Class S) | Strict-retailers face fines |
| United States | 16 CFR Part 1610 | Flame resistance for clothing, not bedding | Weak for bedding |
| United Kingdom | BS 5852 | Focuses on furniture, not sheets | Partial coverage |
| European Union | EN 1103 | Voluntary for bedding | Not enforced |
Only Australia and New Zealand have a mandatory, enforceable standard specifically for bedding. That’s why Class S is unique-and why it matters.
Where to Buy Class S Bedding
You don’t need to hunt for it. Major Australian retailers all carry compliant products:
- Adairs - All bedding labeled ‘Fire Safe’ meets Class S
- Myer - Look for the AS/NZS 1249:2014 symbol on tags
- Bed Bath N Table - Explicitly states compliance on product pages
- Target Australia - Only sells Class S bedding since 2022
- Amazon Australia - Only buy from sellers who list ‘Australian Standard Compliant’
Stick to brands that list the standard. If a website doesn’t mention it, don’t risk it.
What About Organic or Natural Bedding?
Some people assume organic cotton or bamboo is safer. But natural fibers aren’t automatically fire-resistant. Un-treated cotton can burn just as fast as polyester. The difference is in the treatment.
Class S compliant organic bedding exists. Brands like Under the Canopy and Ecobed use natural fibers with non-toxic flame retardants that meet AS/NZS 1249:2014. They’re more expensive, but they’re safe and sustainable.
Don’t assume ‘natural’ means ‘safe.’ Always check the label.
Is Class S bedding the same as fireproof bedding?
No. Class S bedding isn’t fireproof. It’s fire-resistant. That means it slows down burning, giving you time to escape. Nothing is truly fireproof-except maybe steel. But for bedding, slowing the spread is enough to make a life-saving difference.
Can I wash Class S bedding without losing its safety?
Yes. Class S compliance is built into the fabric during manufacturing. Washing won’t remove it. But avoid using fabric softeners or bleach-they can break down flame-retardant treatments over time. Always follow the care label.
Does Class S apply to mattress protectors too?
Yes. Mattress protectors are included under AS/NZS 1249:2014. Many people forget about them, but they’re the first layer between you and the mattress. If they’re not Class S, they can still fuel a fire.
Why don’t other countries have Class S?
Most countries focus fire safety rules on furniture, not bedding. Australia and New Zealand are unique because they’ve linked bedding directly to home fire deaths. After a series of fatal incidents in the early 2000s, they made the move. Other nations are starting to follow.
What should I do if I bought non-Class S bedding?
Stop using it for sleeping. You can repurpose it as a guest blanket, pet bed cover, or cleaning rag-but never as sleepwear or bedding. Report the product to the ACCC via their website. They track unsafe products and issue recalls.