What is a Hotel Contract Bed?
Contract beds, often referred to as hotel beds, are specially-designed for commercial use. Hotel beds typically feature a medium or medium to firm feel, suitable for a wide range of guests.
These beds are built to withstand heavy and frequent use while complying with UK fire and safety regulations. They must pass the BS7177:2008 Source 5 – Medium Hazard (Crib 5) test, which requires the bed to resist catching fire or self-extinguish quickly without spreading flames.
Contract beds are commonly used in a wide range of commercial and educational environments, including:
- Hotels
- B&Bs
- Student accommodation
- Boarding schools
- Holiday camps
- Hostels
What mattresses do hotels use?
In the UK, hotels are required by law to use mattresses that meet stringent safety and quality standards to ensure guest safety and wellbeing. These mattresses, often called contract mattresses, and the beds they accompany, have passed British Standard fire safety ignition tests, making them suitable for hotels and other commercial establishments.
Hotel mattresses are designed to be comfortable, supportive and durable. Because of this, some people choose to use contract mattresses in their homes.
Why businesses use contract beds
Commercial or educational premises with bedrooms are generally required to use contract beds. Any businesses or organisations that provide overnight accommodation - such as guest houses, care homes or student housing - are required by law to comply with safety regulations. Beds that aren't 'Crib 5' compliant put guests at risk and can invalidate insurance in the event of a fire.
What types of contract beds are available?
Contract beds are available in a variety of different styles. The main types are contract divan beds and folding contract beds.
1. Contract divan bed
The most widely used type in hotels, contract divan beds are constructed with a sturdy wooden frame. These beds have been engineered to meet the demanding requirements of the contract environment.
Many contract divan beds can be customised in colour and height. This means a chosen bed can complement interior decor and suit the room's dimensions.
In addition, most contract divan beds:
- Have passed all of the relevant safety requirements for commercial use
- Feature a sturdy platform top base
- Are designed to be durable enough for a commercial environment
2. Folding contract bed
Folding contract beds are often used as spare beds in hotel rooms. These beds are suitable for guests with children or for rooms designed to occasionally accommodate an extra person.
Folding beds are easy to store when not in use and don't take up much room. These beds are made using a sturdy metal structure, so they'll provide lasting support even with regular use.
Can contract mattresses be bought separately from the bed?
It is possible to buy your contract mattress separately. This allows you to select a mattress that suits your existing contract bed.
When purchasing a replacement mattress for your commercial establishment, make sure that the one you buy complies with 'Crib 5' safety and quality regulations.
What are the different contract bed sizes?
It can be helpful to refer to a size guide, like the one below, when selecting the right size contract bed. Contract hotel beds are manufactured in a standard range of UK sizes as seen below.
| CONTRACT BED SIZE | CONTRACT BED DIMENSIONS |
|---|---|
| Single | 3' x 6'3" (90cm x 190cm) |
| Double | 4'6" x 6'3" (135cm x 190cm) |
| King Size | 5' x 6'6" (150cm x 200cm) |
| Superking | 6' x 6'6" (180cm x 200cm) |
If you need to convert your beds from doubles to twins, a superking zip and link bed could be the solution. Superking zip and link beds give you the option of one superking size bed, or you can split it into two single beds when needed. So a room can be adjusted to suit guests’ needs.
Contract bed firmness recommendations
Providing a comfortable night’s sleep is a key consideration for hotels and B&Bs, as it affects guest satisfaction, repeat visits, and reputation. To support this, hotel beds are available in medium to firm and firm options to accommodate different preferences:
- Medium to firm support
- Firm support
Hotel beds need to be built to last, and the same can be said about hotel mattresses. Firmer mattresses offer durability and support for longer, so can be better suited to a hotel, B&B or educational establishment.
Buying multiple contract beds
Most retailers offer a range of contract beds and often allow multiple bed purchases, useful for hotels or educational establishments.
Buying a contract bed for your hotel or educational establishment is a necessary requirement to remain safety compliant. For more information on contract beds, contact our specialist trade team.
Sales Enquiries
Mon-Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Customer Service
Mon-Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Sunday: Closed
