Introduction
A fire-retardant orthopedic mattress UAE spec is no longer optional for staff camps, offshore cabins, or budget hotels; it is a core health-and-safety line item. Failure to meet CRIB 5 FR mattress requirements can invalidate insurance and delay handovers. This guide explains what CRIB 5 is, why an orthopedic Bonnell spring mattress construction matters, and how procurement teams in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC can verify genuine compliance without hype or unverified claims.
What CRIB 5 Fire Safety Means
1 Origin and test method
CRIB 5 (also written “Source 5”) forms part of BS 5852, in which a five-tier wooden crib soaked in butane is ignited on the mattress surface. A product passes when it self-extinguishes without molten debris or afterglow.
2 Comparison with lower hazard tests
Because the GCC hospitality and industrial codes often reference British or IMO fire tests, CRIB 5 is widely accepted by civil-defence inspectors in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, and Doha as an adequate open-flame benchmark.
Orthopedic Support & Bonnell Spring Construction
Bonnell coils are hour-glass–shaped wires linked into a mesh, creating a firm, springy base that resists mid-body sagging—one reason traditional contract mattresses still use them. When combined with densified comfort pads, an orthopedic Bonnell spring mattress:
- Distributes pressure evenly to reduce lower-back strain.
- Promotes airflow through the coil cavity—useful in hot GCC nights.
- Offers predictable durability in high-turnover dormitories.
These attributes meet sleeping comfort guidelines published by several UAE camp furniture suppliers, who note reduced replacement cycles in heavy-duty bunk facilities.
Materials & FR Fabric Treatments
CRIB 5 compliance hinges on the outer textile. Two common approaches:
- Inherent FR fibres (e.g., aramid blends).
- Proban® or Pyrovatex® treatments—phosphorus-nitrogen compounds irrevocably bonded to cotton. Proban licence holders undergo third-party audits to keep performance consistent after multiple launderings.
When sourcing an FR fabric mattress supplier, insist on:
- A copy of the BS 5852 report bearing the lab’s ISO 17025 number.
- Stitch-in “FR” label that cites CRIB 5 and BS 7177.
- Disclosure of treatment type (Proban / inherent) and minimum wash cycles.
These steps prevent counterfeit labels from entering industrial dormitories.
Standard Sizes & Custom Orders
Typical commercial specifications in the UAE and Saudi labour sectors include:
| Size (cm) | Common location |
| 90 × 190 × 18 | Two-tier steel bunk in construction camps |
| 100 × 200 × 20 | Offshore rig single berth |
| 120 × 200 × 23 | Senior-staff or supervisor rooms |
When unusual layouts arise—e.g., floatel cabins—buyers commission “cut length” cores but retain the same CRIB 5 fabric envelope to stay compliant.
Industries & Venues That Require FR Mattresses
- Oil & Gas Drilling Camps (UAE / Saudi Arabia) – HSSE audits often cite BS 5852 for bedding in temporary buildings.
- Offshore Platforms & Floatels (GCC-wide) – IMO FTP Part 8 parallels CRIB tests for marine accommodation.
- Industrial Dormitory Mattress Applications – aluminum smelter villages in Ras Al Khair and Ruwais rely on bulk FR bedding for 24-hour shifts.
- Hospitality & Staff Hotels – UAE hotel-contract furniture regulations designate CRIB 5 as the minimum open-flame rating.
Each sector values the dual benefit of flame retardancy and back support, thereby favouring a fire-resistant mattress UAE specification built on Bonnell springs.
Procurement Checklist
- Document audit: Verify the BS 5852 (CRIB 5) certificate date and the accredited laboratory.
- Label inspection: Ensure “Source 5” or “CRIB 5” appears on the label tag.
- Core confirmation: Request wire gauge and spring-count sheet for orthopedic targets.
- After-sales data: Ask for wash instructions confirming FR durability beyond 40–50 industrial cycles—a figure published by Proban® licensors.
- Regional logistics: Factor import clearance into Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman; FR bedding is classified as “Household Goods” under GCC HS code 9404.
FAQ – CRIB 5 & Related Issues
Does CRIB 5 replace EN 597 cigarette tests?
No. EN 597 is a component of CRIB compliance, but CRIB 5 adds the open-flame crib, which represents a higher hazard level for commercial premises.
Is CRIB 5 recognised outside the UK?
Yes. Hotels and industrial accommodation in the GCC frequently adopt British contract-furniture standards in tender documents, making CRIB 5 an accepted benchmark even when not legally mandated.
How many washes before FR performance degrades?
Proban®-treated fabrics are certified to retain flame-retardant characteristics beyond 50 industrial laundry cycles, provided neutral detergents are used.
What about mattresses for high-security sites?
Where vandalism or arson risk is extreme, some operators specify CRIB 7, which uses a larger ignition crib than Source 5.
Conclusion & CTA
Selecting a fire-retardant orthopedic mattress UAE spec that passes CRIB 5 and incorporates a supportive orthopedic Bonnell spring mattress core protects occupants and simplifies regulatory sign-offs across the GCC.
Contact Takmeel Global General Trading LLC today:
Takmeel Global General Trading LLC
Office #315, Makatib Building | PO Box 85250 | Port Saeed | Deira | Dubai, UAE
📞 +971 52 692 2575 | +971 04 256 4920
