What mattresses do hotels need? A complete guide to hotel mattresses

Choosing the right hotel mattress is one of the most important decisions a hospitality business can make. Whether you run a B&B, a luxury hotel, or an airbnb property, the comfort and durability of your hotel mattresses directly impact guest satisfaction, online reviews, and repeat bookings. But what exactly should a business look for when selecting a mattress for hotel use? And can a hospitality business legally use a domestic mattress? This guide breaks it down.

Can hospitality businesses use domestic mattresses?

In the UK, all hotel mattresses must meet strict fire safety regulations. A Crib 5 mattress, also known as an Ignition Source 5 mattress, is specifically designed to comply with BS7177 standards for medium-hazard environments such as hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses. This type of fire regulation mattress undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand a smouldering and open-flame ignition source. Using a mattress without Crib 5 certification is not only unsafe, it’s illegal in hospitality settings.

You can find out more about Crib 5 mattresses on our blog.

Offering consistency across rooms

Guest expectations include consistency. Whether a guest books a standard double or a premium suite, the sleep experience should feel intentional and cohesive. Most hotel chains invest in the same hospitality mattress model for all rooms, sometimes upgrading thickness or adding toppers for premium offerings.

Choosing a durable hotel mattress for longevity

Unlike domestic beds, hospitality mattresses are used by hundreds of different guests each year. That makes choosing a quality mattress even more important. Hotels typically expect a mattress lifespan of 5–7 years, but higher-quality beds can last longer while maintaining support and comfort.

Check out our mattress care guide to see how you can get the most out of your mattress.

Offering comfort that suits a wide range of sleepers

Guests come in all shapes, sizes, and sleep styles, so a hotel mattress needs broad appeal. Most establishments choose a medium feel mattress because it provides the best balance of comfort and support for the majority of people.

We offer two hotel mattresses with crib 5 as standard:

1. Hotel 4,500 - a luxurious pocket sprung mattress with a medium-soft feel.

2. Hotel 1,500 - featuring 1,500 pocket springs, this handmade mattress provides a medium feel.

All of our mattresses from our main collection can be made-to-order for your hospitality venue. Please reach out for more information. 

Easy maintenance and hygiene is a must for your hotel mattress

Hygiene is a top priority in hospitality. A good mattress for hotel use should be breathable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean. Mattresses should be compatible with high-quality protectors, which help extend lifespan and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Value for money

A cheap mattress might seem appealing in the short term, but hotels need products that won’t sag, dip, or deteriorate after a few months of heavy use. The best approach is to invest in mattresses that are made using high quality , durable materials. These provide better longevity and lead to higher guest satisfaction, ultimately improving your reputation and occupancy rates.

We’ve had the pleasure of supplying some of the best establishments in Yorkshire, including the 5 star hotel, Grantley Hall. Check out our hospitality mattress page for more information and to get in touch.