The Hollow Fibre Filled Cushion (Fully Fire-Retardant) provides gentle pressure relief and postural comfort on beds, chairs, and wheelchairs, with a fully fire-retardant cotton cover meeting the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for soft furnishings in care home settings. The FR cotton cover retains the breathable, soft cotton feel appropriate for extended skin-contact use. The wipe-clean (NCL-FFWC) and half wipe-clean (NCL-FFHHC) versions are available where NHS IPC decontamination is the primary cover requirement.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | NCL-FFCC |
| Filling | Hollow fibre |
| Cover | Fully fire-retardant cotton |
| Fire Safety Standard | Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 |
| Use | Beds, chairs, wheelchairs |
| Other Versions | NCL-FFWC (wipe-clean); NCL-FFHHC (half wipe-clean) |
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the Responsible Person in a care home to assess fire risk associated with soft furnishings, resident equipment, and bedding. Where the fire risk assessment identifies that resident cushions must meet a fire-retardant specification, the NCL-FFCC fully FR cotton cover version is the appropriate choice. FR cotton provides a compliant cover material while retaining the breathable, soft characteristics appropriate for resident comfort. CQC Regulation 12 (safe care) requires that the care home's fire risk assessment is current and that equipment and furnishings meet the specifications identified in the assessment; procurement officers should confirm the FR specification is consistent with the care home fire risk assessment requirements.
Why does a cushion cover need to be fire-retardant in a care home?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires care homes to manage fire risk associated with soft furnishings in areas occupied by residents, many of whom may have limited mobility and reduced capacity to self-evacuate. Resident personal equipment such as cushions used in bedrooms and common areas are included in the fire risk assessment scope. Where the assessment identifies that soft furnishings require a fire-retardant specification, procurement of FR-covered cushions documents compliance with the fire safety control measures. Care home fire risk assessments should be reviewed by a qualified fire risk assessor, who will specify the FR standard required for different care areas.
Can the FR cotton cover be decontaminated with NHS IPC wipes?
FR cotton covers are generally not designed as wipe-clean surfaces in the same way as sealed PU wipe-clean covers. Surface wiping may be possible for light soiling, but the cotton fabric is not sealed against fluid ingress and cannot be decontaminated to the same standard as a wipe-clean cover. Where both FR compliance and NHS IPC surface decontamination are required, care homes should discuss requirements with their infection control lead and fire risk assessor to determine whether a wipe-clean FR cover specification exists that satisfies both requirements. For care settings where NHS IPC decontamination is the priority, the NCL-FFWC wipe-clean version should be selected instead.