What is Class Z bedding? Understanding the new standard for mattress safety
Class Z Safety Checker
Check Your Mattress Safety
This tool helps you determine if your mattress meets New Zealand's Class Z fire safety standard. The law requires all mattresses sold in NZ since 2017 to be Class Z compliant.
If you’ve recently heard the term Class Z bedding and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. It’s not a brand, not a luxury fabric, and it doesn’t refer to thread count or cooling tech. Class Z bedding is a legal safety standard-specifically for mattresses and bedding products sold in New Zealand. If you’re buying a new mattress or replacing your bed linens, knowing what Class Z means could protect you and your family.
Why Class Z bedding exists
In 2016, New Zealand updated its fire safety laws after a series of tragic house fires linked to flammable bedding. One incident in Auckland in 2014 killed two people when a cigarette ignited a mattress that caught fire rapidly. The fire spread through the bedroom in under three minutes. That’s faster than most people can react.
The government responded by introducing the Consumer Goods (Mattresses) Safety Standard 2016, which required all mattresses sold in New Zealand to meet strict fire resistance requirements. Class Z is the label that tells you the product passed those tests. It’s not optional. It’s the law.
What Class Z actually means
Class Z doesn’t mean the bedding is fireproof. It means it’s fire-resistant enough to slow down ignition and limit flame spread. The test is brutal: a small flame is applied to the mattress surface for 30 seconds. If the material doesn’t ignite, or if it self-extinguishes within 10 seconds after the flame is removed, and the flame doesn’t spread more than 100mm across the surface, it passes.
Class Z applies to:
- Mattresses (memory foam, spring, hybrid, latex)
- Box springs and mattress bases
- Bedding that’s sold as part of a set with the mattress
- Bedding labeled as ‘compatible’ or ‘designed for’ a specific mattress
Regular sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers sold separately aren’t required to meet Class Z-unless they’re marketed as part of a complete bedding system. But many retailers now apply the same standard to all bedding in the set for consistency and safety.
How to spot Class Z bedding
You won’t find Class Z written on your pillowcase. Look for the label on the mattress itself. By law, every mattress sold in New Zealand must have a permanent tag attached to the side or bottom. That tag must say:
- “Meets New Zealand Standard NZS 1550:2016”
- “Class Z”
- The manufacturer’s name and contact details
- The date of manufacture
If you’re buying online, the product page must clearly state “Class Z compliant” or “Meets NZS 1550:2016.” If it doesn’t, don’t assume it’s safe. Ask the seller. If they can’t show proof, walk away.
Some older mattresses-bought before 2017-might not have this label. That doesn’t mean they’re dangerous, but they don’t meet current safety standards. If you’re replacing an old mattress, upgrading to Class Z is a smart move.
Class Z vs other standards
Other countries have similar rules, but they’re not the same.
| Region | Standard | Test Method | Key Difference from Class Z |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | NZS 1550:2016 | Small flame test (30 sec) | Focuses on surface ignition resistance |
| United States | 16 CFR Part 1633 | Large open flame test (two burners) | More intense, simulates a lit cigarette and open flame |
| United Kingdom | BS 7177 | Smoldering cigarette and match tests | Includes smoldering ignition, not just open flame |
| Australia | AS/NZS 3837:2022 | Similar to NZS 1550 | Almost identical to New Zealand’s standard |
Class Z is simpler than the U.S. or U.K. standards, but it’s effective for the most common causes of bedding fires in New Zealand homes: cigarettes, candles, and electrical faults. It’s not about stopping every fire-it’s about giving you time to escape.
What happens if you buy non-Class Z bedding?
It’s illegal for retailers to sell mattresses or bedding sets without Class Z certification in New Zealand. If you find one, report it to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). They can issue fines and force recalls.
But what if you buy one secondhand? Or bring one in from overseas? There’s no law stopping you from owning it-but you’re taking a risk. Non-compliant bedding can ignite faster, burn hotter, and release more toxic smoke. In a fire, every second counts. Class Z adds those seconds.
Does Class Z affect comfort or price?
No. Class Z doesn’t make your mattress harder, hotter, or more expensive. Manufacturers use fire-retardant barriers-often made from silica, fiberglass, or treated cotton-that are hidden between the inner core and outer fabric. You’ll never feel them. They don’t change the feel of memory foam, the bounce of springs, or the coolness of bamboo fabric.
Some brands used to claim “natural” or “chemical-free” mattresses as a selling point. But under Class Z, even organic cotton mattresses must include a fire barrier. That doesn’t mean they’re full of toxins. Many use natural, non-toxic materials like wool or plant-based fibers as barriers. Wool, for example, is naturally flame-resistant and doesn’t need chemical treatments.
What to do if you’re unsure
If you’re shopping for a new mattress:
- Check the permanent label on the mattress
- Ask the salesperson to show you the certification
- Search the brand’s website for “NZS 1550:2016” or “Class Z”
- Don’t trust vague claims like “meets international standards” unless they name the exact NZ standard
If you already own a mattress without a Class Z label, consider replacing it-especially if it’s over 8 years old. Mattresses degrade over time, and older ones are more likely to catch fire. The average lifespan of a mattress is 7-10 years. If yours is near the end, upgrading to a Class Z model is one of the safest home improvements you can make.
Class Z isn’t a luxury-it’s a lifeline
Class Z bedding isn’t glamorous. It doesn’t come with fancy marketing or glowing reviews. But it’s one of the most important safety features in your bedroom. It’s the quiet, hidden layer that gives you time to wake up, get out, and call for help.
In New Zealand, where homes are often smaller and older, fire safety can’t be an afterthought. Class Z ensures that when you buy a mattress, you’re not just buying comfort-you’re buying peace of mind.
Is Class Z bedding required by law in New Zealand?
Yes. Since 2017, all mattresses and matching bedding sets sold in New Zealand must meet the NZS 1550:2016 standard, which requires Class Z fire resistance. Retailers who sell non-compliant products can face fines and legal action.
Do sheets and pillowcases need to be Class Z?
Only if they’re sold as part of a complete bedding set with the mattress. Standalone sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers aren’t legally required to meet Class Z. However, many brands now apply the same fire-resistant materials across their entire bedding range for safety and consistency.
Can I use a non-Class Z mattress if I bought it overseas?
Yes, you can own one, but you can’t legally sell or import it for resale in New Zealand. If you’re bringing one in for personal use, there’s no law against it-but it’s not recommended. Older or non-compliant mattresses can ignite faster and burn more dangerously than Class Z-rated ones.
Does Class Z mean the mattress is fireproof?
No. Class Z means the mattress is fire-resistant-it slows down ignition and limits how fast flames spread. It won’t stop a fire from starting if you drop a lit cigarette on it, but it gives you more time to react before the fire takes over the room.
How do I know if my current mattress is Class Z?
Look for a permanent label on the side or bottom of the mattress. It should say “Meets NZS 1550:2016” and “Class Z.” If you don’t see it, or if the mattress was made before 2017, it likely doesn’t meet the current standard. When in doubt, replace it.
