Q: We order all of our bed linen from a medical supply company for our patient beds. We have recently started performing sleep studies and have two (2) full beds with linen purchased from a regular retail store. I was told that the linen has to be fire retardant. I have not found this in the Life Safety Code. I realize the curtains, drapes, and decorations all need to be, but I am assuming that after washing the linens numerous times that they would no longer be fire retardant.

A: The Life Safety Code does not require linens to be fire-rated. But, please check with your state or local authorities to determine if they have any requirements regarding bed linen.