7 Best Mattresses WITHOUT Fiberglass (Read Before You Buy)

Did you know some mattresses actually contain fiberglass? We will cover why some mattresses utilize fiberglass, if there are corresponding health risks and which mattresses are 100% fiberglass-free.

It’s complicated enough trying to determine which mattress is right for you. But worrying about toxic materials in your bed shouldn’t be part of the equation.

This article answers all of your questions. Here are the top things to consider when buying a mattress without fiberglass.

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What Is Fiberglass?

Understanding what fiberglass is makes your mattress-buying experience safer. Fiberglass is a human-made mineral fiber first used in the 1930s as a thermal insulation material. And then later, it served as a replacement for asbestos in the 1950s. 

A process called pultrusion exposes silica sand, soda ash, and limestone to very high temperatures. And then, the materials get pushed through tiny holes to make glass filament. By itself, fiberglass is chemically inert. However, other added ingredients make up different fiberglass uses.

And so, fiberglass becomes an irritant when tiny bits of it embed themselves under your skin’s outer layer. In addition, small fiberglass dust particles can irritate your eyes and even cause breathing difficulty.

What Is the Role of Fiberglass in Mattresses?

Manufacturers use fiberglass wool in mattresses as a fire retardant layer. It works to suppress flammability since fire can quickly consume household materials. 

“Flame retardant” means that the fiberglass functions to slow the fire down. It doesn’t have chemical properties that fight the fire, but instead, it helps keep a fire from starting. Or it also slows an already burning flame down.

Is Fiberglass in a Mattress Safe?

To determine whether fiberglass in a mattress is safe, let’s examine some health concerns about the material.

• Skin irritation usually presents as itchy, red blotches. They occur when the dust or fragments get embedded in your skin’s outer layer. Sometimes fiberglass works its way out of your skin on its own. But occasionally, it requires medical intervention.
• Irritation of the eyes and throat occurs when fiberglass dust floats through the air, landing on your face. The tiny dust particles irritate the eyes and throat during exposure.
• Contact dermatitis may occur when someone has an allergy to the resin coating the fiberglass fragments.
• Difficulty in breathing rarely occurs but is a potential side effect of fiberglass exposure. This generally happens in occupational settings and would not likely occur with fiberglass in a mattress. 

According to Washington State’s Department of Health, “glass wool” is not classified as a carcinogen. And even workers who manufacture this “wool” do not show a higher concentration of cancers than the average US population. 

So, while these health concerns are legitimate, they usually disappear once you remove the exposure. Consequently, consider throwing it out if your old mattress contains fiberglass and sustains a tear in the cover. The mattress could release the glass fibers and cause health concerns.

What Part of the Mattress Has Fiberglass in It?

Fiberglass layers are beneath the outer-covering layer. It remains contained within the covering but close enough to the outer layer to provide the most fire protection.  

Platform bed frames have become very popular in recent years, beating out their original bed frame competitors. Platform beds are a great all in one option that you can put your mattress directly on, without the need of purchasing a box spring. This all-in-one design is generally more affordable, easier to assemble and easier to ship which is a major benefit with much of the mattress industry moving to online purchases. 

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7 Best Mattresses WITHOUT Fiberglass

OUR RESEARCH: Our team runs mattress recycling facilities throughout the country. The facilities also receive returns of mattresses that customers do not like. We have analyzed over 500K mattresses and sleep products from all the major companies. We know which products are made well and which mattresses customers are keeping or returning.

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1. The Helix Dusk LUXE

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2. Brooklyn Signature Hybrid

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3. The Plank LUXE Hybrid

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4. The Puffy LUX Hybrid

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5. The Birch Mattress

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6. Bear Elite Hybrid

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7. The Midnight LUXE

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Do All Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?

Not all mattresses contain fiberglass. And remember that as long as the mattress cover remains intact, the likelihood of fiberglass irritation is low.

Cheaper mattress-in-a-box options often contain glass wool, as do some spring mattresses. So instead, consider eco-friendly alternatives when buying a mattress without fiberglass. Look for organic wool or plant fibers for your most comfortable and safe sleep.

Does Memory Foam Contain Fiberglass?

Some mattress-in-a-box options contain lower-quality memory foam, which likely contains fiberglass. Sometimes the saying is true: “You get what you pay for.”

Higher-quality mattresses use more plant fibers and organic materials, which are less likely to contain fiberglass or silica wool. 

How To Tell if a Mattress Contains Fiberglass

Doing your research, like reading this article, helps you understand potential health issues from fiberglass in your mattress. But still, check the mattress label to evaluate each layer’s contents.

• Mattresses must contain the percentage amount of fiberglass inside. However, it may say glass fiber or wool, like XX% glass fiber. So check carefully to catch the specific wording.
• Another sign that a mattress contains fiberglass is if the label warns, “Do not remove the cover.” That is generally a clear sign glass wool is present.

What Are the Alternatives to Fiberglass in a Mattress?

Fiberglass came into mattress manufacturing to replace more toxic flame retardants. But now we’re learning fiberglass acts as a skin irritant or contaminant, so look for a mattress that uses natural products for fire suppression.

Natural Wool or Silk Cotton Mattress

Natural and organic wool or silk cotton mattress alternatives offer soft surfaces with enhanced comfort properties. Organic sheep wool keeps you cool and dry throughout the night. Cotton mattresses have been around for many years.

Since wool and silk cotton are natural materials, they win out over synthetic challengers in mattress construction. Look for organic designations, like the ones listed below, for your best mattress option without fiberglass.

Organic wool offers fire resistance, even as it comforts you with a soft layer. So you’ll have the protection of fiberglass without any of its harmful properties. In addition, natural organics inhibit bacteria, mold, and mildew growth for a long-lasting mattress.

Another advantage of natural wool and silk cotton mattresses over synthetic materials is their airflow properties. These natural fibers permit air circulation and maintain temperature regulation, so you stay cool even on the hottest nights. And their moisture-wicking properties mean that your skin stays dry.

Natural Latex Mattress

Natural latex comes from rubber trees and often combines with springs for a comfortable and chemical-free mattress construction. You’ll rest easier knowing there’s no chance of chemical out-gassing or fiberglass particulate irritation.  

When using natural latex products, you shouldn’t notice any chemical odors like might result in a regular memory foam mattress. However, you’ll still feel the positive effects of motion isolation and body support that consumers have come to expect from memory foam. 

Natural latex keeps you comfortable and alleviates pressure points by conforming to your body’s natural curves. So your spine stays aligned, reducing potential backaches or discomfort.

Combine a natural latex mattress with a cooling fiber, moisture-wicking cover for your best night of rest. Skip the fiberglass and still sleep safely. 

Plant Fiber Mattress

PLA fiber is a high-performance synthetic fiber that is hypo-allergenic and non-toxic. PLA is polylactic acid made from renewable and organic resources. This plant fiber comes from cornstarch and sugar cane, making it a great alternative to fiberglass in your mattress.

In addition, PLA fiber washes easily and resists body impressions as you sleep. It also wicks away moisture making for a comfortable rest even during the summer heat.

Finally, the environmental friendliness of plant fibers makes them an excellent alternative to fiberglass in mattresses. It takes 65% less energy to create PLA fibers than conventional plastics. And the manufacturing process also generates 68% fewer greenhouse gases. 

Comfortable and eco-friendly products are some things to consider when buying a mattress without fiberglass.

Things To Consider When Buying a Mattress Without Fiberglass

Of course, some things don’t change when buying a mattress with or without fiberglass. Consider firmness, cooling capability, and construction when purchasing a mattress. And, of course, price, warranty, and trial periods play into the equation. 

You may need to buy a mattress quickly because of an impending family visit. On the other hand, your budget might not allow for an expensive purchase.

But even if you’re under a deadline or have tight finances, you can still make a quality and safety-based decision for your purchase. So here are items to consider when buying a mattress without fiberglass.

Firmness

What support level are you seeking for your night’s sleep? Today’s mattresses consider all things, like spine alignment and ensuring your pressure points remain elevated throughout the night.

Medium support mattresses without fiberglass have a pressure-relieving effect for side sleepers. While you’ll see improved circulation and more even weight distribution with a firmer mattress, stomach and back sleepers still find comfort. 

Look for ergonomic zones and pressure-free technology that cradle your body. As a result, your spine stays aligned for a comfortable position. And you need not worry about harmful contagions like silica wool.

Sleep tremendously and stay worry-free when you choose a mattress without fiberglass.

Construction of Fiberglass-Free Mattresses

When buying a new mattress, consider the materials composing each layer. Are they keeping you and your family safe? Or does the layer contain fiberglass or chemicals?

Mattress manufacturers use a lot of different terms to describe their products. So it’s easy to feel confused when making a purchase. You’ll hear terms like bio-Pur, cool-to-touch, and bounce foam. And those words might not mean much until you dig a little deeper.

Here are a few construction items to consider when buying a mattress without fiberglass.

• Is the mattress material made from contouring gel memory foam? Or is it a natural fiber such as the ones listed above?
• High-density foams may offer extra stability and prevent dipping or edge sliding.
• Check for a naturally cooling fiber with a moisture-wicking cover for temperature-regulated sleep.
• Mattresses come in differing heights, including 9, 10, and 12-inch sizes. Unfortunately, this height difference might mean you can’t use the sheets you already own.
• Is there a layer of micro or steel coils to support your body? Or does the mattress offer a hybrid innerspring option?
• And finally, what are the cooling capabilities of the mattress in question? Some mattress manufacturers use wording such as a heat-wicking effect. Others list how much cooler you’ll sleep by temperature degree. And others use wording such as ultra-breathable when referring to natural fibers.

Becoming familiar with mattress terminology helps you make the best decision for your mattress purchase.

Sustainability and Certifications

Eco-friendly mattress manufacturers also have a wide variety of certification claims.  When buying a mattress without fiberglass, look for one of these designations to ensure your health. 

• CertiPUR-US® certified foams don’t use any heavy metals like mercury or lead.  In addition, these foams contain no ozone depleters or phthalates. And they have low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions. So you can count on better indoor air quality. 
• UL Green Guard Gold-certified products are low-emission, so you know these manufacturers care about healthier indoor environments. 
• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton covers meet worldwide textile standards for manufacturing. This certification includes independent verification of ecological and social criteria throughout a product’s entire supply chain.
• MADE SAFE-certified products focus on human and ecosystem health. In addition, MADE SAFE encourages a philosophical change in manufacturing processes to eliminate harmful chemicals.
• GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certified organic latex products in mattresses conform to the highest standards of the rubber latex industry. 

As you can see, these certifications require manufacturers to adhere to exceptionally high standards. Additionally, the products are certified at each stage of the supply chain, ensuring your family’s safety.

What Else Should You Consider When Buying a Fiberglass-Free Mattress?

Other items to consider when buying a mattress without fiberglass include verifying who will use the mattress. For example, if a couple will share the bed, is motion-isolation technology important to you? Today’s mattresses allow you to turn over without disrupting your partner’s rest.

Along the lines of movement, verify that the mattress works with adjustable bed frames. For example, will it allow you to sit up easily or to raise your head or feet independently of your partners?

And some final mattress considerations that may influence your purchasing decision include:

• Availability of sizes
• Price
• Warranty
• Trial period
• Shipping costs

Final Recommendations

If you’re looking for a new bed, consider buying a fiberglass-free mattress. Health concerns like skin irritation or breathing difficulty should not be a factor in getting a good night’s rest. So, instead, make your selection from today’s high-quality natural fibers. 

The bonus of a certification designation ensures higher standards for human health, indoor air quality, growing and manufacturing considerations, and supply chain standardization.