You may love how a mattress feels but not know all that goes into the product. What’s under the mattress cover? Is there a fire retardant and if so, what type? Can the cover be washed?
These are some things to consider when purchasing a fiberglass-free mattress. A fiberglass-free label only tells you what’s missing, so ask what fire barrier is used instead. But, there are other things you’ll want to know about the material used in your mattress as well.
This article will cover:
- Why some mattresses contain fiberglass
- What fiberglass exposure can mean for health
- Which materials and certifications deserve a closer look
- How to check a mattress before buying it
Why Fiberglass Ends Up Inside a Mattress
Fiberglass is composed of fine strands of glass. Manufacturers can weave these fibers together to create a fire retardant that is placed inside the mattress.
Mattresses in the US are subject to regulations that test how they react to a fire or open flame. No regulation requires companies to put fiberglass in their mattresses.
Starting January 1, 2027, California will restrict textile fiberglass in new mattresses sold in the state. The law includes specific exceptions.
If your mattress is labeled fiberglass free, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any type of fire retardant. Companies must find other ways to comply with regulations that prevent a mattress from catching on fire.
They may use wool, certain types of fabrics or something else that allows their mattress to meet the requirements.
Just because there’s no fiberglass doesn’t mean the mattress has no fire protection. Ask what material they use as the fire barrier instead of fiberglass.
There are some companies that will let you know what they use as a fire retardant. Essentia, for example, states that its fiberglass free mattress uses Kevlar fabric as a flame retardant.
What the Health Concern Actually Is
When you hear fiberglass, many think of the dangers that come from it. There are risks that can occur if fiberglass gets on you or into your body.
Some mattresses have fiberglass inside an inner layer beneath the outer cover. If that cover is removed or damaged, fibers may escape onto bedding, clothing and nearby surfaces.
This can cause irritation to your skin, eyes, nose and throat if exposed. That is why avoiding exposure in a bedroom matters.
However, it’s important to keep everything in perspective. In a study done in 2022, by researchers from the California Department of Public Health, they analyzed four new mattress covers that were purchased. They found that two of four covers had over 50% fiberglass in their sock layers.
This study wasn’t conducted on all mattress covers, but the researchers wanted to see if fiberglass was on the new mattresses and if there were signs that it was getting into the covers. Researchers found no fiberglass on the brand-new mattresses’ outer surfaces, although fibers had migrated into some adjacent fabric layers.
Having a mattress with fiberglass in it doesn’t mean that you’re breathing it in. But if you have a damaged mattress, there is a higher risk of being exposed to fiberglass.
Read the Entire Material Story
There are so many different materials that go into mattresses. They may tell you what their foam is made up of but not what their fire retardant is made of.
If they say their mattress is “free” of some chemicals or that it’s made with organic materials, there could be more to the story.
Learn more about the materials that go into your mattress. Make sure you know what’s in your fire retardant. Fiberglass may be listed as glass fiber or glass wool, but if those aren’t listed on your mattress, that doesn’t mean there is no fiberglass.
What does your mattress use as a fire retardant? Is it wool or some type of fabric?
You may prefer wool over other materials, or you may not want anything animal-based in your mattress. Just make sure you know what’s going into your mattress.
Safety Certifications
You’ll see many certifications when looking at mattresses. Here are some to know about:
CertiPUR-US: Certifies that your foam meets standards for chemicals, emissions etc. Does not mean your whole mattress will meet these standards.
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100: Certifies that textile products have been tested against specific harmful substances and set limits. Know what product is being certified.
GOTS: Guarantees that products made of organic textiles meet certain standards. Know if your entire mattress is being certified.
GOLS: Relates to organic latex know what product or process it’s being certified on. Does not guarantee that all layers in your mattress will not contain fiberglass.
These can all be helpful when determining what your mattress is made of. But you should still ask if your mattress contains fiberglass.
Make sure that the certification is valid and up-to-date for the product you’re looking at. Just because your mattress has a logo doesn’t mean that they’re testing your fire retardant for fiberglass.
How to Check a Fiberglass-Free Mattress Before You Buy
Follow these tips to see if your mattress contains fiberglass…
1. Contact the manufacturer and ask them what material they cover, fire retardant, foam etc.
2. Ask the manufacturer if any of the material used in the mattress contains fiberglass.
3. What material do they use in their fire retardant and does it meet safety requirements?
4. Does the cover come off and is it washable? Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean the mattress and never remove a cover if it will expose inner fibers.
5. Read the spec sheet.
There are many factors that will allow you to sleep comfortably, cool and have support. Removing fiberglass from the equation will not guarantee you a healthy mattress.
Always know what your trial period and return policy is.
Already Own a Mattress? Don’t Open It to Check
Just because you have a mattress with a cover doesn’t mean you should open it up to check for fiberglass.
- If you’re unsure what’s in your mattress, follow the directions on your care label and reach out to the manufacturer.
- Don’t cut into your mattress to find out what’s in there.
- If your cover has been damaged, stay away from the mattress until you can determine how to properly dispose of the materials.
- Contact a professional if your area is heavily contaminated with fiberglass.
A mattress protector can add another layer of containment. Choose one that fits the whole mattress snugly, and keep the original cover on. If the cover is already worn or torn, a protector is a stopgap, not a fix for the damage.
If loose fiberglass fibers land on bedding or floors, avoid sweeping or shaking contaminated items, as this can spread the fibers further. The California Department of Public Health recommends using a HEPA-filtered vacuum and wiping surfaces with a damp cloth. Wash affected bedding separately from other laundry, and consider discarding items if the fibers cannot be removed. If contamination is widespread or difficult to manage, consider contacting a professional cleaning service experienced in fiberglass removal.
If you have any concerns about your health, speak with your doctor. It may not be fiberglass causing you to have those symptoms.
The Better Buying Decision
A good mattress choice starts with clear answers, not a dramatic warning label or an impressive badge.
Look for documented fiberglass-free construction, a named fire-barrier material and care instructions you can follow. Then judge comfort and support on their own merits.
Clear answers make it easier to buy with confidence.
