Everything You Need to Know About Fiberglass in Mattresses

Does this mean you have to throw away your mattress if it has fiberglass? We’ll tell you all about fiberglass, why manufacturers use it, and how you can tell if it’s been used in your mattress of choice.

What is Fiberglass?

Fiberglass is a composite made from reinforced plastic and glass. The material is commonly found in mattresses, but you can also find it in wall insulation and many other items like sports equipment, aircrafts, roofing, hot tubs, external door skins, and furnace filters. Fiberglass is used often because it’s durable, cheap to mass produce, and malleable enough to easily work with.
 

What Does Fiberglass Look Like?

Fiberglass looks like tiny pieces of thread that are generally white and shiny in appearance. However, since it’s typically woven into the mattress’ layers, you’d have to take the cover of your mattress off to actually see it. Since fiberglass is more susceptible to shedding, there’s a risk of it breaking off from where it’s woven into, making these pieces even harder to locate. This is also where it becomes hazardous since these tiny shards could get out on the mattress’ surface.

Why is there Fiberglass in Mattresses?

Companies use fiberglass in mattresses because it’s a good flame retardant in the event of a fire. Mattresses are highly flammable¹, especially those made from memory foam. If one catches on fire, it will quickly burst into flames. This is where fiberglass comes in, acting as a barrier and causing a mattress to melt rather than erupt into flames. With this barrier, the fire is less likely to spread and reach other parts of your bedroom.

Price

Fiberglass is cheap to mass produce as a fire barrier in a mattress. For this reason, beds that have this material as a flame retardant are typically cheaper than mattresses with natural materials like wool. It’s hard to tell the exact price point, but this is where you should use your best judgment. A general rule of thumb is that a Queen size bed under 600 dollars is considered cheap and more likely to contain fiberglass.

Ask the Mattress Company

Most companies disclose the materials they use, so you don’t have to wonder what’s inside their mattresses. However, if you can’t find that information, you should always ask the company directly. You can either email or call them to ask about fiberglass, or you can use the live chat on the company’s website. Most companies will be truthful, but it’s best to look elsewhere if you don’t get a clear answer.
Learn More: Best Fiberglass Free Mattresses

Read the Label

All mattresses come with a label, so make sure to read it to ensure the bed has no fiberglass. As mentioned, most companies disclose the materials they use, so look out for fiberglass but also terms like glass fiber, glass wool, and other similar terms. They all mean the same.

Check Where It’s Made

USA-made mattresses are less likely to have fiberglass, whereas beds made in China are more likely to have this as a flame retardant. Although this isn’t a general rule, internationally made beds usually have fiberglass due to different safety standards.

Tips for Protecting Against Fiberglass in Mattresses

• Do not open or remove mattress cover: If your mattress does contain fiberglass, it will be underneath the mattress’ cover. As such, you should avoid opening or removing the cover to prevent exposure, even if the cover comes with a zipper. Check the label or contact the company directly if you’re not sure whether the bed has fiberglass in it.
• Invest in a mattress protector: Investing in a mattress protector can help safeguard you against fiberglass exposure because it provides an extra barrier between you and the mattress. If fiberglass reaches the mattress’ cover, it would still be contained with the protector. 
• Shop organic: An organic mattress is one that is built with more organic and non-toxic materials. Many organic mattresses use wool as a flame retardant rather than fiberglass. So, if you’re looking to avoid fiberglass exposure altogether, consider a more eco-friendly bed that uses wool instead.