Last updated May, 2023
Are you wondering about a mattress without fiberglass? Because of fire safety rules in the USA (and other countries for that matter), many mattress companies will use a fireproof barrier made of fiberglass to protect the very flammable mattress components from catching on fire and burning.
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Why do companies use fiberglass in their mattresses?
Fiberglass doesn’t burn, and it’s cheap, and so it’s a natural choice for mattress companies trying to lower costs (in order to keep mattress costs low) while still meeting safety regulations in the country they are marketing their mattresses.
Most mattress materials, like memory foam, are actually highly flammable and need considerable protection in order to pass the fire safety requirements in the USA.
There are companies that spend more money (and thus charge more money for their mattresses) in order to avoid the use of fiberglass in their mattresses. Check out our list below if you’re looking for a memory foam mattress without fiberglass.
Is fiberglass dangerous?
In recent years there has been many studies and complaints about some of the toxic chemicals used as fire retardants that help meet the safety requirements. Since fiberglass isn’t carcinogenic (according to state health departments) and doesn’t have any toxic properties, it’s another good choice.
However, the small glass fibers can become problematic if they come in contact with the body. If you come in contact with fiberglass, it can cause itchy skin and eyes. If breathing airborne dust containing fiberglass, it can irritate your eyes and throat.
When does fiberglass in a mattress become a problem?
The layer of fire resistant fiberglass is underneath one or more layers of material to keep it from coming in contact with you while sleeping.
Most issues with fiberglass in a mattress happen when a mattress cover is removed, and thus the fiberglass layer is exposed and agitated and can cause glass fibers to break apart and become airborne. In some cases, the fibers can contaminate a room or a whole house.
Mattresses with fiberglass typically have a tag that stats not to remove the cover for cleaning, but certain budget mattress companies put a zipper on those covers and so end users think the cover is removable even though the company recommends against it.
What companies make a mattress without fiberglass?
Douglas Mattress Fiberglass
Douglas is a sub brand of GoodMorning.com. Their mattresses are made in Canada and were originally intended for the Canadian market only. They didn’t put any fiberglass in them as their mattress covers met the fire resistance test in Canada without the need for fiberglass. That makes them a great mattress under $1000 that’s fiberglass free (if you’re in Canada).
Since they have started offering their mattresses for sale in the USA, however, the Douglas United States mattress does have fiberglass in the cover to meet federal fire regulation standards in the United States.
Molblly Mattress Fibgerglass Info
Molblly mattress reviews from 2021 mention that their is a layer of fiberglass underneath the mattress cover. Most of their mattress listings on Amazon and on their own site don’t make any mention of fire retardants or fiberglass.
Their most expensive mattress listing, the cooling gel memory foam hybrid mattress, specifically mentions a fiberglass-free fire retardant layer but doesn’t make any mention of what that layer is made of.
Casper Mattresses
Casper mattresses have been the go to standard for the best online mattress without fiberglass, but in a chat with customer service via their website chat, the representative said that their mattresses contain a fire sock underneath the outer mattress cover, and that fire sock contains rayon yarn with a fiberglass core.
“The fiberglass is fully encapsulated in the FR Rayon fiber, so no fiberglass should be exposed. In the event of a fire, these fibers are designed to char and form a barrier over the foam, preventing the flame from spreading into the foam layers.”
Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado mattresses are made with natural and organic materials, and they do not contain fiberglass. They use organic wool, organic cotton, and natural latex to create their mattresses, providing a healthier and environmentally friendly sleep surface.
Saatva
Saatva is a popular mattress brand that offers a variety of models, including their flagship Saatva Classic mattress. Saatva mattresses do not contain fiberglass and are known for their high-quality construction and comfort.
Tuft & Needle
Tuft & Needle is a well-known mattress brand that focuses on simplicity and comfort. Their mattresses are made without fiberglass and are constructed using proprietary foam layers for pressure relief and support.
Purple Mattress
Purple mattresses are designed to provide a unique and pressure-relieving sleep experience. They are made without fiberglass and incorporate their patented Purple Grid technology for optimal comfort and support.