Mattresses are made with many different materials, such as cotton, foam, latex, coils and more. These materials provide support and comfort. Mattresses are also required by law to meet a flammability standard. That’s where fiberglass comes in. It’s often used as a flame retardant because it is effective and inexpensive. In recent years, fiberglass mattresses have become a concern because of their potential danger and there have been several lawsuits regarding fiberglass in beds. For this reason, mattresses without fiberglass have become more desirable for many shoppers.
Fiberglass is a common material that’s used in many other applications, such as bathtubs, windows, boats and the list goes on. Issues can arise when fiberglass is inhaled or comes into contact with the skin. Before we set off any alarm bells, experts we spoke to all agree that if the fiberglass is properly encased, it doesn’t pose a problem. Fiberglass can become a problem if it escapes the mattress through holes, rips or deteriorates over time and escapes through the cover. To find out more information, we spoke with four experts in various fields with knowledge of fiberglass in mattresses. Here’s what you need to know.
Fiberglass is a composite material that is made with glass and plastic to create a lightweight and strong fiber. It’s used for many different applications. One of the most common applications is insulation for your home, since it’s an excellent insulator at a low cost. Fiberglass can also easily be molded into different shapes and it’s weather-resistant, making it versatile for use in many industries. You’ve likely come across it and may not have realized it since it’s so widely used in items like bathtubs, roofing, windows, boats and so much more.
There are federal requirements mattresses must meet when it comes to flammability, which means the mattresses must be able to resist fires. One way to accomplish this is to use fiberglass. According to Byron Golub, vice president of product and merchandising at Saatva, “Fiberglass is meant to slow the spread of fire if it reaches your bedroom. In the case of a fire, the fiberglass layer acts as a barrier, melting and thus slowing the spread of the flame.” While there are alternatives to slowing the spread of fire, fiberglass is a low cost option, which is why it’s used in some mattresses — especially inexpensive mattresses.
Fiberglass is meant to be helpful instead of harmful. As mentioned, it’s added to help block flames in the event of a fire. However, if you’re exposed to fiberglass, it can pose some health risks if it’s inhaled or touches skin. According to Sarah F. Evans, PhD, MPH, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, “The biggest risk to health is if the fibers break off and get into the air or dust and are inhaled. Breathing in fiberglass can irritate the airways and cause breathing problems.”
Not only can it cause breathing problems but skin problems as well. Dr. Shari Lipner, dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, says, “In addition to potentially causing breathing issues, fiberglass in mattresses may cause skin irritation, itching and rashes.”
One thing to keep in mind, just because your mattress contains fiberglass, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s dangerous. The experts we spoke with all agreed it can be used safely if the fiberglass is contained in the mattress and doesn’t have a way to escape or come into contact with skin. Problems can occur when the fiberglass escapes the mattress through holes or deteriorated areas and gets through the cover.
You typically see fiberglass more often in cheaper mattresses due to its low cost, but that doesn’t mean more expensive mattresses don’t contain it. A tip-off there may be fiberglass: “If a manufacturer says you shouldn’t remove the cover, then that could be a sign there’s fiberglass underneath,” says Golub.
By law, mattresses are required to have labels that disclose the materials and fiber content used in the mattress. However, some manufacturers use misleading terms to describe fiberglass, like “glass wool” or “glass fibers.” So be sure to check the tag for the fiber contents. Nest Bedding’s chief brand officer Brooke Alexander recommends taking the direct route and asking the manufacturer. If you’re not sure if a bed contains fiberglass, contact the manufacturer directly to find out.
Here at Forbes Vetted, we are serious about sleep products and thoroughly research our sleep stories, including this one about fiberglass in mattresses. Not only do we meticulously research, but I also have firsthand experience as a quality and compliance engineer at a home textiles company. I also have a lot of relative experience, having tested and written about dozens of mattresses.
We also consulted the following outside experts to learn more about fiberglass in mattresses:
Fiberglass is legal to use in mattresses in the U.S., except for California. Recently, California banned the use of fiberglass in mattresses due to potential health and safety issues. There have also been several lawsuits related to fiberglass in mattresses.
Check the label to see the fibers and materials that are listed. Be sure to look for words such as “glass fiber” or “glass wool,” which some manufacturers use as another way of saying fiberglass. It can be telling as well if a manufacturer advises you to not remove the mattress’s cover. It’s also helpful to reach out to the manufacturer and ask if there’s fiberglass in any form.
The experts we spoke with agreed you may not necessarily need to throw away the mattress if the fiberglass is completely encased in the mattress. However, if there are rips or holes in the cover (or your mattress is more than 10 years old), you may want to consider throwing it out since fiberglass can potentially leak out. Over time, fiberglass can degrade and possibly get through the protective cover, in which case you should consider getting a new mattress.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as rashes, eye redness or irritation of the nose, throat or stomach, and you think it’s due to the fiberglass, it’s best to see a doctor for the possible cause and throw away your mattress if it’s suspected it’s due to fiberglass. If you’re not experiencing symptoms but are still wary, it’s best to get a new mattress without fiberglass, if possible, to reduce potential exposure and have peace of mind.
