Last Updated on August 28, 2023
While shopping for my daughter’s first “big girl” bed in 2019 I was shocked to learn about dangerous fiberglass in mattresses. Since then, I have been researching and keeping track of the best fiberglass free mattresses.
There are many mattresses recommended as fiberglass free at the top of search results that actually do contain fiberglass, and that’s very concerning for me.
- Best Cooling – Zoma Boost
- Best Organic – Happsy Organic
- Best for Back Pain – Nolah Natural
- Best Dual-Firmness – Nest Bedding Raven
- Best Luxury – PlushBeds Botanical
- Best Pillow Top – Naturepedic Pillow Top
- Best Customizable – Spindle Organic
- Best Adjustable Firmness – Natural Form Refresh
- Most Affordable – Peace Lily
Big mattress review websites take what mattress makers say at face value, but I’ve learned that’s not always the best idea. Many mattress brand employees are not well-informed about the fiberglass in their mattresses. Sadly, some mattress maker employees might know about fiberglass but are told to be deceptive on purpose.
What Exactly is Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a fiber-reinforced plastic made from thin strands of glass that are coated in a layer of resin. The glass is mostly made from silicon dioxide found in silica sand. The resin coating is most often polyester.
Fiberglass can be used as a fabric, or formed into rigid shapes like plastic. It does not rust or corrode and it’s stronger than many metals by a ratio of strength compared to weight. Fiberglass is also very cheap to make so it’s very economical compared to other available options.
Why is Fiberglass Used in Mattresses?
Since 2006 and 2007 mattresses have been held to stricter flammability standards by the Code of Federal Regulations Title 16 Part 1632 and Part 1633. These regulations were put in place because mattress fires had been steadily increasing each year for decades.
Fiberglass does not ignite and burn, it just melts. For this reason, many mattress makers began wrapping the foam inside their mattresses with a fiberglass casing known as a “firesock” in the mattress industry. It was a cheap and effective way to meet the new federal flammability standards set by the government. Many lives have been saved by these regulations according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Is Fiberglass a Danger to Health?
Fiberglass is used in many parts of our everyday lives. Most homes and businesses are weatherized with fiberglass insulation. Patio furniture, fishing poles, boat hulls, and many other things are made with fiberglass. Fiberglass has not been proven to be carcinogenic, and it’s non-toxic.
However, this does not mean that fiberglass is perfectly safe. Fiberglass builders and installers wear respirators and eye protection when working with different kinds of fiberglass. This is because fiberglass presents many unsafe health issues when exposed to it.
Fiberglass in Mattresses is a Skin Irritant
Most people with mattresses that are leaking fiberglass particles first noticed the issue because of skin irritation and itchiness. Severe fiberglass exposure can even lead to skin abrasions and fiberglass dermatitis.
Fiberglass in mattresses is an Eye Irritant
Fiberglass particles are small enough to get captured in the eyes while being nearly impossible to see. Many people that have leaky fiberglass mattresses have said that their eyes were constantly red and itchy until they got rid of their mattress and cleaned up the fiberglass contamination.
Fiberglass in Mattresses is a Respiratory Irritant
Fiberglas particles can irritate the nose, throat, and even the lungs in severe cases. Many people with mattresses leaking fiberglass reported frequent nose bleeds. Studies have shown that inhalation of fiberglass particles can lead to an increase of asthma complications and bronchitis.
Best Fiberglass Free Cooling Mattress
Zoma Boost Hybrid Mattress
Zoma Boost Hybrid Mattress Summary:
The Zoma Boost Hybrid is the best hyper-cooling fiberglass free hybrid mattress that money can buy. It features three foam layers and an ultra-cooling polyester and rayon blend cover that keeps the body dry through the night. It also features graphite-infused foam to prevent odor buildup, along with a gel-infused foam layer beneath it for even more temperature-regulated sleep. The Zoma Boost Hybrid coil layer contours to the body while also providing enough support for perfect spinal alignment, plus there’s increased edge support.
Zoma markets the Boost Hybrid as a mattress for active people and athletes that need increased pressure relief and cooling sleep. Waking up in the middle of sleep because you’re hot or have a pressure point breaks healthy REM sleep. Interrupted REM sleep greatly reduces the body’s recovery from exercise and decreases physical performance. The Boost Hybrid page on Zoma’s website has dozens of testimonials by members of professional sports teams that agree with Zoma’s research.
Zoma is a relatively new mattress manufacturer founded by a team with 25+ years in the sleep industry. The main focus of Zoma is performance-enhancing sleep for better health and performance of the mind and body. Zoma believes that ending each day with the most refreshing and revitalizing sleep ensures the next day will start at peak performance.
Zoma Boost Fiberglass Free Construction:
This is what Zoma had to say when contacted about fiberglass:
“We use a FR sock that is made from Cotton/Polyester. PyroGuard is manufactured without the use of glass, silica loaded rayon, modacrylic, melamine, antimony, phosphorous or chlorine.”
The Zoma Boost Hybrid is Best for:
- Athletes The Zoma Boost is best for athletes that need extra recovery.
- Hot Sleepers The Zoma Boost is best for anyone that struggles with hot and sweaty sleep always waking them up!
The Zoma Boost Hybrid should be Avoided by:
- Cold Sleepers If you are often cold while sleeping, the Zoma Boost will make that worse without tons of bedding!
- Natural Sleepers The Zoma Boost is made with many synthetic materials and memory foam, so anyone wanting a natural or organic mattress should avoid it.
Best Fully Organic Fiberglass Free Mattress
Happsy Organic Mattress
Happsy Organic Mattress Summary:
Happsy mattresses are made without flame retardants, adhesives, or other harmful chemicals. The main fact that sets the Happsy Organic Mattress apart from other organic mattresses is that the whole mattress itself is certified organic. Other self-proclaimed “organic mattresses” are made with some materials that have been certified organic by the supplier, but often contain materials that aren’t organic.
Happsy focuses on sustainability, comfort, and promoting good health. It makes organic mattresses that don’t cost a fortune because it believes everyone deserves healthy sleep. Happsy gives back by donating at least 1% off its annual income to environmental organizations.
Happsy Fiberglass Free Construction:
All Happsy textiles are Global Organic Textiles Standard certified organic, and all latex is Global Organic Latex Standard certified organic as well. It also holds Forest Stewardship Council and Rainforest Alliance certifications, plus MADE SAFE and GREENGUARD GOLD certifications. Happsy is also a part of many organic, fair trade, and sustainability associations – probably more than any other mattress manufacturer.
This is what Happsy has to say about fiberglass on its website:
“When you don’t use highly flammable materials in the first place, you don’t have to douse your mattresses in flame retardants or wrap them in fiberglass. Happsy mattresses are made with the finest materials Mother Nature has to offer – organic cotton, wool and latex”
The Happsy Organic Mattress is Best for:
- The Most Organic Mattress Possible The Happsy Organic Hybrid Mattress is best for people that want a fully organic fiberglass free latex mattress without having to worry about shady “green” marketing tactics.
The Happsy Organic Mattress should be Avoided by:
- Side Sleepers and Combinations Sleepers Side and Combinations Sleepers might find the Happsy Hybrid to be too firm for their joints, especially if they don’t weigh a lot.
Best Fiberglass Free Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain
Nolah Natural Mattress
Nolah Natural 11″ Hybrid Mattress Summary:
Nolah Natural 11″ Mattresses are designed to be super soft on top while also being extra supportive for the spine. The latex layers are hole-punched to be extra breathable when combined with the extra-breathable organic and wool and cotton cover. It’s recommended by many mattress outlets for back pain relief.
Nolah is a sleep technology pioneer with a mission to make the most of sleep and the mattress shopping experience as a whole.
Nolah Natural 11″ Hybrid Mattress Fiberglass Free Construction:
This is what Nolah says in their FAQ regarding fiberglass:
“Nolah is committed to our customers’ comfort and safety, and all our mattresses are 100 percent fiberglass-free.”
The Nolah Natural is Best for:
- The Nolah Natural 11″ Hybrid is best for pressure-free back pain relief.
Best Fiberglass Free Dual-Firmness Hybrid Mattress
Nest Bedding Raven
Nest Bedding Raven Mattress Summary:
The Nest Bedding Raven is a gel-infused memory foam hybrid mattress that’s flippable and features a different firmness rating on either side.
The plush tufted side of a Nest Bedding Ravem Mattress is a Medium firmness while the diamond quilted side has a Firm feeling.
Nest Bedding Raven Fiberglass Free Construction:
This is what Nest Bedding had to say when I asked if the Raven fire barrier contains fiberglass:
“Our mattresses are fiberglass-free. Our mattresses will contain non-chemical hydrogenated silica as the fire barrier.”
The Nest Bedding Raven is Best for:
- Anyone Unsure about Which Firmness to Choose The Nest Bedding Raven has a Medium firmness side and a Medium-Firm side.
Best Fiberglass Free Luxury Latex Mattress
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress
Botanical Bliss Mattress Summary
The Botanical Bliss mattress is easily one of the best choices for a fiberglass free luxury mattress. The Medium and Medium-Firm plushness options are perfect for all types of sleepers. Plus, it’s recommended by doctors and chiropractors as the best mattress for back pain sufferers.
The three thickness options of the Botanical Bliss make it compatible with above-average and petite-sized sleepers. Those that are conscientious about the environment and sustainability will be happy to know Botanical Bliss mattresses are highly biodegradable. PlushBeds makes the Botanical Bliss from eco-friendly materials, unlike other mattresses made from petroleum-based foams and synthetic textiles.
Botanical Bliss Fiberglass Free Construction
Here’s what PlushBeds has to say about Fiberglass:
“All our Latex mattresses are made without any use of fiberglass materials. Our Memory Foam mattresses are fiberglass free as well. Exceeding safety standards doesn’t require toxic chemicals or fire barriers made from fiberglass.”
The Botanical Bliss is Best For:
- Medium – Perfect for Combination and Side sleepers that need increased pressure point relief.
- Medium-Firm – Best for Stomach sleepers, and Back sleepers that suffer from lower back pain.
Note: – PlushBeds recommends average-sized sleepers under 225lbs to consider the 9″ thickness option. Larger sleepers up to 250lbs are recommended to consider the 10″ option. Heavy sleepers over 275lbs should choose the 12″ Botanical Bliss for extra support.
The Botanical Bliss should be Avoided by:
- Those that Prefer Conforming Mattresses – Because it’s a latex mattress, it doesn’t conform and let you sink in.
- Those that Prefer Springy Mattresses – Latex mattresses aren’t nearly as springy as innerspring and hybrid mattresses.
- Latex Allergy Sufferers – The Botanical Bliss is made with Latex, so those allergic should avoid!
- Budget Shoppers – The Botanical Bliss is not very affordable if you need a cheap mattress.
Best Fiberglass Free Pillow Top Mattress
Naturepedic EOS Pillow Top Mattress
Naturepedic EOS Pillow Top Mattress Summary:
The EOS (Ergonomic Organic Sleep) mattresses are Naturepedic’s most popular line of beds, and the EOS Pillow Top is the most luxurious mattress in the EOS line-up. The EOS Classic is a 12″ hybrid, while the EOS Trilux is a 9″ full latex mattress. The EOS Pillow Top is a best-of-both-worlds choice that has 6 inches of latex on top of 8-inch coils with a total mattress thickness of 15 inches.
Naturepedic EOS Pillow Top mattresses can be unzipped freely and have their latex layers rearranged to better suit each person’s sleeping needs. Queen and larger mattresses can also be ordered with split firmness options so that sleep partners can have different firmness levels on each side of the bed. If new customers feel their EOS Pillow Top mattress isn’t quite the right firmness, within 100 days of purchase the latex layers can be swapped out for a different firmness option for free!
Naturepedic is one of the leading organic mattress makers in business. It makes organic mattresses ranging from super simple and affordable options to mattresses on the opposite end of the spectrum that are hyper-luxurious and cost thousands of dollars.
Naturepedic EOS Pillow Top Fiberglass Free Construction:
The Naturepedic EOS Pillow Top mattress is made with Global Organic Textiles Standard certified organic cotton and wool. It also consists of Global Organic Latex Standard certified organic latex that’s also MADE SAFE, Forest Stewardship Council, UL/GREENGUARD Gold, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified to be safe and responsibly sourced. Naturepedic is a part of multiple organic trade associations including OCS (Organic Content Standard), OTA (Organic Trade Association), HPD (Health Product Declaration), and Green America. The mattress contains no flame retardants, adhesives, or polyurethane foam.
This is what Naurtepedic states on its website about fiberglass:
“Through extensive research and creative product design, we’ve eliminated the need for fire retardant chemicals and flame retardant barriers in our products.”
The EOS Pillow Top is best for:
- The EOS Pillow Top is best for all types of sleepers including Side, Stomach, or Back. Because the EOS Pillow Top can be ordered in plushness options from Ultra-Plus to Firm, with split firmness availability, the mattress can be custom tailored to fit anyone’s needs.
The EOS Pillow Top Should be Avoided by:
- Sleepers wanting a Low Profile Mattress The Naturepedic EOS Pillow Top is 15″ thick, so anyone needing a low profile mattress will have to look elsewhere.
Best Customizable Fiberglass Free Latex Mattress
Spindle 10in Organic Latex Mattress
Spindle 10″ Organic Latex Mattress Summary:
The 10″ Organic Latex mattress by Spindle is the best choice for a customizable fiberglass free mattress. It’s made of 3 different layers of latex that each have varying plushness ratings of Soft, Medium, and Firm. The best part is its unique ability to be unzipped and have the three latex layers rearranged to adjust the mattress feel.
The innovative way that Spindle mattresses are crafted makes them perfect for any type of side, stomach, or back sleeper. Spindle also offers King size mattresses with a split firmness, which is best for couples that have different sleep preferences. Split firmness mattresses have different layers of Medium/Firm layers for each side.
Spindle 10″ Organic Latex Mattress Fiberglass Free Construction:
Here is an excerpt from Spindle’s website regarding fiberglass:
“At Spindle, we believe that your bed should be a safe haven, free of potentially harmful materials. That’s why we only use wool as the flame retardant in our mattresses. Wool is a natural fire retardant and we do not use fiberglass and no other chemical flame retardants. “
The Spindle 10″ Latex Mattress is Best for:
- Any type of sleeper whether Side, Stomach, or Back. Spindle 10″ Organic Latex mattresses do not have to be ordered in the standard Soft-Medium-Firm layer layout. They can be ordered in a customized layer setup such as Medium-Medium-Firm, or even Soft-Firm-Firm.
- Those that want to keep their mattress for a long time. If you change your mind years down the line and want a different-feeling mattress, you can purchase new single replacement layers at any time to re-customize your mattress. And since the cover is removable, it can be cleaned often to keep the mattress fresh.
The Spindle 10″ Latex Mattress should be Avoided by:
- Those that Prefer Conforming Mattresses – Like other latex mattresses, it doesn’t conform or let you sink in and be cradled.
- Those that Prefer Springy Mattresses – Latex mattresses aren’t springy and responsive like innerspring and hybrid mattresses.
- Latex Allergy Sufferers – Spindle mattresses are made with Latex, so those with a latex allergy should avoid them!
Best Adjustable Firmness Fiberglass Free Mattress
Natural Form Refresh Mattress
Natural Form Refresh Mattress Summary:
There is a firmness-adjusting dial on Natural Form Refresh mattresses that make them the best pick for an adjustable firmness fiberglass free mattress. What’s even more impressive is that each side of the mattress has its own dial for adjusting firmness! Another great feature of the Natural Form Refresh is the body temperature-neutral wool cover that is removable and washable. The Wool cover is machine washable as long as enzyme-free detergent is used, and it should be dried with low heat or hung to air dry.
Natural Form is a Vermont, USA, mattress manufacturer. The Natural Form mattress manufacturing facility is entirely solar-powered for sustainability. It has a sister company named Big Mattress Co. that makes giant-sized beds not sold by most mattress makers.
Natural Form Refresh Fiberglass Free Construction:
Refresh mattresses are constructed by Natural Form using CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foams that are tested for safe contents and emissions. The covers of Natural Form Refresh mattresses are made of natural OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified Australian wool.
Here’s what Natural Form has to say about its mattress construction:
“You can be confident that our foam and textiles are made with non-irritating fabrics and unwanted chemicals like Ozone depleters, Phthalate, Formaldehyde, and more.”
The Natural Form Refresh is Best for:
- The Natural Form Refresh is best for anyone that has varying sleeping habits and needs an adjustable firmness mattress to match their changing sleep needs!
The Natural Form Refresh should be Avoided by:
- Those that Prefer Conforming Mattresses – Similar to a hybrid mattress, it doesn’t conform or let you sink in and be cradled.
- Those that Prefer Springy Mattresses – Because the Natural Form Refresh has air pods instead of springs like innerspring and hybrid mattresses, it isn’t very responsive.
Best Affordable Fiberglass Free Natural Latex Mattress
Peace Lily Mattress
Peace Lily Mattress Summary:
The Peace Lily Mattress is an extremely affordable fully latex fiberglass mattress, it costs less than many other hybrid latex mattresses on the market. One way Peace Lily really differs from other mattress brands is its pricing. Peace Lily prices are always low, so there aren’t any never-ending gimmicky sales. What’s makes the Peace Lily Mattress an even bigger value is the fact that it’s a dual-sided and dual-firmness mattress.
The Peace Lily Mattress is a triple-layer latex mattress made with 100% natural Dunlop latex that’s eco-INSTITUT® certified to be non-toxic. There is a 4″ layer of core latex foam in the middle of the mattress with 2″ layers of Medium and Firm latex on either side of it. Surrounding the latex layers is a 100% organic Global Organic Textiles Standard certified wool batting. The Peace Lily mattress cover is also 100% GOTS certified organic Cotton. Even the glue used by Peace Lily is a natural latex-based adhesive.
Peace Lily Mattress Fiberglass Free Construction:
Here’s what Peace Lily had to say about fiberglass when contacted:
“We do not use any synthetic fillers and there are almost no chemicals in any of our bed products. Peace Lily pillows, toppers, and mattresses are some of the most natural that can be found.”
The Peace Lily Mattress is Best for:
- The Peace Lily Mattress is best for sleepers wanting a full latex mattress that’s affordable.
- The Dual Firmness feature is another bonus for those that are unsure whether they need a Medium or Firm mattress!
The Peace Lily Mattress should be Avoided by:
- Very Heavy Sleepers The Peace Lily Mattress isn’t very thick, so it won’t support sleepers over 250lbs.
| Mattress | Thickness | Type | Firmness | Cover | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlushBeds Botanical | 9", 10", 12" | Latex | 5.5-8 | Cotton | $$$ |
| Spindle Organic | 10" | Latex | 5-7.5 | Cotton & Wool | $$ |
| Natural Form Refresh | 11" | Air Pod Hybrid | 6-7.5 | Wool | $$$ |
| Peace Lily | 8" | Latex | 6-8 | Cotton | $ |
| Zoma Boost | 15" | Hybrid Foam | 6 | Polyester & Spandex | $$ |
| Happsy Organic | 10" | Hybrid Latex | 6.5 | Cotton | $$ |
| Nolah Natural | 11" | Hybrid Latex | 6 | Cotton | $$ |
| Naturepedic Pillow Top | 15" | Hybrid Latex | 4-8 | Cotton | $$$$ |
| Nest Bedding Raven | 10" | Hybrid Foam | 5-8.5 | Polyester & Rayon | $ |
Here are some tips for finding fiberglass free mattresses, as well as recognizing fiberglass mattresses. There is also advice for purchasing healthy mattresses in person at brick-and-mortar stores. Plus, there are some tricks for dealing with a fiberglass mattress if you already own one, as well as tips for cleaning up a fiberglass contaminated home.
Recognize Mattress Material Certifications
Mattress makers like to plaster their product pages with certification logos their beds have attained, and they think that’s enough to assure shoppers their mattresses are as safe and healthy as possible! However, some of those mattress certification logos are better than others.
- GOLS and GOTS certifications mean the Latex and Fabrics used are organic.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 means the product is Safe and Non-Toxic.
MADE SAFE certifications mean that a products ingredients have been tested to be safe for humans as well as the environment.
However, CertiPUR-US certifications just mean the memory foam is low VOC, but many mattress makers portray their fiberglass mattresses as perfectly safe because they are CertiPUR-US certified.
Ignore Mattress Hype
Influencers will recommend questionable mattresses through social media without knowing the health concerns because they make a living through selling products. Mattress comparison websites will confirm mattresses as containing fiberglass, but then still link out to those manufacturers’ websites. Shady marketing websites only concerned about commissions will tell you that a fiberglass mattress is safe because the fiberglass is “deep” inside the mattress.
Check Mattress Labels
Mattresses must have a Materials and Safety tag attached to them when sold in the United States and many other places. Before buying a mattress in person that has not been thoroughly researched, check the materials section of the tag to be sure it is constructed without fiberglass. If a mattress cover says it’s non-removable then it probably contains fiberglass.
Identify Hidden Fiberglass
Fiberglass is used in many industries and manufactured in different parts of the world, so it may not always be called “fiberglass”. Other terms for it to look for include: glass fiber, spun glass, glass-wool, GRP (glass-reinforced plastic), GFRP (glass-fiber reinforced plastic), GFK (German: Glasfaserverstärkter Kunststoff).
Recognize Healthy Alternatives
Mattresses made without fiberglass will often use Rayon, Polyester, Wool, or Silica to pass flammability tests and meet certification standards. Silica is used in the form of non-woven silica mats beneath the mattress cover, fabrics treated with Hydrated Silica, and in combination with viscose in the production of “inherently flame-resistant” rayon. However, because silica is one of the main ingredients of fiberglass, a mattress maker might try to hide their fiberglass by saying it’s silica instead.
Avoid Cheap Mattresses
The mattresses that most often contain fiberglass are budget options costing less than $1000, especially memory foam mattresses. Although they might seem like a good choice for an affordable mattress, the risks far outweigh the benefit of saving money. This does not mean all mattresses with fiberglass are under a thousand dollars. There are some expensive mattresses that contain fiberglass, and there are some very affordable mattresses that are made without fiberglass.
Containing Fiberglass
If you have already purchased a mattress containing fiberglass that isn’t returnable, containment is the best way to mitigate the potential problem until a replacement mattress is obtained. Buy a plastic mattress cover on amazon to put over the mattress to contain any glass fibers that may potentially escape the cover in the future. Get a high mil/gauge rating to ensure the plastic is thick and not easily punctured.
If your fiberglass mattress is already leaking fiberglass, you should take immediate action to contain and clean up the fiberglass before your whole home is contaminated!
This article was originally published October 3rd, 2019.
John started JSnowCreations as a place to post random tech guides and product reviews. However, while shopping for his daughter’s first “big girl” bed in 2019 he learned about the hidden dangers of fiberglass in mattresses. Since then, John has made it his mission to expose as much hidden fiberglass in mattresses as possible. His ultimate goal is federal regulations that ban fiberglass from being used in mattresses, or at least a law that require it to be listed in the material tags.
