Best Mattress Without Fiberglass

Fiberglass use is common in mattresses for safety reasons. If there were ever a fire in your home, the fiberglass prevents your bed from going up in flames so you can escape.

While fiberglass is important for safety’s sake, it can irritate your body and lungs. And if your mattress were to tear, fiberglass can get all over your bedroom and it’s very difficult to clean.

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But, not all mattresses contain fiberglass! While fiberglass is a common fire barrier, you can find beds with other fire barriers. Use our guide to find the best mattress without fiberglass to improve your sleep and health at night!

Best Cooling Mattress Without Fiberglass: Zoma Mattress

We built the Zoma Mattress for athletic adults, but it’s a great choice for hot sleepers. The Zoma Mattress fosters deep sleep while boosting muscle recovery and physical performance. It’s 12 inches thick and has a medium feel great for all types of sleepers.

All Zoma mattresses have our proprietary AirCloth fabric. It’s stretchy and ventilated to keep cool air in and hot air out. The material even dissipates moisture so you won’t wake up in your own sweat!

At the top of the Zoma Mattress is gel foam with Triangulex™ zoned support. Triangulex™ has three zones and unique cutouts to cushion and support your body. It’s firmest around your back but soft near your hips and shoulders to prevent stiffness and aches.

Next is the Reactiv™ transition layer, which adds an extra bounce to our bed. This way, the Zoma Mattress doesn’t feel saggy or unsupportive the way some other foam beds do.

The base of the Zoma Mattress contains our Support+ foam. Support+ foam supports healthy spinal alignment while ensuring your bed won’t sag.

The Zoma Mattress is CertiPUR-US® certified. This means it’s free of heavy metals, phthalates, and formaldehyde. It’s also low in VOCs and emissions.

The Zoma Mattress comes with free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

Best Hybrid Mattress Without Fiberglass: Zoma Boost

Experience cloud-like comfort and support with the Zoma Boost, our most luxurious hybrid mattress yet. Unlike other mattresses, the Zoma Boost is made with an ultra-cool fabric cover that is light and breathable to the touch. Plus, it features a quilted top layer with 2 inches of hypersoft foam that molds to your body and a graphite-infused memory foam layer that keeps you cool throughout the night. All of these comfort features make the Boost perfect for hot sleepers.

The Zoma Boost’s transition layer, Reactiv™ foam, adds bounce to counteract the conformability of the top layers, limiting unwanted sinkage and making it easy to move across the mattress. The support core is made up of motion-isolating pocketed coils that conform to your body’s shape, with reinforced edges along the sides for ease of movement.

With a height of 15 inches and carrying handles on the sides, the Zoma Boost is a premium choice for those seeking the ultimate sleeping experience. And with all foam layers certified by CertiPUR-US®, you can rest assured knowing you’re sleeping on a safe and durable product.

Best of all, the Zoma Boost is free of fiberglass in its luxury mattress construction, providing a safe and healthy sleep environment. Try the Zoma Boost risk-free with our 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty, and wake up feeling rested and rejuvenated.

Best Mattress Without Fiberglass on Amazon: Zoma Start

Nowadays, convenience is everything. Shopping via third-party retailers like Amazon simplifies your shopping experience, even for beds. However, many shoppers are concerned about finding a fiberglass-free mattress without overspending. If you’re looking to buy a mattress with the click of a button, check out the Zoma Start on Amazon.

The Zoma Start is an affordable, 10-inch gel memory foam mattress with a medium-firm feel. It’s a great choice for people who sleep on their backs and stomachs or who struggle with back pain. Both the Zoma Start and the Zoma Boost were nominated by Healthy Americans as two of the top mattresses without fiberglass.

The first layer of the Zoma Start is gel foam. The foam cushions your lower back to prevent pressure build-up. At the same time, the gel ensures you keep you cool at nighttime.

The second layer is Reactiv™ foam. Stomach sleepers should be wary of soft beds that throw their spines out of alignment. The Reactiv™ layer adds lots of bounce to prevent oversinkage and back pain.

The third and final layer in the Zoma Start is Support+ foam, which is resistant to sagging. This way, your Zoma Start mattress lasts you for years and years.

The Zoma Start includes free shipping and a 10-year warranty.

Eachnight.com has also spotlighted the Zoma Start as their top recommendation for a mattress without fiberglass.

Best Comfort Mattress Without Fiberglass: Emma Hybrid Comfort

Indulge in unparalleled comfort with the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress, a premium sleep experience designed to elevate your nights. Unlike conventional mattresses, the Emma Hybrid Comfort boasts a sumptuous blend of innovative materials for an unrivaled sleep surface.

Crafted with an ultra-breathable cover, this mattress invites a touch of luxury, ensuring a light and cool sensation as you settle in. The quilted top layer, featuring 2 inches of plush foam, conforms to your body, while the graphite-infused memory foam layer maintains a refreshing coolness throughout the night—an ideal choice for those who tend to sleep warm.

Navigating the mattress is effortless, thanks to the responsive Reactiv™ foam transition layer. Offering just the right amount of bounce, it counters excessive sinkage, making movement across the mattress a breeze. The support core, featuring motion-isolating pocketed coils, molds to your body’s contours, reinforced with sturdy edges for added ease of movement.

Standing at a luxurious height of 15 inches and equipped with convenient carrying handles on the sides, the Emma Hybrid Comfort redefines the concept of a premium sleeping sanctuary. Rest easy knowing that all foam layers are certified by CertiPUR-US®, ensuring a safe and durable sleep environment.

Experience the epitome of luxury without compromise—Emma Hybrid Comfort is meticulously crafted without fiberglass in its construction. Embrace a risk-free trial with our 365-night sleep guarantee and enjoy the assurance of a 10-year warranty. Awaken each morning feeling truly rested and revitalized with the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress.

Best Mattress Without Fiberglass For Side Sleepers: Ameri Sleep AS3

Embark on a sleep revolution with the Ameri Sleep AS3 Cooling Mattress—a true game-changer for side sleepers. As someone who has explored various mattresses, the AS3 stands out as one of the best products in the market, offering a tailored sleep experience without compromise.

What immediately sets the AS3 apart is its dedication to safety and health. Crafted without fiberglass, it ensures a sleep environment that prioritizes well-being, giving you peace of mind as you drift into a restful slumber.

For side sleepers, the AS3 is nothing short of a revelation. Its ingenious combination of foam layers strikes the perfect balance between support and softness, addressing those critical pressure points that often plague side sleepers. The quilted cover, cool to the touch, adds a layer of luxury that enhances the overall sleeping experience.

The cooling technology integrated into the mattress is a standout feature. No more waking up in the middle of the night feeling uncomfortably warm— the AS3 keeps you refreshingly cool throughout, contributing to uninterrupted, high-quality sleep.

In the realm of mattresses for side sleepers, the Ameri Sleep AS3 stands tall as a beacon of comfort and support. It’s not just a mattress; it’s a personalized sleep haven crafted to elevate your nights. Say goodbye to compromises and hello to the tailored excellence of the Ameri Sleep AS3 Mattress for side sleepers—an investment in your sleep quality that you won’t regret.

 

Why Do Mattresses Contain Fiberglass, Anyway?

You may be wondering, why does my bed contain some weird plastic? What does that have to do with my sleep and comfort? Well, it doesn’t. Fiberglass in mattresses has to do with your safety.

The United States’s federal regulations state that mattresses must contain a flame barrier. Chemical flame retardants are banned in the US because they’re toxic to humans. So, mattress manufacturers turned to fiberglass.

Fiberglass is a cheap fire barrier that’s non-toxic and chemical-free. In the event of a fire, the fiberglass would melt and encase your mattress, preventing it from going up in flames. This gives people enough time to escape and has saved countless lives.

Why Should You Avoid a Mattress With Fiberglass?

There’s an easy reason people want to avoid a bed with fiberglass.

Technically, fiberglass in mattresses is non-toxic and shouldn’t irritate your body. It stays under the covers where you won’t come in contact with it. Still, the fibers can still escape from under the covers, especially if you unzip the cover or tear it.

Exposure to fiberglass can irritate your skin, eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and stomach. You may develop rashes or itchy skin, red or itchy eyes, a dry nose or mouth, and a sore throat. People who have allergies, asthma, or bronchitis may notice worsened symptoms as well after fiberglass exposure.

Fiberglass isn’t the only flame barrier out there, though. Flame barriers without harmful chemicals include wool, silica, and plant fibers. They’re as safe as fiberglass but won’t aggravate you or your body.

Signs of Fiberglass in a Mattress

There are several indicators that can help identify mattresses containing fiberglass. By being aware of these signs and conducting thorough research, buyers can make informed decisions and choose high-quality mattresses that meet their needs.

One of these is the presence of “Made in China” labels. Manufacturing practices in China often involve less stringent safety standards, potentially leading to health hazards, so be wary of mattress brands that make their beds overseas.

Another clue is the use of polyfoam instead of proper memory foam, as some manufacturers may use polyfoam that contains fiberglass as a cheaper alternative. Additionally, cheap memory foam mattresses or all-foam mattresses with unusually low prices, especially under $400 for larger sizes, are likely to be fiberglass-filled or made with other potentially harmful materials.

It’s also important to be cautious of mattresses with non-removable covers, as mattress manufacturers often discourage removing the mattress cover to prevent exposing fiberglass.

Retailers may also engage in “greenwashing,” using misleading terminology to make mattresses appear more natural and non-toxic. Words like “glass wool,” “glass-reinforced plastic” and “glass fibers” are often employed to deceive customers seeking eco-friendly options.

To ensure a fiberglass-free and chemical-free mattress, it’s advisable to look for reputable certifications that attest to the mattress’s quality and non-toxicity.

Types of Mattresses Without Fiberglass

There’s no specific mattress type that uses fiberglass. So long as you double-check the mattress’s specifications, any type of bed is fair game. Let’s take a look!

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are cushiony, pressure-relieving types of beds with a “hug-like” feel. The memory foam conforms under your body to soothe aches so you sleep undisturbed all night long. Aside from providing excellent pressure relief, most memory foam mattresses also absorbs movement at the point of impact, keeping motion from rippling across the surface and disturbing a partner’s rest.

While memory foam mattresses often contain fiberglass, this isn’t always the case. More and more memory foam mattress manufacturers use different fire barriers in their beds. This way, you don’t wake up feeling irritated or uncomfortable.

One potential drawback is heat retention. Memory foam tends to trap body heat, which can result in a warmer sleeping surface. This may be uncomfortable, particularly for individuals who naturally sleep hot or live in warmer climates. However, advancements in mattress technology have led to the development of gel-infused memory foam and open-cell foam, which aim to address this issue by improving airflow and heat dissipation.

Another consideration is the initial off-gassing odor that memory foam mattresses may emit. This odor is caused by the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the foam. While the smell is usually temporary and dissipates over time, some individuals may find it bothersome. Opting for mattresses that are CertiPUR-US® certified can ensure that they have undergone testing for harmful chemicals and have low VOC emissions.

Despite these drawbacks, shoppers still choose memory foam mattresses for their unique benefits. Ultimately, the decision to choose a memory foam mattress depends on individual preferences and needs. Shoppers who prioritize pressure relief, motion isolation, and personalized comfort often find that the benefits of memory foam outweigh its potential drawbacks.

Latex

Natural latex mattresses are made from the sap of rubber trees. They’re another type of foam bed, only they’re springier and more durable than memory foam or polyurethane foam. They don’t have the same “hug-like” feel as memory foam beds which is great for some people. Plus, latex foam mattresses are cool and supportive.

Dunlop and Talalay are the two types of natural latex used in mattress manufacturing. Dunlop latex is the traditional ingredient inside an organic latex mattress and more widely available type. It is made by whipping latex sap and pouring it into a mold, followed by a vulcanization process.

Talalay latex, on the other hand, involves an additional step. After pouring the latex sap into a mold, it is vacuum-sealed and then flash-frozen before being baked. This freezing process creates a more consistent cell structure and results in a softer and more buoyant feel. Some of the best latex mattresses may use both as separate latex layers.

Natural latex beds are the least likely to contain fiberglass particles. Latex mattress manufacturers usually don’t add fiberglass to their beds for sustainability’s sake, particularly if they’re building a wholly organic mattress. Instead, you’ll find more natural fire barriers in your latex or latex hybrid bed, such as organic wool or plant fibers.

This doesn’t mean you have to choose a natural latex mattress, though, as some of the best mattresses without fiberglass contain other materials.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are a classic type of bed that almost everyone has slept on at some point. These beds are known for their excellent support, bounce, and breathability. They feature pillow tops often made out of cotton, wool, down, or foam.

As a popular type of mattress, innerspring beds come in a wide range of prices. Generally, higher-end models are less likely to contain fiberglass and vice versa. But, this isn’t a universal rule when it comes to innerspring mattresses. So always double-check what fire barrier a bed contains before making a purchase.

Innerspring mattresses can also have several comfort issues. For example, innerspring mattresses may create pressure points, especially on heavier areas of the body, due to the coil system. This can lead to discomfort and disrupted sleep.

Innerspring mattresses can also cause disturbances in sleep due to higher levels of motion transfer. They often lack the ability to contour closely to the body’s shape, resulting in less personalized support. This can lead to discomfort and inadequate spinal alignment, particularly for those with pressure point issues or back problems.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine components of both foam and spring mattresses to optimize your support and comfort. They have a coil support system—like innerspring beds—and a foam comfort layer—like memory foam and latex beds. Together, the best hybrid mattresses are springy, supportive, and breathable, yet still cushiony and pressure-relieving.

Unlike most innerspring beds, hybrid mattresses contain pocketed coils. The coils are wrapped in fabric to maximize motion isolation and prevent squeaks and coil breakage. This way, your spine stays in healthy alignment, and the individually wrapped coils also increase couples’ comfort.

Sturdy steel coils around the mattress perimeter can provide a ‘firmer’ feel for enhanced stability and prevent excessive sinkage. Reinforcing the mattress sides in this way allows for better edge support and maximizes the usable surface area of the mattress.

The foam layer in hybrid beds must be at least 2 or 3 inches thick to be labeled a hybrid, not an innerspring mattress. The thick layer of cushioning protects the heaviest parts of your body from pressure build-up, soreness, and achiness.

Key Takeaways

  • Fiberglass as a Mattress Flame Barrier: Fiberglass is commonly used in mattresses as a fire barrier to comply with federal regulations in the United States. Its purpose is to prevent mattresses from catching fire and to allow sleepers enough time to escape in case of an emergency. While it is considered non-toxic and non-irritating when contained, fiberglass can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation if it escapes the mattress.
  • Risks and Concerns with Fiberglass in Mattresses: Fiberglass particles can escape from the mattress cover, especially if the cover is unzipped or torn, leading to skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or bronchitis may experience exacerbated symptoms when exposed to fiberglass.
  • Fiberglass-Free Mattress Options: Be cautious when purchasing mattresses, particularly those with unusually low prices or non-removable covers. Natural latex mattresses are less likely to contain fiberglass and often use organic materials as fire barriers. Memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses mattresses, although some may contain fiberglass, are increasingly using different fire barriers to avoid potential irritation.

How to Choose a Mattress Firmness

Beyond picking what type of mattress you want, it’s important to choose the right mattress firmness. Mattress firmness affects how cushiony or hard your bed is which is crucial to your comfort at night. Mattress firmness is rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Choosing a mattress firmness comes down to your sleeping position. How you sleep affects how much cushioning you need to sleep pain-free!

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need soft to medium mattresses. When side sleeping, the hips and shoulder sink deepest into the mattress. A too-firm surface can let pressure build-up, causing discomfort. Thus, lots of cushioning are needed in a mattress for side sleeping to properly protect their hips and shoulders from pressure build-up and pain.

Still, a soft mattress isn’t to every side sleeper’s taste. Some may prefer a medium-soft to a soft mattress, and even a medium bed still offers just enough support to keep the spine aligned.

Some side sleepers may also prefer a bouncy mattress instead of an all-foam. We recommend hybrid mattresses for side sleeping, since a traditional innerspring mattress can feel too firm.

Back Sleepers

When back sleeping, it’s best to use a medium to firm mattress. Back sleepers need lots of spinal support to keep their spine aligned without causing lower back pain. A medium to firm mattress for back sleeping won’t cause you to sink—throwing the spine out of alignment—ensuring you stay comfortable all night long.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers need medium-firm to firm mattresses to keep their spines aligned. However, stomach sleeping is arguably one of the worst sleeping positions. It’s hard on your back, can worsen wrinkles and acne, and may inhibit your breathing. Still, it’s difficult to change your primary sleeping position overnight. So, use a medium-firm to firm mattress in the meantime.

Combo Sleepers

People who flit between two or three positions are combination sleepers, so they need a versatile mattress to keep up with their every shift in sleeping position. Medium to medium-firm feels typically establish the best mattresses for combination sleepers. Many also enjoy the responsive surface of hybrid mattresses.

Heavier Sleepers

For those who weigh over 230 pounds, it’s important to find a mattress that can handle the added weight without sinking in too much. Look for mattresses that are on the firmer end of the recommended range for your sleep position, as this will provide the necessary support and prevent you from feeling like you’re sinking into the bed.

Lightweight Sleepers

If you’re under 130 pounds, you’ll want to look for a mattress that has a softer feel to it. This will help the mattress conform to your body and provide the necessary support for your smaller frame. Look for fiberglass-free mattresses that have a softer feel to them, as this will provide the necessary cushioning without feeling too firm.

Mattress Brands That Do & Don’t Use Fiberglass

Mattress BrandIs There Fiberglass Present?
AllswellYes
AmazonBasicsYes
AmerisleepNo
AmorebedsNo
Ashley MattressesYes
AvencoNo
AvocadoNo
AwaraNo
BearNo
Best Price MattressYes
Big FigNo
BirchNo
Brentwood HomeNo
Brooklyn BeddingNo
CasperYes
Classic BrandsYes
CrystliYes
Dynasty MattressNo
Eco TerraNo
Eight SleepYes
EmmaYes
EssentiaNo
Full MoonYes
GhostBedYes
HappsyNo
HelixNo
JoybedNo
KeetsaNo
Latex for LessNo
LaylaYes
LeesaYes
LinenspaYes
LucidYes
LullYes
MainstaysYes
MaximNo
MinocasaNo
MlilyNo
MolbllyYes
MoleculeYes
My Green MattressNo
NapQueenYes
Natural FormNo
NaturepedicNo
NectarYes
Nest BeddingNo
NolahNo
NovillaNo
OleesleepYes
Perfect CloudYes
PlushbedsNo
PuffyYes
PurpleNo
SaatvaNo
SealyYes
SienaYes
Signature SleepYes
Silk & SnowNo
Sleep InnovationsYes
Sleep NumberUnknown
Sleepy’s by Mattress FirmYes
SpindleNo
Stearns & FosterYes
Sunrising BeddingNo
SweetnightNo
TempurpedicYes
Tuft & NeedleNo
tulo by Mattress FirmYes
VayaNo
VibeYes
WinkBedsNo
ZinusYes
ZomaNo

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every mattress have fiberglass? 

No, not every mattress contains fiberglass, but it’s very common. Since it’s not always clear whether a mattress has fiberglass or not, you must figure it out on your own. 

Read the fine print of a mattress online or check its label. If you see words such as “glass fibers,” “fibrous plastic,” or even just “fiberglass,” the bed contains fiberglass. 

What type of mattresses doesn’t have fiberglass?

Any type of mattress can be fiberglass-free. It really depends on the company and their standard when looking for a fiberglass-free bed. 

Still, memory foam mattresses commonly contain fiberglass whereas latex mattresses and eco-friendly mattresses are often fiberglass-free. Memory foam beds usually contain man-made materials while latex beds contain mostly natural materials. Still, any type of bed may or may not contain fiberglass. 

How do you know if my mattress has fiberglass?

Mattress companies rarely advertise their beds as having fiberglass. For shoppers, fiberglass is a no-no due to its irritating properties. So, you’ll have to dig a bit deeper to see what your bed contains.

Check a mattress’s care instructions or label (if you already own the bed) and see if it says “do not remove cover.” This usually means there’s fiberglass under the bed’s cover. It’s important to know that some mattress covers might have zippers and say “do not remove mattress cover.”
Mattresses with third-party certifications are less likely to contain fiberglass. Look for certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), CertiPUR-US®, or OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Can fiberglass cause lung disease?

No, fiberglass is commonly misconstrued as being deadly or causing long-term health issues, but no evidence supports this. You may notice throat and mouth soreness after being exposed to fiberglass. People with preexisting asthma or bronchitis may have worsened symptoms when exposed to fiberglass as well. However, fiberglass won’t cause lung disease or cancers.

What is the difference between asbestos and fiberglass?

Asbestos and fiberglass are very different materials, despite fiberglass being called the “man-made fiberglass”. Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral, while fiberglass is a hard plastic reinforced with glass fibers. Asbestos is a naturally occurring material but fiberglass is man-made.

Both are fibrous and cause adverse side effects when in contact with them. However, asbestos is deadly, while fiberglass only causes mild and temporary symptoms. Chronic asbestos exposure can cause asbestosis, cancers, pleuritis, among other conditions. Fiberglass exposure causes skin, eye, nose, mouth, and throat irritation.

Conclusion

While fiberglass isn’t deadly, it still isn’t an ideal fire barrier in a mattress. Look for an eco-friendly mattress with wool, silica, or plant fiber flame barriers, like our options at Zoma! Beyond just choosing a different fire retardant, compare mattress types and firmnesses to find the best mattress for you!

This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Michelle Zhang, Wellness Writer Michelle Zhang

Michelle Zhang is a regular contributor to our Zoma blog and is our go-to sleep researcher. In her time with Zoma, Michelle has researched and published many articles on widespread sleeping habits and troubles. In her time outside of Zoma, Michelle is an occupational therapist and long-distance runner. She believes leading a healthy lifestyle is the key to getting better sleep at night. Michelle's work has been featured on Men's Journal, The Frisky, and The Mighty.

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