Mattress Fiberglass: What You Need to Know About this Fire-Retardant Material

Fiberglass is commonly used for its fire-retardant capabilities; it especially appears in lower-priced memory foam options, yet major mattress brands typically steer clear of it. Its use in our sleeping environments might not be something we ponder regularly. Still, it's crucial to understand what lies beneath the sheets, as fiberglass can pose serious health risks if not properly contained.

What is fiberglass?

Fiberglass is a very commonly used material in mattresses and many other furniture items, and that’s due to its versatility and fire-retardant features.

It’s made from randomly dispersed glass particles that are woven together, and while fiberglass does have its pros, it can also pose a serious risk to the health of the people who use it daily.

Pros of Fiberglass in mattresses

Affordability:

You'll probably find fiberglass in memory foam mattresses, especially the lower-priced ones. Due to the high cost of non-flammable materials, manufacturers often opt for fiberglass in mattresses to keep prices down while still meeting safety standards. This practice is common despite the potential health risks if the fiberglass needs to be adequately contained.

Cooling:

If you’re a hot sleeper or you share the bed with a partner, then there’s a possibility of getting overheated during the night, which might decrease the overall quality of your sleep. Fiberglass provides the mattress with great cooling properties, as it regulates the mattress's temperature and promotes airflow.

Durability:

Fiberglass is known to be quite sturdy and durable; it extends the expected lifespan of the mattress; and it provides sufficient and consistent support for most weight ranges while maintaining its shape.

Fire Resistant:

Probably the biggest advantage of fiberglass, and the main reason why it’s widely used in the manufacturing of multiple household items, is that it’s fire-retardant, so in case your mattress catches on fire, it can help control the fire by melting the mattress instead of fueling the fire more.

Cons of Fiberglass in mattresses

Health Concern:

It’s common knowledge that getting in excessive contact with fiberglass could lead to major health risks because it’s constructed from glass particles, which can negatively affect your skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

Itchiness:

If you didn’t use a cover for your fiberglass mattress, you could experience severe itchiness, especially if you have sensitive skin or you’re prone to allergies.

Requires Special Cleaning:

Cleaning your mattress, especially if it is fiberglass, could be a laborious process for some people, as you need to be extra careful with it because any small tear or damage could lead to you directly contacting the fiberglass, so it’s better to get the help of a professional to help you clean your mattress.

Environmental Impact:

Having a fiberglass mattress could impact your surrounding environment because once the fiberglass gets airborne, it poses a threat to anyone who inhales it, so make sure your mattress is damaged to dispose of it correctly and not cause any harm to others.

Leakage and contamination:

If fiberglass gets airborne, it will not only affect you, but it will also affect everyone in that same environment, and this could happen if the mattress gets punctured or damaged.

What is the risk of fiberglass?

When discussing what fiberglass is and its implications, it's important to consider the potential health risks associated with exposure.

Fiberglass is composed of tiny glass particles that, when not properly contained, can be harmful to our health. Here's what you need to know about the risks:

Skin, Eye, and Lung Irritation:

Contact with fiberglass can lead to irritation of the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. This is because the tiny fibers can lodge into the skin or be inhaled, causing discomfort and inflammation.

For instance, skin contact might result in dermatitis, an itchy rash. To protect yourself, it's advisable to wear proper protective equipment when handling materials that may contain fiberglass.

Decrease in the functionality of the respiratory system:

If your fiberglass mattress gets airborne and you start inhaling it, it will affect your respiratory system as it can last for more than 10 days in your lungs, and the effects of inhaling the glass particles could be severe, especially for people who are prone to allergies.

Chemical Hazards:

During the fabrication of fiberglass, various chemicals are used that can pose additional health risks if inhaled. These include styrene monomers, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, cobalt compounds, and acetone.

Inhaling these substances can lead to health issues, underscoring the importance of using proper respiratory equipment and ventilation in environments where fiberglass is manufactured or handled.

Why is there fiberglass in mattresses?

Fiberglass is a common component in many mattresses, particularly those made of foam, due to its ability to meet fire safety standards. Here's why it's used:

• Fire Retardant Requirements: Mattresses in the United States must adhere to strict fire safety regulations. Fiberglass is incorporated into mattresses to fulfill these requirements because it can melt to form a barrier in the event of a fire, preventing the mattress from igniting. This is particularly crucial for foam mattresses, which are highly flammable compared to other types.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Fiberglass is particularly common in less expensive memory foam mattresses. Manufacturers frequently use fiberglass in place of non-flammable materials since it's less expensive and yet fulfills safety regulations.
• Disclosure and Safety: Surprisingly, manufacturers are not legally required to disclose the use of fiberglass or other chemical flame retardants in their products. This lack of transparency can lead to unintended exposure, especially if the mattress gets damaged or the fiberglass begins to leak through the cover.

How to Tell if There is Fiberglass in a Mattress

Identifying which mattresses have fiberglass is not always straightforward, but some indicators can help you determine if it's present. Here are some steps and signs to look out for:

Check the label:

Often, mattresses that contain fiberglass will have it listed on the tag or label. Look for terms like "glass wool," "silica," "glass fiber," or "glass fibers." If you see these, your mattress likely contains fiberglass.

Price:

Mattresses that are priced significantly lower than average may use fiberglass as a cost-effective fire retardant. If the deal seems too good to be true, it might be because of the inclusion of cheaper materials like fiberglass.

Manufacturer's Warnings:

If the care instructions from the manufacturer strongly advise against removing the mattress cover, this can be a sign that fiberglass is used as a fire barrier beneath it.

Use a Mattress Encasement:

To avoid any potential exposure to fiberglass, especially if you're unsure about your mattress's contents, consider using a high-quality mattress encasement. This should zip around the entire mattress and be regularly inspected for any holes or tears that could allow fiberglass to escape.

Ask the company:

In cases where you suspect fiberglass contamination due to visible damage or wear and tear, it's wise to contact professional mattress cleaning specialists. They can offer guidance on safe cleaning practices and prevent the spread of hazardous fiberglass dust.

What does mattress fiberglass look like?

Shape:

If you want to know from the shape of the mattress if it has fiberglass or not, then you might run into an issue, as the outside surface of the mattress will not give any indication; however, from the inside, you will be able to see strands of white material that look like plastic.

Odor:

All fiberglass mattresses have this very recognizable chemical or synthetic odor, which can irritate some people while they’re sleeping on the mattress; however, that smell has become less and less pungent over the years.

Texture:

Some mattresses use fiberglass in the construction of the surface material, and for some people, that will be an issue as it is much rougher to touch than other types of mattresses and can cause itchiness.

Precautions to Consider When Using a Fiberglass Mattress

Leave the cover on:

If you have a fiberglass mattress, you have to ensure that its cover is on at all times, because it’s not safe to directly lay on it, as it increases the risk of getting irritated by the glass particles.

Avoid damaging the cover:

Any tear of the outside cover will allow your skin to come into contact with the fiberglass mattress, so make sure that your cover is not damaged, and in case it is, change it immediately.

Wash bedding regularly:

Clean your bedding products, such as the cover and pillows, frequently. Also, make sure to clean the mattress itself, and it’s better to get the aid of a professional in that, as you might puncture the mattress without knowing while you’re cleaning it.

Do not place items on the mattress:

If you place any item on the fiberglass mattress, you’re risking damaging the outer surface of the mattress, which could lead to the fiberglass getting airborne. Also, if you place edible items directly on the mattress, they could get contaminated with the fiberglass particles.

Call a professional if there are any symptoms:

If you start to feel an irritation in your eyes and they become puffy and red, or if you start to have trouble breathing properly, you have to call a professional as soon as possible to minimize the negative impact of the fiberglass mattress.

FAQs

How do I clean a fiberglass mattress?

The best and most efficient way to clean your fiberglass mattress is to use the help of a professional to make sure that there’s no damage occurring while cleaning it, but if you are willing to clean it by yourself, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Why do mattresses have fiberglass?

Mattresses in the United States must adhere to strict fire safety regulations. Fiberglass is incorporated into mattresses to fulfill these requirements because it can melt to form a barrier in the event of a fire, preventing the mattress from igniting. This is particularly crucial for foam mattresses, which are highly flammable compared to other types.

What should I do if fiberglass makes me sick?

If you come into contact with fiberglass and start to feel irritation in the eyes and respiratory system, you need to contact your doctor immediately to prevent the spread of the symptoms and get them under control.

Is it legal to put fiberglass in mattresses?

As of October 8, 2023, California has passed legislation (AB 10591) prohibiting the use of textile fiberglass in juvenile products, mattresses, and upholstered furniture, with amendments to the exemptions for flame retardants.

Can I sleep on a bed with fiberglass?

It is not recommended, but if you do, you must protect yourself from fiberglass in a mattress, use a specialized protective cover, regularly vacuum the mattress to remove any trapped fibers, and avoid direct contact with the mattress by using a mattress pad or topper.

Is fiberglass dangerous?

Yes, it's crucial to be cautious if your mattress contains fiberglass. This material can irritate the skin and is harmful if inhaled. To address the issue, reach out to the mattress manufacturer or consult a professional mattress disposal service for safe removal and disposal.

How long can fiberglass stay in your lungs?

Fiberglass's effect on your lungs can vary from one person to another because some people have a more severe reaction to fiberglass than others; however, fiberglass stays in the lungs for about 10 days.

What does fiberglass look like on a mattress?

If you take a look inside a mattress to see fiberglass in bed or a fiberglass mattress cover, you'll notice that it's a translucent material that looks like a clump of white hair

Conclusion

Fiberglass has its pros and cons, and while it manages to meet fire safety standards, there are major safety concerns associated with fiberglass, such as skin, eye, and lung irritation, and a decrease in the functionality of the respiratory system.

So before buying a fiberglass mattress, make sure to follow the brand and safety guidelines to prevent any health hazards, and check out the article “Mattress Types: The Ultimate Guide” to find other mattress options that might fit your sleeping style.