What Is a Fiberglass-Free Mattress and Why Does It Matter?
What Is a Fiberglass-Free Mattress and Why Does It Matter?
Sleep safer, breathe easier, and rest confidently—without the hidden hazards.
As consumers grow more health-conscious and ingredient-aware, questions about mattress materials are becoming increasingly common. One of the biggest concerns? Fiberglass. Once a little-known component hiding inside many budget mattresses, fiberglass has sparked controversy—and for good reason
In this article, we’ll explore what fiberglass is, why it’s used in some mattresses, the risks it poses, and how to find a fiberglass-free mattress that supports your sleep and your health.
What Is Fiberglass?
Fiberglass, also called fibrous glass or glass wool, is a synthetic material. Molten glass is forced through ultra-fine holes, creating tiny filaments that are often woven together for fabric applications. Fiberglass is lightweight, durable, and highly heat-resistant—qualities that make it useful across many industries.
Common Uses of Fiberglass:
- Home insulation, roofing, piping, and septic tanks
- Industrial filtration
- Bathtubs, pools, and hot tubs
- Protective equipment and textiles
- Manufacturing cars, boats, and planes
Do Mattresses Have Fiberglass?
Unfortunately, many do—especially lower-cost foam mattresses.
What is fiberglass doing in mattresses? It’s often used as an inexpensive fire barrier, as mattresses are required by law in the U.S. to meet flammability standards. Many manufacturers wrap a mattress’s inner components in a layer of fiberglass-woven fabric as a cheap way to meet those regulations.
Signs a Mattress May Contain Fiberglass:
- “Do not remove cover” labels (Not all mattresses with these labels contain fiberglass, but it is a telltale sign for those that do)
- No mention of safer fire barrier materials on the website
- Lack of transparency or third-party certifications
- Prices that seem too good to be true
Fiberglass Mattress Risks
When it comes to fiberglass in mattresses, the main risk is exposure to the fiberglass if it becomes exposed through damage to the mattress or removal of the cover. Once exposed, fiberglass particles can become airborne, leading to unintentional contact or inhalation. Potential health risks include rashes, itchy skin, eye irritation, and respiratory irritation and inflammation.
Airborne fiberglass may also spread throughout your home. Cleanup can be difficult, costly, and time-consuming—especially if it spreads through your HVAC system or clings to clothing and furniture.
Potential health risks include rashes, itchy skin, eye irritation, and respiratory irritation and inflammation.
What Is a Fiberglass-Free Mattress?
A fiberglass-free mattress is one that uses an alternative material or technology to meet fire safety standards. Non-fiberglass fire retardant options include natural wool, thistle pulp, fabrics treated with silica, and various fabrics (natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic) treated with chemical flame retardants.
Benefits of Choosing Fiberglass-Free:
- Reduces the risk of airborne irritants within the home
- May be safer for families with kids and pets
- Ideal for allergy-prone or chemically sensitive individuals, especially if you choose a natural alternative
Mattresses without fiberglass are particularly popular among eco-conscious shoppers and those seeking cleaner, healthier sleep environments.
A Note on Chemical Treatments
It’s important to note that while a mattress may be fiberglass-free, that doesn’t mean it’s free from all hazardous additives. Unfortunately, some lower-end mattresses use harsh chemical treatments to achieve fire safety inexpensively while still avoiding fiberglass.
Good news: savvy mattress shoppers can avoid heavy, potentially harmful chemicals by seeking products or components with trustworthy certifications. For example, all CertiPUR-US® certified foam is “screened for relevant chemicals, including flame retardants, that are classified as carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins and are harmful to human health.”
How to Find the Best Fiberglass-Free Mattress
Not all fiberglass-free mattresses are created equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best option for your needs.
Key Fiberglass-Free Features to Consider:
- Certified materials (ex: CertiPUR-US®, GOTS, GOLS)
- Clear labeling of fire barrier contents
- Brands that promote transparency and testing
Watch out for vague language and avoid brands with no mention of their fire barrier solution on their website. When in doubt, ask the brand directly—or read customer reviews that mention fiberglass concerns.
Are Nolah Mattresses Fiberglass-Free?
Yes! All Nolah mattresses are 100 percent fiberglass free; they meet strict fire safety standards (Federal Mattress Regulations 16 CFR 1633 and 1632) without the use of fiberglass fabric.
For fiberglass-free fire safety, Nolah mattresses use either:
- Fire-resistant fabric quilted into the mattress panels
- High-quality fire retardant socks that encase the mattress foam
In both cases, the fire-retardant fabric is made from a blend of non-woven hydrated silica, rayon, polyester, and cotton. Rest assured: hydrated silica is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as Generally Recognized as Safe. In fact, it’s often used in food products, skincare items, cosmetics, and toothpaste.
Nolah Mattress Benefits:
- Fiberglass-free
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- Use CertiPUR-US® certified foam (or organic latex, in the case of the Nolah Natural)
- Designed and assembled in the U.S.A
Conclusion
Choosing a fiberglass-free mattress is more than a lifestyle choice—fiberglass-free options give you peace of mind while you rest. Whether you’re upgrading your own bed or shopping for your family, it’s worth investing in a fiberglass-free mattress that puts your well-being first.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fiberglass-Free Mattresses
Is fiberglass dangerous in mattresses?
It can be. While fiberglass is usually safe when contained, if the cover is damaged or removed, the microscopic fibers can become airborne and may cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, or contamination of your home.
Can you remove fiberglass from a mattress?
It’s extremely difficult and often not worth the risk. If your mattress leaks fiberglass, replacement is typically the safest choice.
Do Nolah mattresses contain fiberglass?
No. All Nolah mattresses are 100 percent fiberglass-free. Furthermore, our mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold certified and use CertiPUR-US® certified foam or natural latex.
Disclaimer: Nolah does not provide medical advice. All resources on the Nolah blog, including this article, are informational only and do not replace professional medical counsel. Talk to your doctor about any health, mental health, or sleep-related issues.
