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Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass

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Written by: Alex Savy
Read 35 minLast updated on March 10, 2023

A perfect sleeping environment shouldn’t just be comfortable.

It should also be safe.  

If you agree, then you probably want to sleep on a memory foam mattress without fiberglass and enjoy the combination of heavenly comfort and safety. Check out this guide to find out more about fiberglass-free mattresses and choose the one that meets all your requirements. Let’s get started!

A Quick Preview

Saatva
Editor’s Choice

Saatva
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Puffy
Best Memory Foam

Puffy
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cocoon chill
Best Affordable Luxury

Cocoon Chill Hybrid
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Winkbeds
Best Hybrid

WinkBeds
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AS3 by Amerisleep
Best for Partnered Sleep

AS3 by Amerisleep
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Zoma
Budget Fiberglass-Free Mattress

Zoma
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Our Reviews of 6 Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass

Editor’s Choice — Saatva

Saatva Classic Mattress

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Highlights

  • Uses 3 inches of conforming memory foam in the euro pillow to deliver deep-penetrating pressure relief;
  • spinal support system to ensure your back health;
  • extra sturdy edges for additional sleeping space.

The Saatva Classic is my editor’s choice for the best mattress without fiberglass due to its balanced mix of plush euro pillow top contouring, and responsive coils. It combines a responsive innerspring core for a more edgy support with a plush memory foam layers for a more comfortable and contouring effect with pressure relief. The whole therefore offers a balance of comfort, support, and durability. The Saatva may feel bouncier than traditional foam mattresses, but it’s also more supportive and reliable. It uses wrapped coils for pinpoint comfort and a thick pillow-top layer for extra cradling. Thanks to this construction, the Saatva hybrid is breathable, comfortable, and safe. Saatva is right on par with Puffy, with similar compressions at around 2.5 inches. Saatva also offers a bit more bounce and support due to its coils, making me more inclined towards Saatva if I wanted a bouncier feel to my mattress that safely lacks fiberglass.

Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information.

Best Memory Foam Mattress Without FiberglassPuffy  

Puffy Mattress

Highlights 

  • removable cover for easy cleaning;
  • thick base layer for sturdy support;
  • gel-infused foam for cooler pressure relief;
  • slightly bouncier transition layer to combat the quicksand sensation;
  • soft and smooth cover fabric, can be used even without the bedsheets.

The Puffy is my best memory foam mattress without fiberglass due to its thick comfort layers and strong core, allowing for sinkage without sacrificing spinal alignment, and ensuring you don’t sleep too hot. Despite its pleasant hugging feel, this model is quite resilient and would not restrict movement. So if you tend to change positions during the night, the Puffy would be a great choice as it does not create that quicksand effect many foam mattresses are notorious for.

Puffy performed well in my temperature tests, retaining heat after I got off the surface at about 74.8 degrees Fahrenheit. As memory foam tends to cradle the body, which can make me feel a bit hot, Puffy did an excellent job keeping me feeling comfortable, cradled, and free of night sweats. Its sinkage at 2.5 inches was also more than adequate at eliminating pressure build-up in my shoulders and back, compared to Robin’s modest sinkage of about 1.7 inches.

Read our full Puffy mattress review for more information.
Puffy Mattress Topper - Cover-min
Puffy Mattress

Best Affordable Luxury Fiberglass-Free Mattress – Cocoon Chill Hybrid

Cocoon Chill Hybrid

Highlights:

  • Responsive bounce gives the bed an ‘on top’ feel, useful for easy movement and spinal alignment.
  • Cooling cover helps to dissipate heat, keeping sleepers at an optimal temperature while resting.
  • Edge support is extra durable, making moving in and out of bed easier.

The Chill Hybrid Mattress is the best affordable luxury mattress without fiberglass due to its cushioning hybrid springs and slow-conforming memory foam top layer, giving you the feeling of a luxurious sleep for a much better price than competitors such as Puffy. Although The Chill Hybrid Mattress may not have the same cool gel foam that Puffy offers, they make up for this with their cooling cover that helps wick away any extra heat that accumulates as you sleep.

On top of this, I like how The Chill Hybrid Mattress has wrapped coils in the deeper layers of the mattress, helping the mattress feel more bouncy and responsive compared to other traditional all-foam mattresses.

With Cocoon’s moderate firmness and temperature retention of about 78.7 degrees, despite its cooling cover, Cocoon sleeps a bit hotter than Puffy. Of course, I think with savings of about $200 between the two models, Cocoon offers a competitive price point that Puffy can’t beat.

Best Hybrid Mattress without Fiberglass - Winkbeds 

Winkbed-P1077807

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Highlights

  • Breathable, cooling cover made of Tencel material to keep night sweats at bay;
  • sturdy coil support system for reliable performance;
  • special lumbar enhancement to aid proper spinal alignment;
  • strong edges for increased sleeping space;
  • 7 zones for targeted support.

The WinkBeds is my best hybrid mattress without fiberglass due to its thick euro pillow top and breathable coils, which I tested and found I was incredibly comfortable on my side. This is a hybrid model that uses a coil support system and foam comfort layers. But those layers are rather thick and work to deliver the same level of cradling most memory foam mattresses do. Plus, WinkBeds has an effective cooling cover. Tencel is a unique material derived from Eucalyptus, which I’ve noticed from my tests to have a cool-to-the-touch feel. This can play a role in helping you stay cool while you’re properly cradled.

WinkBeds has some of the best bounce values I’ve tested, measuring at around 9.89 inches. This is similar to the Brooklyn Bedding Signature’s bounce value of 9.92 inches, meaning that Winkbeds will have that responsive, ‘not stuck in the bed’ feel. Along with a sinkage of 2.36 inches, I found Winkbeds has enough cushion to relieve pressure while still feeling supportive and responsive.

Read our full Winkbed mattress review for more information.
WinkBeds Mattress Side Sleeping
Winkbed Mattress On a Bed Frame

Best Fiberglass-Free Mattress for Partnered Sleep — AS3 by Amerisleep

Amerisleep AS3

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Highlights

  • proprietary Bio-Pur foam for enhanced breathability;
  • zoned transition layer to offer targeted pressure relief;
  • Slow-adapting comfort layers deliver better motion isolation, so you stay undisturbed while sleeping.

Looking for the best memory foam mattress without fiberglass that could make both you and your partner happy? Then you might want to consider the AS3 by Amerisleep. First of all, the AS3 has decent motion isolation, recovering partially from my compressions test after about 0.6 seconds. A slower bounce back means the mattress can muffle more motion from a partner. Chances are, it will work for both you and your significant other. Secondly, the AS3 has a rather slow-moving feel. Therefore, it absorbs shock from motion well. As an example, I didn’t disturb my wife when shifting in bed, even though she’s a light sleeper.

AS3 has excellent motion isolation that I tried for myself, measuring a slow, mostly recovered shape from compressions at 0.6 seconds, and a fully recovered shape at 0.9 seconds. This contrasts Zoma at 0.35 seconds for a mainly recovered shape. Speed isn’t what I look for when it comes to motion isolation — the slower the better. That means it will absorb and muffle motion better from a partner.

Read our full Amerisleep AS3 mattress review for more information.

Amerisleep AS3 Review-P1133774
Amerisleep-as3

Best Budget Fiberglass-Free Mattress — Zoma

Zoma Mattress

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Highlights

  • Unique Reactiv™ and Support layers are fiberglass-free, comfortable, and supportive to your body.
  • Slow-responsive Reactiv™ foam ensures you’re cradled for even pressure relief.
  • AirCloth cover is removable, helping you keep that ‘new mattress’ feeling.

The Zoma is my best budget fiberglass-free mattress as it has a competitive price, mattress materials like the Reactiv™ layer that lack fiberglass and feel good on the body, and a removable cover. The Zoma is priced $1096 cheaper than the Saatva, $700 cheaper than the Puffy, and $900 cheaper than the Winkbed, yet it still offers memory foam layers that feel similar to these models. The Zoma’s Reactiv™ layer has a bounce-back from compressions at 0.8 seconds (based on my tests), all accomplished without harmful fiberglass. It means the Zoma mattress adapts to your body slowly for a proper moldable feeling that re-distributes weight that’s safe and affordable.

In addition, The Zoma has a removable cover that can be washed, allowing you to maintain your mattress and keep that ‘new mattress’ feeling in your bedroom longer.

What I Don’t Like About This Mattress

One thing I don’t like about the Zoma is that it does not have as firm edges due to its soft comfort layers.

Read our full Zoma mattress review for more information.

Side sleeping on the Zoma mattress
Zoma Mattress Layers

Our Methodology - Why I Picked These Mattresses

The best memory foam mattresses without fiberglass typically include thick comfort layers, cushioning tops that can absorb motion, and stable cores that are supportive and durable. The best mix of support and comfort shouldn’t include fiberglass, so I also ensure that the manufacturing companies are 100% transparent about their mattress make-up.

When I tested mattresses, I kept these ideas in mind when I looked at the individual layers of a mattress. I then tested a mattress by lying on it in different sleeping positions, such as my back, side, and stomach. Comfort was tested with a series of compression tests, and I measured how deep a compression would be in relation to my body. I also tested for coolness, using a temperature gun to determine the degree to which a mattress would retain heat after being laid in for several minutes. Motion isolation was tested with a glass of water and compression tests, along with bounce tests with a 10-pound ball. These gave me a better idea of what mattress would work best while not including harmful fiberglass. I include more methodology tips below so you can better choose the right mattress for yourself. 

Fiberglass Explained (And Why It Can Be Found in Mattresses especially Memory foam)

Fiberglass is a reinforced polymer material that uses a mixture of both natural and synthetic components like soda ash, silica sand, boron, aluminum, etc. (1). It looks like tiny sparkly glass particles (or fibers) and can be found in many modern memory foam mattresses.

The reason why so many people are concerned with fiberglass is the potential problems it might cause. You see, if fiberglass gets released into your living space, it can cause respiratory issues and skin problems. No wonder, as fiberglass is just tiny glass particles that can stick to almost any surface (including your lungs and skin) and cause damage due to their sharp texture. When sleeping on a mattress that contains fiberglass, you may also start experiencing allergy-like symptoms (eye redness, nose and throat inflammation, coughing, etc.)

So why do manufacturers still use fiberglass in memory foam mattresses these days, even despite its hazardous nature?

The thing is, mattress manufacturers are required by law to ensure a certain level of flame retardancy in every mattress. As foam is highly flammable, adding a fire retardant as a barrier can save one’s life (2). And that’s the purpose of fiberglass, basically.

But here’s the good news:

You don’t have to settle for fiberglass, as there are safer alternatives that can be used as flame retardants. So, you can avoid fiberglass at all and not worry about your mattress safety.

Also Read: Mattresses Without a Box Spring

Mattresses Without Memory Foam

How to Avoid Fiberglass in Mattresses (Plus Safe Alternatives to Look For)

When looking for a memory foam mattress without fiberglass, you need to remember that this material is typically woven into the inner cover of the mattress, so it’s not so easy to spot. Most people find fiberglass in their beds only after removing the mattress cover in order to wash it. In this scenario, the fiberglass releases into the air and covers everything around. It’s extremely hard to clean and often forces people to throw everything away or even move out of the house (3).

So, how do you avoid fiberglass in your mattress? Firstly, you need to check the label. Most manufacturers mention the percentage of the materials used. Be aware that some companies mention such alternative fiberglass names as glass wool, glass fiber, or GFK.
How to Avoid Fiberglass in Mattresses

Source: https://fiberglassawareness.com/fiberglass/mattresses.htm

Now, you’ve got to be careful here, as not all manufacturers follow this rule. Some of them simply omit to mention fiberglass on the tag.

In this case, there are some other things you can do to protect yourself. First of all, pay attention to the cover. Is it removable? If the mattress tag (or website description) specifically mentions that you should not remove the cover, it might indicate that there’s fiberglass underneath.  You might also want to reach customer service and make an inquiry concerning fiberglass. Keep in mind that while mattress companies are obliged to disclose such details, sometimes they can be reluctant to share the information and can be very vague and allusive. If that happens, you should ask them directly what materials they use for the flame barrier. Plus, them being hesitant to disclose the details should be a good indication that their mattress isn’t very safe.

It’s also helpful to read other users’ reviews to see whether anyone has found fiberglass in their mattress. There are also some red flags you should be aware of. For instance, if a mattress is overly cheap (under $500), it’s very likely to use affordable fiberglass as a flame barrier instead of safer (and more expensive) alternatives. If a mattress is made in China, it might also be an indication that it contains fiberglass, so you should be extra careful. 

Also Read: Wyoming King Mattresses

Alaskan King Mattresses

Now, while you know how to avoid fiberglass, you should also learn what other flame retardants fiberglass-free mattresses may use. The most common one is wool. It naturally retains moisture and requires significantly higher temperatures to ignite. Wool burns very slowly and gives off minimal heat. It’s also natural and safe, which makes it a great alternative to fiberglass flame barrier. Inherent rayon is another fire barrier material you might come across.

Now, let me warn you right away: it isn’t 100% natural. To make a flame retardant, rayon is typically bonded to silica. It’s not fully natural or eco-friendly, but such a fire barrier doesn’t contain extremely harmful chemicals.

Another option you may want to consider is latex. Natural latex rubber is also fire-retardant. However, if the mattress isn’t 100% natural, it might still use synthetic flame retardants. So you should pay close attention to the materials used when searching for a good fiberglass-free mattress. Many manufacturers use latex blends these days, as natural latex is quite expensive (4), so it’s always better to inquire about the exact components that go into a latex mattress (and whether it’s 100% natural or combines different material types). How to Avoid Fiberglass in Mattresses-2

Source: https://www.naturalmattressmatters.com/category/certification/

Other Factors to Consider When Looking for a New Fiberglass-Free Mattress: Buyer’s Guide

A good memory foam mattress has to possess more characteristics than just being fiberglass-free. So if you really want to find the best option, you might want to be attentive when shopping and consider some of the most important factors:

  • Firmness level. This aspect is important as it will determine how the mattress would feel. You should choose the firmness level based on your preferred sleeping position. For instance, if you are a back sleeper, you probably need something medium – not overly plush, not too stiff. A medium firmness will allow your hips and buttocks to sink in when lying on your back, but the rest of the body will be supported properly. Side sleepers benefit more from using softer mattresses (or soft-to-medium ones) that offer more cradling for the hips and shoulders. As for stomach sleepers, they need maximum support and minimal (or zero) sinkage (to prevent the spine from curving unnaturally during sleep). Therefore, stomach sleepers are often recommended to choose firmer models. And don’t forget about your weight, as the previously mentioned recommendations work best for average individuals. Lightweight sleepers (less than 130 pounds) should choose slightly softer mattresses for each sleeping position, and heavier users (over 230 pounds) – firmer.
  • Support and thickness. A good mattress should not allow for too much sagging. Instead, it must keep your body supported and spine aligned properly. To achieve that, look for mattresses that have a thick support layer and use high-density foams.
  • Safety certifications. Fiberglass isn’t the only dangerous component you can find in a memory foam mattress. To protect yourself from harmful chemicals, look for at least one of the following certifications: CertiPUR-US, Greenguard (Gold), OEKO-TEX Standard 100, or USDA Organic (5).
  • Durability. Naturally, you don’t want to invest in a mattress that would serve you for a couple of years only. That’s why it’s better to pick something reliable and durable. High-density foams are always better than low-density ones. 
  • Warranty and sleep trial. A free (and long) sleep trial will allow you to test your new mattress and return it for a full refund in case it doesn’t work for you. Keep in mind that many foam mattress sleep trials involve a mandatory break-in period (typically, no more than 30 days). It is required because memory foam needs time to adapt to your body shape. As for the warranty, you should always check what it covers to protect yourself as a customer. A short warranty period can be a good indication that the manufacturer uses mediocre-quality materials and can’t be sure of their mattress’s durability.
  • Temperature regulation. Memory foam is notorious for its heat-trapping properties. Additionally, the material is quite enveloping and can kind of hug your whole body. That can be an issue for hot sleepers. If you want to avoid sweating during the night, choose a mattress that uses open-cell or gel-infused memory foam. Such models tend to sleep neutral, and some might even have a pleasant cooling effect.
  • Motion isolation (for partnered sleep). If you tend to switch positions during the night and don’t want to disturb your partner, you might want to check good motion-isolating mattresses. Memory foam absorbs shock from motion quite well and works great for restless couples, but a mattress might have a bit of a bounce if the transition layer is made of polyurethane foam.
  • Cover. Many foam mattresses without fiberglass come with zippered covers. This may come in handy for sensitive users who often suffer from environmental allergies. After all, a zippered cover can be washed regularly. This way, allergy-prone sleepers will eliminate such potential allergens as pollen, dust, pet fur, and more.

Also Read: Olympic Queen Mattresses

F.A.Q.

Do all memory foam mattresses contain fiberglass?

No, there are safe fiberglass alternatives and many foam mattress companies that use those.

Why do they put fiberglass in mattresses?

Fiberglass serves as a fire barrier and can slow down the burning in case of a fire. It is a safety precaution.

Why is fiberglass bad?

When fiberglass particles are released into the air, they can get pretty much everywhere, including your skin and lungs. Those particles are tiny, sharp, and may irritate skin and cause damage to one’s body.

How do I clean a mattress with fiberglass?

If your mattress label says you shouldn’t take the cover off, you must follow that recommendation. In this case, it’s better to only spot clean your mattress.

What should I do if fiberglass is released into the room?

If you damaged your mattress cover, the fiberglass might start escaping through it, so you should cover the hole immediately (using plastic wrap, for example) and remove the mattress from your home. It might be challenging to clean all the fiberglass particles from your house, so you might need to call a professional cleaning company.

Wrapping Up

As it turns out, finding a good mattress without fiberglass is not such a difficult task. You just need to be attentive to the labels and do your research. Do not hesitate to reach out to customer service and ask them directly about what they use as a fire barrier. And don’t neglect other shoppers’ reviews, as they can give you an idea of what to watch out for when shopping for a new mattress. 

If you are still a bit hesitant, allow me to recommend a mattress that managed to win me over.

The mattress that stood out the most for me would be the Saatva. It has some of the best lumbar support technology, and an excellent blend of support and cushioning with its thick, slow-adapting euro pillow top, and responsive coils. Also, its edge support can ensure that you can use the entire mattress width to your heart’s content.

Does your old mattress have fiberglass? And which one do you want to replace it with? Let us know in the comments!

 

References

  1. K.K. Chawla (2001). Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and Technology (Second Edition). Glass Fibers. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B0080431526006306
  2. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (n.d.). A Fire Resistant Mattress Can Save Your Life. Retrieved from https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/560.pdf
  3. KMOV St. Louis (February 14, 2020). News 4 Investigates: Is a dangerous component of your mattress actually fire-resistant? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd63hFVd7yU&ab_channel=KMOVSt.Louis
  4. Julie Scelfo (January 14, 2009). The Stuffing Dreams Are Made Of? Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/15/garden/15mattress.html
  5. Haniya Rae (May 18, 2020). Organic Mattress Labels You Can Trust. Retrieved from https://www.consumerreports.org/mattresses/organic-mattress-labels-you-can-trust/

Our research

27

Mattresses Considered

112

Hours of Research

2

Sleep Experts Consulted

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