What is fiberglass, and why does it matter if your mattress contains it? Fiberglass is a human-made fire retardant made from glass fibers and resin. (1) Mattresses must follow fire and safety regulations to ensure the material doesn’t immediately go up in flames during a fire. (2) Some mattress manufacturers use fiberglass as an inexpensive fire retardant.
Fiberglass isn’t harmful when safely sealed in a mattress, but it can be dangerous if it comes into contact with your eyes, airways, or skin. (3) If a mattress with fiberglass is torn, ripped, or the mattress cover is removed, there’s a high risk of fiberglass exposure. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best mattresses without fiberglass. In addition to the fact that no mattresses on our list contain fiberglass, many also contain eco-friendly materials and follow environmentally conscious manufacturing practices.
Best mattress without fiberglass
We selected the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress as the best mattress without fiberglass. The hybrid mattress offers zoned support, with softer and firmer sections that target different areas of the body. The mattress accommodates most sleeping positions and is available in three firmness levels to help you find the right support.
Our picks for the best mattresses without fiberglass
- Best overall: Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best memory foam: Nolah Signature
- Best hybrid mattress: Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best queen: WinkBeds The WinkBed
- Best affordable: Emma Original
- Best luxury: Saatva Classic
- Best organic: Birch Natural
- Best cooling: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Compare mattresses without fiberglass
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| Bear Elite Hybrid | Nolah Signature | Helix Midnight Luxe | WinkBeds The WinkBed | Emma Original | Saatva Classic | Birch Natural | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Best for | Best overall | Memory foam | Hybrid | Queen | Affordable | Luxury | Organic | Cooling |
| Price (Queen) | $2,305 | $1,799 | $2,373.80 | $1,799 | $1,159 | $2,095 | $1,873.80 | $1,865 |
| Material | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam |
| Trial period | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights |
Best overall mattress without fiberglass: Bear Elite Hybrid
Key product features
What you should know
The Bear Elite Hybrid offers sleepers a supportive, contoured mattress surface to help relieve pressure for back and side sleepers.
- The hybrid mattress has zoned support for the shoulder and hip areas, and our testers felt excellent pressure relief lying on their backs and sides.
- At $2,305 for a queen, the mattress may be out of some shoppers’ price range. We recommend purchasing the mattress on sale. The best times to purchase a mattress are major holiday weekends and retail holidays.
- We like the three firmness options—multiple options can help a variety of sleepers find the right support and comfort.
- Side sleepers’ hips and shoulders should sink comfortably into the mattress.
Why we like Bear Elite Hybrid as best overall
We selected the Bear Elite Hybrid as the best mattress without fiberglass due to its excellent cushioning foam and supportive coils, zoned support, cooling mattress cover, and multiple firmness options.
The mattress is available in Soft, Medium, and Firm. Our testers evaluated the Medium mattress. They were impressed with the hybrid mattress’s plush, quilted surface and the reinforced support from the coil layer. This contouring yet supportive design should accommodate most sleeping positions.
Our testers felt the most comfortable on their back and reported excellent pressure relief when lying on their side. Pressure relief is crucial for back and side sleepers—a mattress with pressure relief allows the sleeper’s shoulders, hips, and lower back to sink comfortably into the surface while remaining supported.
The mattress cover is cool and contains breathable phase-change material that absorbs and releases heat, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night. (4) If you’re a hot sleeper looking for extra cooling features, upgrade to a Celliant-infused mattress cover. One study shows that Celliant may increase blood flow and oxygen levels in the skin, which helps keep the body cool. (5) However, the $200 mattress cover upgrade may be unnecessary for those shopping on a budget.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is excellent at isolating and absorbing motion to one side of the bed. One tester hardly felt their testing partner getting on and off the mattress. Even when they jumped one side of the mattress, their testing partner’s side remained leveled without any disruption. Sleepers easily disturbed by their partner’s or pet’s movements in bed should benefit from the mattress’s motion isolation.
Like most online mattress brands, Bear offers free shipping. Mattress setup and removal are available for $100–$200, depending on your selected services.
For more insights on what this brand has to offer, check out our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review.
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $2,305 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best memory foam mattress without fiberglass: Nolah Signature
Key product features
What you should know
Many sleepers will enjoy the soft, sinking hug of the all-foam Nolah Signature mattress. Its proprietary foam is fiberglass-free, more responsive, and breathable than standard memory foam.
- Our testers noticed the mattress’s zoned support that helped relieve pressure when lying on their side and back.
- The Nolah Signature queen size is $1,799, but during major holiday sales, it may be on sale for about $600.
- We recommend this mattress for sleepers looking for a soft memory foam feel with reinforced support.
- It provides excellent support for back and side sleepers but may be too soft for stomach sleepers.
Why we like Nolah Signature as best memory foam
The Nolah Signature contains proprietary AirFoam™ that’s more breathable and responsive than traditional memory foam. The mattress offers sleepers a soft, sinking memory foam feel while keeping them supported—an impressive balance for an all-foam mattress.
AirFoam™ is made of a temperature-neutral material designed not to trap heat. Its tiny air bubbles help distribute your body weight for pressure relief in your shoulders, back, and hips.
Our testers described the mattress as a “soft hug” when lying on it. Thanks to the zoned support and high-density foam base layer, testers felt supported on their back and side without sinking into the mattress uncomfortably.
Testers especially noticed the zoned support when lying on their sides. Their shoulders sunk into the softer, more flexible section of the mattress, helping relieve pressure, while the firmer middle section kept their lower back supported and lifted. The best mattresses for side sleepers balance sinkage and support in the shoulder and hips. Unfortunately, the mattress is too soft to support heavy-weighted and stomach sleepers properly.
While the mattress surface is more responsive than standard memory foam, testers said changing sleeping positions and moving on the bed took effort. Sleepers looking for a mattress to support their movements may want a mattress with more bounce.
Check out the best memory foam mattresses to see more options for you. Or, if you are looking for more of the softest options, you might be interested in the best soft mattresses list.
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $1,799 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Soft |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best hybrid mattress without fiberglass: Helix Midnight Luxe
Key product features
What you should know
One of Helix’s luxury mattresses, the Helix Midnight Luxe has a cushioned pillow top, additional cooling features, and zoned support for contouring pressure relief. The hybrid mattress is responsive and supports movement while also absorbing motion well.
- Testers were impressed with the mattress’s luxurious feel and cooling features.
- The luxury queen mattress is $2,373.80 before discounts, $1,000 more than Helix’s standard mattresses.
- The mattress’s pillow top and coil construction make it a good option for various sleep positions.
- Switching positions on the mattress is easy due to the responsive surface.
Why we like Helix Midnight Luxe as best hybrid
While it isn’t the only hybrid in our review, the Helix Midnight Luxe stands out as the best hybrid mattress without fiberglass. The cushioned pillow top, foam, and spring coils offer sleepers plush comfort and lifted, zoned support. The mattress feels luxurious, and we like that the cover includes cooling materials without requiring an upgrade.
The mattress has zoned support targeting the lower back. Our testers felt immense pressure relief when lying on their back and side. A tester described the mattress as “sleeping on a cloud” as it cradled their joints and lower back. Our tester’s hips gently sank into the surface while remaining aligned with their spine.
Most sleepers should feel hugged by the pillow top and foam layer while staying more “on” than “in” the mattress.
We think the Midnight Luxe will support most light- and average-weight sleepers in all positions. The hybrid mattress’s responsive, bouncy coils also make it easy to change sleeping positions throughout the night. For such a responsive surface, the mattress has sound motion isolation. When testing motion isolation with a testing partner, our tester felt their partner’s more prominent movements, but the mattress absorbed most smaller movements.
Couples with different sleeping positions and preferences should find an excellent middle ground with the Helix Midnight Luxe. The mattress cover’s breathable, heat-absorbing material is designed to help sleepers stay cool, even for couples sharing the bed. Sometimes, a mattress doesn’t live up to the brand’s cooling material claims, but this wasn’t the case. Our testers were impressed with how noticeably cool the Helix Midnight Luxe cover felt when lying on the mattress.
The Midnight Luxe is one of Helix’s luxury mattress models, making it more expensive than its standard mattresses. For comparison, the Helix Midnight is $1,332 for a queen, while the Helix Midnight Luxe is $2,373.80. If you’re interested in the Helix Midnight Luxe, we recommend purchasing during a seasonal promotion or sale to reduce costs. Fortunately, Helix offers frequent promotions.
To learn more, visit our complete Helix mattress review or our guide on the best hybrid mattresses.
Specs
| Price | $2,373.80 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 15 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
Best queen mattress without fiberglass: WinkBeds The WinkBed
Key product features
What you should know
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress with four firmness options. Most sleepers should find the right firmness that accommodates their body type, sleeping positions, and preferences.
- Testers felt more “on” the mattress than sinking into it. The surface contoured nicely to their lower back, offering comfortable pressure relief.
- At $1,799 for a queen without discounts, it’s more expensive than many other hybrid mattresses.
- The hybrid mattress’s lifted support is excellent for most back and stomach sleepers.
Why we like WinkBeds The WinkBed as best queen
If you’re shopping for a queen-sized mattress, you’re in the majority. Our mattress size guide found that a queen mattress is the most popular size and measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, giving solo sleepers or couples plenty of room to spread out. (6) The WinkBed is the brand’s flagship mattress and our pick for the best queen due to its height (13.5”), four firmness options, and supportive hybrid construction.
The WinkBed is the brand’s flagship model and is available in four firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus. We tested The WinkBed Luxury Firm, the most popular option according to WinkBeds. We expected the Luxury Firm mattress to fall in the medium firmness category, but our testers rated it as firm.
The eco-conscious mattress cover is made from TENCEL™, a breathable material designed for cooling, and Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is breathable and can regulate temperature by wicking away and absorbing moisture. (7, 8) Our testers thought the cover was plush and soft, but it didn’t contour to their bodies as much as similar plush mattress covers. The mattress contoured nicely to testers’ lower backs, offering lifted support and pressure relief.
Our tester’s hips remained lifted when lying on their stomachs, which is crucial for stomach sleepers. We think the Luxury Firm may support lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers. Testers felt slight pressure relief around the shoulders and hips, but not enough for the mattress to comfortably support side sleeping.
Thanks to the responsive surface and spring coils, switching positions on the mattress is easy. Testers were surprised the mattress didn’t bounce much like other hybrids. Sleepers with mobility issues may need a mattress with more bounce to support their movements better.
Although The WinkBed has reinforced spring coils surrounding the mattress edge, testers didn’t feel stable when lying near it. An unstable edge prevents sleepers from spreading out on the mattress without feeling like they’ll fall off. Fortunately, the mattress edge was more stable when our testers sat on it.
If this mattress isn’t the right pick for you, see our best queen mattresses for more great options. Or, see our WinkBed mattress review for more information.
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $1,799 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, Plus |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best affordable mattress without fiberglass: Emma Original
Key product features
What you should know
The Emma Original is firmer than most foam mattresses, but that means it should suit most back sleepers looking for an affordable mattress with an extended trial period.
- Our testers were able to move around easily on the mattress without feeling stuck or sunken into the foam surface.
- At $1,159 for a queen, the Emma Original is the most inexpensive mattress in our review.
- Back sleepers looking for firm support at a reasonable price may like this mattress.
- The mattress is much firmer than most memory foam models, so we don’t recommend it for sleepers looking for that classic foam mattress feel.
Why we like Emma Original as best affordable
Emma offers frequent promotions and discounts, dropping the queen-size Emma Original to less than $600. In addition to affordable prices, Emma also offers a generous one-year trial period, making it the best affordable mattress without fiberglass.
The Emma Original is a foam mattress with three foam layers beneath the cover. Our testers immediately noticed how firm the mattress felt for containing all foam. The mattress cover feels soft to the touch, but it has no plushness. This may surprise sleepers who expect the sinking plush surface associated with memory foam mattresses. One tester commented that the cover look cheap compared to most online mattresses.
Our testers felt supported when lying on their backs but didn’t notice any contouring or targeted support. We don’t recommend the Emma Original for side sleepers—testers felt significant pressure in their shoulders and hips since they didn’t sink into the mattress.
The mattress is much more responsive than many foam mattresses. Because our testers never sunk into the mattress surface, they changed positions and moved around easily. The bed also has a strong, stable edge when sitting or lying near the perimeter. Surprisingly, the corner edge of the mattress wasn’t supportive—our testers noticed significant sinkage when sitting here.
The Emma Original may be fitting for back sleepers looking for a basic, inexpensive mattress. Still, we don’t recommend it for sleepers looking for high-quality zoned support or cooling features.
For additional options, check out our full list on the best affordable mattresses. Or, see our Emma mattress review to learn more.
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $1,159 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best luxury mattress without fiberglass: Saatva Classic
Key product features
What you should know
The Saatva Classic is a luxury hybrid mattress with customizable firmness and height options, excellent lumbar support with targeted foam and zoned coils, and a generous one-year trial period.
- Our testers felt support and excellent pressure relief when lying on their backs due to the zoned support and foam layer targeting the lumbar area.
- The luxury mattress is more expensive than most online mattresses, but many shoppers may consider the high-quality construction and generous customer policies worth the $2,095 price tag.
- With three firmness options, we think most sleepers can find the mattress suitable for their needs.
- We love the customer-friendly policies: free shipping and mattress setup, a 365-night trial, and a lifetime warranty.
Why we like Saatva Classic as best luxury
Saatva mattresses aren’t compressed and rolled in a box, unlike most online mattresses. They’re delivered, set up for free, and ready to sleep on immediately since there’s no decompression period.
The Saatva Classic is a luxury mattress thoughtfully designed with high-quality materials. Instead of fiberglass or chemical fire barriers, the mattress uses plant-based thistle pulp as a fire retardant. We love how customizable the mattress is—you can choose from three firmness options (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm) and two heights (11.5” and 14.5”).
Our testers tried the Saatva Classic Luxury Firm for this review. The Euro pillow top offers three inches of plush comfort and is made with organic cotton, a breathable and cooling material. (9) The Saatva Classic is a hybrid mattress, but unlike most hybrids, its foam layer is concentrated in one mattress area. The foam layer is positioned in the middle of the bed for targeted lower back support. Our testers felt the foam cushion their back, offering excellent pressure relief. The foam works with zoned spring coils for reinforced support in the hips and lower back, providing lift in the spine for back sleepers. Softer, more responsive coils help side sleepers’ shoulders sink into the surface for softer support.
An additional layer of coils is at the base of the mattress. The two spring coil layers promote airflow, keeping the mattress from trapping heat. Saatva also places stronger coils surrounding the edge. Our testers were impressed with the reinforced, stable edge when lying near and sitting on the mattress edge. We gave the Saatva Classic a perfect score for edge support.
While we love the support and responsiveness of this hybrid mattress, it isn’t the best at absorbing motion. If you sleep with a partner or a pet and are easily disturbed by their movements, you may consider a mattress with better motion isolation.
Visit our best luxury mattresses guide for more options that will give you a premium feel. Or, see our complete Saatva mattress review for additional insights.
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $2,095 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best organic mattress without fiberglass: Birch Natural
Key product features
What you should know
The Birch Natural is excellent for sleepers who value eco-friendly, organic products. The mattress contains organic cotton, wool, and Dunlop latex, which rests on recycled steel coils, creating a medium-firm, supportive surface.
- Our testers felt excellent pressure relief and lifted support when lying on their backs.
- At $1,873.80 for a queen without discounts, we think the price is reasonable for such high-quality, natural materials.
- The mattress is constructed with natural, organic materials for shoppers prioritizing an environmentally friendly or hypoallergenic mattress.
- The mattress’s natural, breathable materials create a cool and comfortable sleep environment.
Why we like Birch Natural as best organic
The Birch Natural mattress does not contain fiberglass and is made with all-natural materials. We selected it as the best organic mattress without fiberglass due to its eco-friendly, natural construction: It has an organic cotton cover, an organic wool layer, and Dunlop latex, followed by recycled steel spring coils. Wool fibers are also woven into the cover as a natural flame barrier.
The mattress feels soft and cool due to its natural, breathable materials that don’t trap heat. Our testers labeled the Birch Natural a medium-firm mattress that may feel even firmer for some lightweight and average-weight sleepers. We think the mattress should support back and stomach sleepers, but it may not be supportive enough for heavy-weight stomach sleepers. Back sleepers should feel excellent pressure relief and lift support, especially with back pain. Research shows that medium-firm mattresses may benefit sleepers with back pain. (10)
Our testers felt the most uncomfortable lying on their sides since their shoulders and hips didn’t sink into the surface. This can build up pressure in these areas, causing pain and discomfort over time.
The Birch Natural’s responsive latex and spring layers give the mattress a nice bounce. A bouncy surface helps support movement and makes it easier to change positions. However, sleepers easily disturbed by their partner’s or pet’s movements may want a more cushioning memory foam mattress.
We think the mattress has pretty good edge support. While it sank more than some mattresses when our testers sat on the edge, it didn’t sink too deeply. If you like to spread out on your bed, this mattress delivers: testers could lie near the edge of the bed and feel stable.
To learn more, visit our full Birch mattress review. This mattress is also featured in our roundup of the best mattresses in Canada.
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $1,873.80 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | 25 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
Best cooling mattress without fiberglass: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Key product features
What you should know
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe combines multiple cooling technologies, such as phase change material, copper- and gel-infused foam, and a hybrid construction for a cooling, luxurious sleep environment. It’s also available in three firmness options to accommodate a variety of sleeping preferences.
- Our testers were impressed with the mattress’s multiple cooling features that stopped the mattress from absorbing heat.
- At $1,865 for a queen, the Aurora Luxe is more expensive than many online mattresses, but hot sleepers may think it’s worth the higher price.
- We recommend this mattress for hot sleepers who need extra cooling features to stay comfortable throughout the night.
- The hybrid mattress has a nice, responsive bounce but absorbs motion well, making it a good option for couples.
Why we like Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe as best cooling
A cool environment is crucial for falling asleep and staying asleep. Experts recommend keeping your room temperature at 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. (11) If you’re worried about skyrocketing energy bills or want to pair more cooling help with your lowered thermostat, we recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. This mattress combines cooling features and technology for a comfortable sleep.
Let’s unpack the mattress’s cooling layers. The cover is made with GlacioTex™ phase change material to keep things cool by absorbing and dissipating your body heat. (4) Next is the CopperFlex™ foam layer. This foam contains copper and gel for additional cooling and temperature regulation. Copper is a highly conductive material, which helps draw heat away from your body. (12)
Our testers were impressed with the mattress’s cooling features. After our tester laid on the bed for five minutes, the mattress surface barely heated by 5 degrees. To compare results, we measured the surface temperature with a temperature gun before and after our test. Most mattresses with average cooling warm up 10 to 15 degrees, while those with poor cooling warm up more than 15 degrees. Based on these criteria, the Aurora Luxe’s results are very impressive.
The Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress that is available in Soft, Medium, and Firm options. We tested the Medium model for this review. The foam layers and spring coils offer a comfortable, supportive surface, similar to many high-quality hybrid mattresses. Our testers felt the most comfortable and supported when lying on their backs.
In addition to the CopperFlex™ foam’s cooling properties, it’s also more flexible than standard foam. This allows the foam to adjust and contour to your body when changing sleeping positions. Our testers felt the supportive, responsive foam when moving around on the mattress and switching positions.
We think the Aurora Luxe Medium offers excellent support for back and stomach sleepers, but the Medium may be too firm for side sleepers. We recommend trying the Soft option if you mainly sleep on your side.
The mattress has decent motion isolation. When testing with a partner, a tester noted the mattress absorbed motion on one side of the mattress. Our tester couldn’t feel their testing partner switching positions, but they did feel them getting in and out of the bed.
If you like spreading out on your mattress, you’ll enjoy the strong edge support. Our testers felt secure sitting on and lying near the mattress edge. With its multiple cooling features, motion absorption, and strong edge support, we recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe for couples sharing a bed.
If you are a hot sleeper, see our full guide on the best cooling mattresses. Or, check out our comprehensive Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe review for more insights.
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $1,865 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
How we test mattresses
We strive to offer honest, firsthand reviews to help you cut through the noise when shopping for your next mattress. Our team of testers, reviewers, medical experts, and fact-checkers test and research a variety of mattresses to help you find a high-quality, supportive, and safe mattress.
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
A high-quality mattress should feel like it’s designed to provide you with the best sleep of your life. They should also deliver on the promise of a great sleep experience. Our sleep science coaches assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the mattress as well as the user’s sleep experience. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Temperature regulation
- Motion isolation
- Edge support
- Technology
Comfort and support—30%
Alongside the sleep experience, comfort and support are just as important for a healthy and restful sleep. A high-quality mattress should assist in providing relief with certain aches and pains a user may experience when sleeping. It should also help users wake up feeling energized and rested. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Firmness
- Pressure relief
- Spinal alignment support
- Customization
Value—20%
Assessing value involves a meticulous examination of several key factors that contribute to a mattress’s worth. A mattress that is priced just within reach of its target audience yet surpasses competitors in terms of materials, performance, and support, presents a compelling value proposition. However, value is not solely determined by the lowest price point. We also determine it by finding the balance between cost and the tangible benefits a mattress provides.
Customer experience—10%
Sometimes, the mattress can be great, but if the overall shopping experience wasn’t, that could easily put a sour taste in a user’s mouth about the mattress they just purchased. We put in the hours to determine how well the entire process of buying a mattress matches users’ expectations and what options are available when something goes wrong.
- Shipping
- Warranty
- Customer service
- Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%
It’s important to understand that a mattress is more than just a sleeping surface—it’s an environment where you spend a significant portion of your life. We meticulously assess critical aspects of mattresses that may directly impact your well-being and peace of mind.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure
- Safety certifications
What is fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a fire retardant made from fine glass fibers and resin. (1) It’s used in various industries, including construction, automotive, and insulation, due to its strength and durability.
Some mattress manufacturers use fiberglass as a fire retardant to meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. (2) Although fiberglass is generally safe when handled properly, exposure to loose fibers can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. (3)
If you’re concerned about potential exposure to fiberglass, it’s worth researching alternative mattresses that use natural or alternative fire-retardant materials.
How to check if a mattress has fiberglass
Manufacturers must disclose all mattress materials on the label tag, but some may use an alternative word or phrase for “fiberglass.”
Look for the following words when checking if your mattress contains fiberglass:
- Glass
- Glass fiber
- Glass-reinforced plastic
- Glass wool
Many brands advertise if their mattresses don’t contain fiberglass. If you can’t confirm on a brand’s website whether a mattress has fiberglass, contact customer service and ask a representative directly.
What to look for in a mattress without fiberglass
As you discover popular mattresses without fiberglass, narrow down your top choices based on the following features:
- Support and firmness: Remember there’s no one-size-fits-all option when choosing a mattress. (13) A mattress’s support and firmness level vary depending on your weight, primary sleeping positions, and preferences. Generally, lightweight sleepers perceive mattresses as firmer compared to heavyweight sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to support their backs and hips, while side sleepers need a softer mattress that allows their shoulders and hips to sink into the surface.
- Shipping: Most online mattresses include free shipping, while some offer setup and removal services for an additional fee. The Saatva Classic is the only mattress in our review that provides free shipping, setup, and old mattress removal.
- Trial period: How long can you try your new mattress before returning it? An extended trial period allows you to determine if the mattress has the proper support, firmness, and feel before committing to it. The best mattresses offer at least a 100-night trial period, with some brands giving you an entire year to return your mattress.
- Eco-friendly certifications: Fortunately, many top brands now follow environmentally friendly manufacturing methods that don’t include harmful synthetic materials or chemicals. Look for certifications like CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD. Mattresses with CertiPUR-US® foam don’t contain mercury, lead, heavy metals, PBDE flame retardants, prohibited phthalates, or formaldehyde. (14) GREENGUARD-certified mattresses comply with health and safety standards to limit the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals emitted in the home. (15)
FAQs
Do all mattresses have fiberglass?
Some mattress manufacturers use fiberglass as a fire-resistant material within the inner layers of the mattress, but not all mattresses contain fiberglass. Check the label for the word “glass” or phrases like “glass fiber,” “glass-reinforced plastic,” or “glass wool” if you’re concerned your mattress has fiberglass.
Unfortunately, not all mattresses with fiberglass may list the material on the label. If you’re concerned a mattress may contain fiberglass, we recommend contacting the manufacturer.
Is fiberglass in mattresses dangerous?
Fiberglass isn’t dangerous unless it comes in contact with your skin. (3) If a mattress containing fiberglass is torn or the mattress cover is removed, you will likely be exposed to fiberglass. These small particles are dangerous because they irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms of fiberglass exposure include a scratchy nose or throat, difficulty breathing, coughing, nose bleeding, and skin rashes or redness. (16)
Should I only purchase mattresses without fiberglass?
Fiberglass is only dangerous if it comes out through tears or holes in the mattress or if the mattress cover is removed. If you don’t want to risk exposure, we recommend purchasing a mattress without fiberglass.
What do I do if my mattress has fiberglass?
Never remove the mattress cover if your mattress has fiberglass. There’s a high risk of fiberglass exposure when removing the mattress cover. Even if the cover is heavily soiled, discarding the entire mattress is safer than removing the cover. If you’ve been exposed to fiberglass in your mattress, submit a complaint with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (17)
The California Department of Public Health offers the following tips if fiberglass is escaping from your mattress (18):
- Wear eye goggles, a mask to cover your nose and mouth, and loose clothing that covers your legs and arms when handling the mattress and the area surrounding it
- Cover your mattress before removing it to reduce the spread of more fibers
- Do not sweep the area—use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and wipe down surfaces with a wet cloth
- Wash your clothes, sheets, and other material items exposed to fiberglass. Run a separate washing machine cycle to help eliminate the remaining fibers
Do fiberglass-free mattresses typically cost more than traditional mattresses?
Many affordable online mattress brands offer mattresses without fiberglass. The lowest-priced mattress without fiberglass in our review is the Emma Original ($1,159 for a queen before discounts). Many online mattresses have sales and promotions to help lower the cost.
Which mattresses do not contain fiberglass?
Bear Mattress, Nolah, Helix, WinkBeds, Emma, Birch, and Brooklyn Bedding are popular online mattresses that don’t contain fiberglass. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but these brands are our top picks for best mattresses without fiberglass.
Our experts
Heidi Moawad, MD
Dr. Heidi Moawad is a neurologist and teaches at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. She serves on the editorial board of Neurology Clinical Practice and is a reviewer for Neurology. Education: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, MD Certifications: Board of Medical Examiners Professional Accomplishments: Associate editor, Neurology, Humanities section, Past editor-in-chief of Neurology Times Affiliations: American Academy of Neurology (AAN).
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Emily Breaux
Fortune Recommends Sr. Staff Writer