We spend about a third of our lives sleeping. Comfort and durability are incredibly important. But have you thought about the impact certain mattress materials can have on both our own health and the health of the planet?
More and more people are realizing that fiberglass may be lurking in their mattress as a cheap fire barrier, but this inexpensive loophole to meeting the burn test standards can come at a very high cost.
This blog post will define fiberglass, why it should be avoided, and what material we recommend as a natural flame barrier (yes, there is a much better alternative).
What is Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a combination of very fine pieces of heated glass (typically silica sand, soda ash, and limestone) mixed with plastic, which is then turned into a woven material.
That material is used in a variety of ways, such as in wall insulation, roofing, car parts, and even mattresses.
Fiberglass Mattress: What Does That Mean?
A fiberglass mattress has fiberglass sewn into the inner mattress casing as a cheap flame barrier.
Fiberglass is not used as a support layer, as that is reserved for memory foam or natural latex. It is instead used to pass the burn test that all mattresses in the United States must pass in order to be sold to consumers.
| Flame Barrier | Fiberglass | Organic Wool |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Inexpensive for both customers and companies, and effective at passing the burn test. | Naturally temperature-regulating for comfortable sleep and an effective flame barrier. |
| Downsides | Can cause serious side effects if you are accidentally exposed to it directly. It is also not considered eco-friendly. | Organic wool is a more expensive flame barrier, which can affect the price of the mattress. |
| Material Composition | Very fine pieces of heated glass (typically silica sand, soda ash, and limestone) mixed with plastic. | Organic wool, sheared from sheep and not treated with harmful chemicals. |
Is it Dangerous to Sleep on a Mattress with Fiberglass?
If the fiberglass stays contained in the mattress casing, you will not come into contact with it. However, if the mattress casing is damaged and fiberglass seeps out, it can go into the air that you breathe in.
This 2025 article published in The New York Post described the horrors a woman faced when her mattress containing fiberglass made her home air toxic after unzipping the casing to spot clean the mattress. All of a sudden, there were fiberglass particles floating around the room. She had to wear a respiratory mask as she cleaned the room, discarding her mattress along with clothing and other personal items that had been contaminated by the fiberglass.
Fiberglass exposure can lead to eye irritation, skin rashes, and breathing problems, with long-term potential effects including pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. And yet, it has been allowed in mattresses for years, despite the numerous lawsuits.
How to Know if My Mattress Has Fiberglass
If you are wondering how to know if your mattress has fiberglass, check the label to see if it mentions fiberglass or “glass fiber.” However, mattress companies are not currently required to list fiberglass on the label. You can contact the mattress manufacturer directly.
The best way to avoid fiberglass is to choose a GOTS-certified organic mattress.
What are Chemical Flame Retardants?
Chemical flame retardants are used in some mattresses and furniture as a flame retardant to meet the burn test requirements, slowing down the spread of a fire. We never recommend opting for a mattress treated with chemical flame retardants.
They were originally introduced to mattresses and furniture in the 1970’s when smoking was much more popular in the US. People were relaxing and smoking in bed, falling asleep, and leaving their lit cigarette unattended, which then resulted in house fires. Tobacco companies put the blame on the mattress rather than the cigarette. This led to chemical flame retardants being added to household items (with financial backing from the tobacco industry).
Fast forward to 2018. California signed Assembly Bill 2998 banning the majority of chemical flame retardants, a bill that officially took effect in 2020. Since California has huge economic significance for the mattress industry, mattress companies that were still using these chemical flame retardants had to change their overall practices.
California has also recently passed a law that bans the use of fiberglass in mattresses, which will take effect in 2027. The reality is, many companies will cut corners and go the inexpensive route (even if it poses potential health risks for customers) until they legally have to stop.
How Can I Find a Mattress Without Fiberglass?
Don’t worry–there are plenty of mattresses on the market without fiberglass or chemical flame retardants.
There are several different flame barriers used in the mattress industry, such as:
- Natural thistle pulp
- Carbon-infused sleeves
- Silica
- Graphite
- Organic Wool
The Best Mattress Flame Barrier
Organic wool is the best natural flame retardant for mattresses because of its breathability and material purity.
Wool is naturally temperature-regulating, promoting air circulation and helping you sleep cool and comfortably.
Wool is also high in keratin, making it harder to catch fire. When used correctly (such as wool batting being sewn under the top layer of the casing), it passes the burn test.
The Best Fiberglass-Free Mattress
While there are a vast array of fiberglass-free mattresses on the market, our favorite fiberglass-free mattress is The Serenity. It is GOTS-certified organic, Greenguard GOLD certified, totally customizable to create your ideal feel, and uses organic wool as a natural flame barrier.
This mattress also uses natural latex (your choice of Dunlop latex and/or Talalay latex) instead of polyurethane foam, which is more flammable since it is petroleum-based. When burned, polyurethane foam off-gasses carbon monoxide, benzene, and hydrogen cyanide, to name a few.
Purchasing a certified organic latex mattress will help you avoid toxic chemicals from synthetic foam and fiberglass. While it is more of a financial investment, it is absolutely worth it for your health and peace of mind.
Learn more about Savvy Rest.
Savvy Rest offers exceptionally crafted organic mattresses, bedding, furniture, and more.
Best-Selling Latex Mattress
Choose Your Serenity Mattress
Our most popular GOTS-certified organic mattress. Couples can customize each side of the Serenity for their own comfort preferences.
Create Your MattressMore like this
Organic Bedding
Savvy Rest offers a complete line of organic and natural bedding. Shop organic cotton sheets, waterproof protectors, latex pillows, and more.
Shop all Organic Bedding