Do Hybrid Mattresses Have Fiberglass?

One of the issues with most mattresses today is the widespread use of fiberglass. If you thought that fiberglass was only a memory foam affair, you would be shocked to find out that some hybrid mattresses also contain fiberglass. This article aims to help you avoid finding a mattress that meets all your expectations, only for you to discover fiberglass in the covers.

What is Fiberglass, and Why Is It Used in Hybrid Mattresses?

Fiberglass comprises glass fibers reinforced into plastic to act as a flame barrier. In mattresses, fiberglass is woven and compressed into a flat sheet wrapped around memory foam. Here in the US, all mattresses must have a flame retardant. Therefore, when exposed to fire, fiberglass melts and stops the fire from spreading. It’s an excellent flame retardant. Were it not for the safety concerns. Fiberglass would be the best mattress flame retardant because it is cheap to produce.

Do All Hybrid Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?

The fiberglass issue is more common in memory foam mattresses. However, there are certain companies that make hybrid mattresses, and they are known for using fiberglass. The bottom line is that some hybrid mattresses contain fiberglass. We can’t generalize and say all of them do because there are some reputable brands out there that are very cautious about the materials they use in mattresses. From our research, here are some of the best fiberglass-free hybrid mattresses on the market;

• Saatva Classic – Despite being a hybrid, having three firmness levels and tons of other features, the Saatva Classic is fiberglass-free. The Saatva brand, in general, focuses mainly on organic materials that are safe for sleepers.
• Idle Mattress – This mattress is known for the outstanding support it provides and its durability. It’s also one of the best fiberglass-free hybrid beds.
• Birch Mattress – Made by Helix, this eco-friendly bed is also fiberglass free. It’s worth mentioning that it also comprises OEKO-TEX organic certified latex. There are no harmful chemicals that will off-gas as you sleep.
• Happsy – The last hybrid bed brand on our list is Happsy. But there are many more. Therefore, you shouldn’t settle for one with fiberglass just because you ran out of options. Happsy is an eco-friendly mattress with a supportive innerspring and a comfy latex layer.

Other than the above, there are mattress brands that also make hybrid beds with fiberglass. Examples of these brands include; Zinus, Ashley Furniture and Nectar. These are only some of the hybrid mattresses that contain fiberglass. There are many more out there. That’s why Sleep Aim will equip you with some tips on identifying fiberglass in hybrid mattresses.

How to Tell If a Hybrid Mattress Contains Fiberglass?

Since hundreds of mattress brands in the US make hybrid beds, listing the ones that use and don’t use fiberglass won’t be enough. It would be best if you could distinguish the presence of fiberglass in a hybrid mattress on your own. Here are some tips to help you out.

1. Always look for the term fiberglass or glass wool on the label or mattress description. These terms are an indication that your mattress contains fiberglass. At times, the manufacturer can indicate how much fiberglass is present in percentages.
2. Look for the instructions about the cover. If the manufacturer has a strict policy regarding removing the cover, chances are it contains fiberglass. Do not attempt to open the cover if you suspect a mattress has fiberglass. That may severely impact your health and living situation.
3. Check the origin of the manufacturer. All mattresses made locally here in the US must adhere to certain standards. However, mattresses imported from other regions like China have no standards to adhere to. Most hybrid beds made in China will have fiberglass compared to those made here.
4. Be cautious of cheap hybrid mattresses. Hybrid mattresses typically cost more than memory foam beds. This is because of their unique construction. However, there are times when you may come across a hybrid mattress at a price that seems too good to be true. Cheap mattresses contain low-quality materials. As we had mentioned earlier, fiberglass is very cheap. Therefore, it will most likely be used on low-quality beds.
5. Research the brand thoroughly. Research is crucial before buying any mattress whether hybrid, innerspring or memory foam. Through research, you will be able to know whether a certain hybrid mattress contains fiberglass or not. There are lots of resources online that can help you figure out whether the bed is fiberglass-free or not.

We would have listed asking the manufacturer as one of the ways. But mattress manufacturers these days would tell you anything to promote a sale. They may not be very honest with the answers they give. Also Read: Do Novaform Mattresses Have Fiberglass?

Why are Hybrid Mattresses with Fiberglass Bad?

We have talked a great deal about how you should avoid hybrid mattresses with fiberglass. However, some of you may not understand why. Well, here are the dangers of a fiberglass bed.

It Will Contaminate Your Home

Suppose you buy a hybrid mattress and accidentally open the cover. Or, if your cover wears out on its own, the fiberglass particles will leak to the surface and get suspended in the air. If you are very keen, you will notice this foreign material in your bedroom. The actions that you take can determine the extent of the damage. When you put the mattress cover in a washing machine, fiberglass particles will get stuck in the washer and contaminate other clothes. Also, the mattress that has been left naked, the fiberglass will escape into the air, and the HVAC system will spread the fiberglass to all corners of your house. Fiberglass shards are very difficult to remove because they are so small. Fiberglass contamination can leave you homeless.

It Puts Your Health at Risk

The effects of fiberglass in hybrid mattresses keep on getting worse. When you or your family members come into contact with fiberglass from your hybrid bed, a couple of things may happen. One, you may experience irritation on the skin, especially on parts that have been in direct contact with fiberglass. In most cases, you will experience an itch or discomfort that should disappear after a few days. The situation becomes more severe when the fiberglass particles get into your organs. When you inhale fiberglass, your nose and throat will be irritated. The same will also happen when fiberglass gets into your eyes. Exposure to fiberglass can worsen the symptoms of people living with respiratory issues. Fiberglass is a dangerous material to be brought into your home inside a mattress. Even though most covers will do their job and keep the fiberglass enclosed. But when the cover wears out, or somebody removes it by accident, all the benefits offered by hybrid beds will be flushed down the toilet.

Is Fiberglass the Only Thing I Should Be Worried About in a Hybrid Bed?

After reading the above, you are definitely more cautious about buying a hybrid mattress. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. As long as you buy a fiberglass-free hybrid mattress, you need not worry about the dangers associated with this material. Fiberglass aside, there are a few things you need to be cautious of. The goal of Sleep Aim isn’t just to educate mattress shoppers about fiberglass. But we aim to ensure you make the best choice when shopping for a hybrid mattress. Here are other issues you need to be mindful of.

Harmful Flame Retardants

Fiberglass isn’t the only flame retardant you should be afraid of. There are many more harmful flame retardants that are commonly found in hybrid mattresses that combine foam and an innerspring core. Examples include;

• PBDEs – Fortunately, these were banned in 2007.
• TCEP – Associated with causing neurotoxicity.
• Chlorinated Tris – A known carcinogen.
• Boric Acid – It is often sprayed onto mattresses and can irritate the skin and other body organs.
• Antimony – It can severely impact your respiratory health.

To be safe, you should consider mattresses made using natural flame retardants such as organic wool and cotton. These act as flame retardants but do not have any health impacts. Not unless you have a wool allergy, there is nothing that will happen when this material leaks from a hybrid mattress.

Sagging

Hybrid mattresses, because of the innerspring system, don’t sag easily. However, some brands use low-quality memory foam at the top. These should cause the mattress to sag sooner than anticipated. If the top part sags, the bed will be uncomfortable because there will be no pressure relief. Check the quality and density of memory foam used on a hybrid bed to prevent such an occurrence.

Conclusion

A hybrid bed is one of the best inventions in the mattress industry. When shopping for one, you need to be very mindful of fiberglass and the other harmful contaminants mentioned above. The key takeaway is that not all hybrid beds contain fiberglass. With the help of this article, you should be able to identify those that have or don’t have fiberglass under their covers.