Do Spring Mattresses Have Fiberglass?

Ever since the first spring mattress was invented in 1871, this type of bed has become a popular choice in many households. People love spring mattresses because of the firm support they offer alongside excellent airflow which is ideal for hot sleepers. Also known as innerspring, this type of mattress is more supportive than its counterparts and is moderately priced.

If you want to buy a spring mattress, there are many factors you have to keep in mind. One of the most crucial details you need to find out is if it has fiberglass. In today’s article, we will be answering whether spring mattresses have fiberglass and shed more light on this harmful material.

Do Spring Mattresses Have Fiberglass?

There are some spring mattresses that have fiberglass. This means that there are others that are fiberglass-free. To understand better what we are talking about, let’s look at the following example. Zinus innerspring mattresses are woven with a layer of fiberglass which acts as a flame retardant. On the other hand, the Saatva classic is a durable innerspring mattress that uses natural plant-based thistle flame retardant.

So, if you are shopping for a spring mattress, you have to understand that not all of them have fiberglass. Therefore, you have to be careful and avoid brands that use fiberglass in their innerspring mattress. If you are wondering how Sleep Aim will guide you through everything you need to know.

Where is the Fiberglass in Spring Mattresses?

In spring mattresses that contain fiberglass, this material is usually used around the coils or in between layers of foam. As a result, it’s tucked away pretty well and you may not see it unless you remove the mattress cover.

Even though fiberglass in spring mattresses is well-hidden, that doesn’t mean it can’t leak to the surface. As your spring mattress experiences wear, these particles can sneak through torn covers and rise to the surface. Don’t assume that just because the fiberglass is located much deeper in a spring mattress you are safe.

What are Spring Mattresses Made Of?

Spring mattresses are made up of three main materials; coils, foam, and a base. The base is found below the mattress and it holds all the other materials on top. Then we have the coils which are several springs that support the foam at the top. Coils are divided into two; we have those that are placed inside small pockets to enhance support and the regular springs that stretch across your mattress.

At the top of your spring mattress is where you will find a comfort layer which is mostly made out of foam. That’s the basic anatomy of a spring mattress. However, there are additional materials that might be included depending on the brand in question. Examples include a mattress cover, fiberglass, rayon, or other flame retardants.

Different mattress manufacturers use varying ingredients in their spring beds. This is why some spring mattresses may contain fiberglass and others don’t. As a consumer who is mindful of their safety, it’s up to you to filter between spring mattress brands that contain fiberglass and those that are fiberglass-free. And that brings us to our next subtopic.

How Do I Know If a Spring Mattress Has Fiberglass?

Because there are both fiberglass and fiberglass-free mattresses in the market, here is how you can separate the wheat from the chaff;

Look for fiberglass in the label or description

It doesn’t matter where you are buying your spring mattress, always take the time to go through the label or description. When you get there, look for fiberglass. It should be written with a certain percentage. If they don’t use the word fiberglass, they can use something else like glass fiber or wool fiber.

Ask the spring mattress manufacturer or vendor

You can also confirm with the mattress manufacturer or vendor. We recommend inquiring from the former because vendors can tell you what you want to hear as long as they make a sale. A reputable mattress brand should inform you whether its spring mattress contains fiberglass or not. If they tell you it’s fiberglass-free, don’t hesitate to ask what flame retardant they are currently using.

Check out what people are saying online

Not all mattress manufacturers are transparent. That’s why it’s a brilliant idea to seek clarification from third parties which includes customers and independent mattress reviewers. These people can give you an accurate answer on whether a particular spring mattress contains fiberglass.

Identify common red flags associated with spring fiberglass mattresses

On your own, you can conclude whether spring mattresses have fiberglass by identifying some red flags. Most spring mattresses that contain fiberglass are usually super affordable and are imported from China. If a certain brand meets these characteristics, you should do more research before buying from them.

Why is Fiberglass Used in Some Spring Mattresses?

All mattresses in the US, whether they are spring, memory foam, or hybrids must have a flame retardant. A few years back, mattresses were the main culprits in spreading fires in most homes. That’s why the government came up with stringent regulations regarding flame retardants in mattresses.

Fiberglass is a popular mattress flame retardant. When exposed to fire, it reduces the intensity of the flames thus ensuring the safety of homeowners and sleepers. This is a major reason why you will find fiberglass in some spring mattresses. The other reason is due to production costs. Unlike other flame retardants, fiberglass is inexpensive. Manufacturers use it to adhere to the government’s regulations without using up a lot of money.

What Should You Do If a Spring Mattress Has Fiberglass?

Have you discovered that your spring mattress contains fiberglass? The first thing you need to do is assess the condition of the cover. If it’s torn or worn out, that spring mattress needs to be discarded immediately. Place it in a plastic zippered bag and take it to the nearest landfill. Alternatively, you can call an experienced cleaning company if the fiberglass has spread to your clothes and furniture.

However, if the cover of your fiberglass spring mattress is intact. The best approach is to buy a mattress protector. This will enclose both the cover and the fiberglass layer inside. Then you should start making arrangements on how you are going to get a fiberglass-free spring mattress like the Saatva Classic.

Do All Mattresses Have Fiberglass?

Not really. Fiberglass is selectively used in various mattress brands. Therefore, we can’t generalize that fiberglass is present in all mattresses ranging from innerspring to memory foam and hybrids. Using the tips shared earlier, you can distinguish between fiberglass and fiberglass-free mattresses.

Why Should You Be Afraid of Fiberglass in Spring Mattresses?

Of late, there has been a lot of talk about fiberglass and the dangers it poses to sleepers. But what are some of these dangers?

Fiberglass particles can be pretty harmful to both your internal and external organs. When these particles touch your skin, they can irritate it causing an itch or development of a rash. Also, should you inhale fiberglass particles, they can irritate your respiratory system from the nose all the way down to the trachea. If you have asthma, breathing in these particles can trigger some symptoms like excessive coughing and sneezing.

Fiberglass can also contaminate your home and make you lose a significant amount of your belongings. When these particles spread to bedding, clothes, and furniture, they are almost impossible to remove. The presence of fiberglass in spring mattresses isn’t only a health hazard but it can lead to massive loss of property.

What’s So Special about Spring Mattresses?

Whether fiberglass is present or not, spring mattresses are quite impressive. These mattresses are very responsive and most sleepers appreciate the bounciness. Even if you are a stomach sleeper, spring mattresses provide firm support which guarantees a goodnight’s sleep. Hot sleepers will also have an amazing time on spring mattresses because they offer better airflow. Compared to foam mattresses, spring mattresses are a better option.

As you focus on the pros, do not forget that there are a few drawbacks of spring beds. For instance, the coils in spring mattresses can be a bit noisy. These beds tend to transfer motion and may not be suitable for couples who turn a lot. Sagging is also a commonly reported problem, especially amongst low-quality models.

Conclusion

Not all spring mattresses you will come across have fiberglass. Many manufacturers do use fiberglass in their spring mattresses, but there are others who care more about their clients. And instead, they use natural flame retardants. Saatva is a perfect example of a mattress company that utilizes natural flame retardants in its innerspring mattresses. Using the tips shared above, it should be easy for you to identify a fiberglass-free spring mattress that suits your tastes and preferences.