Fiberglass has been a hot topic in the mattress industry in recent years, and shoppers want to know if the material is safe to sleep on There is a lot of misinformation floating around about the use of fiberglass in mattresses, but if it is so dangerous, why is it still being used as a flame retardant in some beds?

To find out, we recently spoke with Jonathan Warren, director of Time4Sleep, and Adam Tishman, co-founder of Helix Sleep Here, they discuss why fiberglass is used in mattresses, how to tell if a mattress contains fiberglass, and what to do if it does

Thankfully, most of this year's best mattresses are fiberglass-free Here's what you need to know

Fiberglass is a type of synthetic material often used for wall insulation This transparent straw-like material (similar to translucent cotton candy or candy floss) is often invisible to the naked eye and is sometimes woven into mattress covers, all-form beds, and mattress toppers

Fiberglass is a type of flame retardant Fiberglass is often used in mattresses as a flame retardant because mattresses are highly flammable without proper flame shielding materials Says Alan Tishman, co-founder of Helix, "Fiberglass acts as an insulating layer under the mattress cover, reducing the flammability of the material inside the mattress" [The main reason fiberglass is used in mattresses is safety Ironically, the material is notorious for its hazards But just how dangerous is it, says Time 4 Sleep's Jonathan Warren, who says that as long as the cover remains intact and keeps the fiberglass inside the bed, there should be no significant risk to the sleeper Fiberglass itself is not inherently harmful," he says But it could be a concern if the fiber is released into the air and comes in contact with the skin, eyes, or respiratory system" [Along with the health risks from exposure to fiberglass, such as the association between fiberglass inhalation and lung disease, there is also the potential for fiberglass to spread throughout the home if it breaks loose from the mattress In such cases, cleanup can be very difficult and expensive and requires the assistance of a professional cleanup company [Adam Tishman of Helix Sleep says, "The danger of fiberglass in mattresses comes from the risk of tears and rips releasing large amounts of fiberglass throughout the house 'Fiberglass is often used in a woven layer directly under the mattress cover If the cover tears, rips, or comes off, millions of fiberglass particles can quickly spread throughout the house"

Tishman continues that the clear, thin appearance of fiberglass can compound the problem Fiberglass is often invisible to the human eye, so it can spread unknowingly," Tishman said It is only when symptoms such as itching, coughing, and skin irritation appear that users realize their homes may be exposed to fiberglass"

So if fiberglass poses so many risks to both health and the home, why is it used in mattresses? According to Tishman, there are two main reasons All mattresses in the US must meet two federal fire safety standards, "the flammability (smoldering) standard for mattresses and mattress pads and the naked fire standard for mattress sets," Tishman explains Fiberglass is a common component in the mattress industry because it is an inexpensive way to meet these fire safety standards"

According to Warren, there are safer types of flame retardants that pose no health and safety risks, but some mattress manufacturers avoid them for financial gain He notes that "the chemical additives and coatings commonly used to make memory foam mattresses flame retardant can quickly drive up the price, so some mattress manufacturers use fiberglass to reduce manufacturing costs" However, this does not prioritize the health and safety of the customer"

In the US, mattress manufacturing regulations are not as stringent, and the use of fiberglass in mattresses is not a legal concern Mattress experts say, "Manufacturing regulations in the UK are stricter than in other countries, but it is still important to shop with reputable retailers and trusted brands that meet these safety regulations"

"Many UK mattress suppliers use chemical additives that are added to the foam during manufacture These additives make the foam flame retardant and eliminate the need for an extra protective inner case (or fiberglass), making it a popular choice For non-foam mattresses, the ticking (mattress covering) is usually coated with a flame retardant coating or back coating to enhance fire resistance" 6]

No, many US mattress brands are now dropping fiberglass in favor of safer, flame-resistant materials such as chemical-free rayon fiber, thistle, and organic wool Brands that produce fiberglass-free mattresses include Saatva, Helix Sleep, Amerisleep, and Bear Mattress

Eco-luxury sleep brands such as Birch Living, Awara, and Avocado use natural, non-toxic, fire retardant materials such as organic wool and cotton

Inexpensive mattresses may use fiberglass to keep manufacturing costs and mattress price tags low

While you should never open the cover of a mattress to check for fiberglass, Tishman says there are a few tricks to determine if a mattress contains fiberglass

"The best way to know if a mattress contains fiberglass is to check the label Materials listed as "fiberglass" or "glass wool" indicate that some fiberglass was used in the manufacture of the mattress It is also helpful to contact the mattress manufacturer directly and inquire about all materials used"

And if your mattress really does contain fiberglass

"Avoid removing the outer cover of the mattress And adding a mattress protector or something to wrap the entire mattress can reduce the risk of exposure to fiberglass"

Warren suggests investing in a cover specifically designed to prevent fiberglass exposure (look for a mattress protector that is bed bug resistant and waterproof) and being cautious when transporting the mattress Use gloves, masks, and other personal protective equipment if you need to move a mattress that contains fiberglass"