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Some of the best mattresses contain fiberglass, an affordable, durable, and easily accessible mineral resource that’s used heavily in the construction industry for things like floors, windows, and roofing and to insulate spaces like attics and basements. Fiberglass is made of thin strands of glass, so it is non-combustible, making it an ideal material for products that need protection from fire, like beds.
In the early 2000s, the Consumer Product Safety Division created manufacturing rules to require that all mattresses manufactured in the United States meet certain flammability standards. Before these rules were enacted, the U.S. Fire Administration estimated that mattresses and other bedding materials were responsible for 20,800 residential fires each year.
One way mattress manufacturers tried to meet flammability standards was by using materials like fiberglass, which added to the insulation of the mattress while making it fire-resistant. But since then, fiberglass has been found to cause eye, lung, and skin irritation with direct contact.
Fiberglass is mostly integrated under the cover of the mattress, where it is isolated and unlikely to make contact with your skin or be accidentally ingested. Not a lot is known about the health impacts of sleeping on a mattress made with fiberglass, but more people are choosing not to sleep on mattresses that include glass fibers in the material to avoid the risk of potential health effects.
Our Reviews Team researched, tested, and compiled this list of the best mattresses without fiberglass to help make your research easier.
We focused on several important factors when testing mattresses that are made with fiberglass-free materials, including:
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need an extra firm mattress if you suffer from back pain. Medium-firm mattresses are the sweet spot.
You want a mattress that supports a neutral spine in its most natural position.
Find a mattress designed to relieve pressure when your body and joints are pressed against the surface material.
A mattress trial with 100 nights or more gives you three full months to test it out and return if it isn’t helping.
Look for a mattress that uses natural materials as flame retardants in place of fiberglass. Many companies use plant-based alternatives like latex, wool, and thistle, which provide the same protection as fiberglass.
The Premier Hybrid mattress is made with layers of pressure-relieving memory foam and supportive innersprings, which gives it a soft, supportive feel. Our Reviews Team found it ideal for back sleepers and those looking to ease pressure point pain or back pain. While the cushioning foam offers the softness and contouring of memory foam, the spring layer below adds buoyancy to make it easy to change positions, so combination sleepers should also feel good on this mattress.
Nectar gives the mattress a firmness rating of 6.5, but our team found it a touch softer and scored it 5.5 out of 10. It has a balanced foam feel that should meet a range of sleep needs. In addition to being made without fiberglass, the foams in the Nectar Premier Hybrid are certified by CertiPUR-US.
While memory foam isn’t known for its cooling power, our testers were impressed by the Premier Hybrid’s cooling ability, and our temperature gauge proved the mattress remained cool. Since the Premier Hybrid has cooling fibers woven into the cover, gel-infused foam, and a coil layer it keeps heat from building up, making it a good choice for hot sleepers.
On the downside, our testers noted the Premier Hybrid’s edge support isn’t particularly stable. There’s noticeable sagging, which could be an issue for those with mobility issues who need a firm edge when they get in and out of bed. Lying near the edge felt much better, likely because body weight is more evenly distributed in this position.
Our tester on the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress
“ I’m highly impressed because it feels soft and I’m sinking in, yet it’s almost like the springs are pushing me up a little bit to offer more support. I feel like typically in my lower back area, I have a little bit of a gap just due to my body type. But this one I’m fully supported and I do feel like my weight is evenly distributed. I don’t feel any extra pressure in any areas.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Nectar Premier Hybrid has 4.4 out of five stars, with more than 1,770 reviews on its website. Reviewers are impressed by its balanced comfort and report improved sleep quality.
“I can’t rave enough about the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress! It’s hands down the best sleep I’ve ever had in my life. The perfect blend of comfort and support has transformed my nights into pure bliss. I find myself missing my bed whenever I’m out of town! Every night feels like a mini vacation, and I wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on everyday! It’s truly amazing how much a good mattress can impact your overall well being. If you’re looking for a mattress that will completely change your sleep experience, this is it. Highly recommended!”
—Joy C., verified buyer on 7/21/2024
“I bought this bed because I was changing from a full sized bed frame. I went with Nectar after extensive research and I am so happy with my purchase. I work on my feet over 12 hours a day, and when I get home my legs, feet and back are burning. My old bed didn’t do anything but cause more pain. Ever since I’ve gotten this mattress, I’ve felt so refreshed and rejuvenated in the mornings, I actually stay asleep all night, and the bed stays cool and keeps me from night sweats. This mattress, paired with the serenity bundle that comes with the cooling pillows, is absolute perfection for me. I have recommended this to my family and friends and I will continue to recommend and support this brand.”
— Hunter W., verified buyer on 7/21/2024
On Google, the Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress has a 4.4 out of five rating, with more than 1,980 reviews. The overwhelming majority are five stars, though some reviewers report issues with premature sinking.
Learn more in our Nectar mattress review.
The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is made with two layers of foam on top of a layer of individually encased pocket coils to contour and support the body. An additional layer of foam beneath the coils provides extra support to the bed, and a quilted cushion top made of phase change material (PCM) ⓘ A material that stores or releases heat to maintain a constant temperature. absorbs heat to help keep body temperature balanced.
The Elite Hybrid comes in three firmness styles: soft, medium, and firm. We tested the medium version of this mattress and gave it a firmness score of 6.5 out of 10, which is a touch firmer than the company advertises.
The Elite Hybrid is unique from other hybrid mattresses because, despite having a layer of coils, it doesn’t have a lot of responsiveness or bounce. This can make it a good fit for those who don’t like a lot of bounce in a mattress or who are easily disturbed by a bed partner’s movements and want to minimize motion transferⓘ The amount of movement felt on one side of the mattress when a bed partner moves on the other side of the bed. . Even so, our testers found that the mattress was responsive enough to make changing positions easy.
Where this mattress really stands out is in its excellent pressure relieving design in its coil and transitional foam layers. Bear uses higher-gauged coils, which are thinner than the average coil used in mattresses, to provide a softer experience when a sleeper lies down. This, in combination with the transitional foam that contours the body, helps support the body in proper spinal alignment and prevents the build-up of pressure around the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Our testers gave the Bear Elite Hybrid a five out of five for its pressure relief.
Your Bear mattress will be delivered to your door compressed in a box unless you choose white-glove delivery with in-home setup for an additional $175. Either way, your mattress will need up to 24 hours to fully decompress and off-gas.
Our tester on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress
“Definitely contouring to the lower back. If I were in the market for a new mattress, this would be up there on my list.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Bear Elite Hybrid has 4.6 out of five stars, with more than 3,700 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention the excellent pressure relief for back pain, while some point out difficulty with unpacking the mattress.
“I was looking for a new mattress because my previous mattress (foam) just became too firm over time. My husband and I both experience back pain and decided on switching to a hybrid instead of foam. We came across the Bear mattress and it just has exceeded our expectations. This mattress has just the right amount of firmness so you won’t sink into the bed, but just the right amount of plush to make you feel like you’re sleeping on clouds. Shipping also came on time and overall just had a pleasant experience.”
— Jada, verified buyer on 6/04/2024
“Two good mattresses, but unpacking almost overwhelmed these two senior citizens”
— Robert G., verified buyer on 6/09/2024
To learn more about Bear mattresses, read our Bear mattress review.
On the inside, the Helix Midnight Luxe features memory foam layers for contouring and a core made with individually encased pocket coils that provide varying pressure levels to support the lower back and relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips. To cover the mattress, you can choose from a plush pillow top made from Tencelⓘ A brand of lyocell fiber made from wood pulp that’s known for being soft, breathable, and absorbent. , or a GlacioTexⓘ Hypoallergenic fabric made from fibers with high thermal conductivity that allow heat to be quickly and effectively pulled away from your body cover designed to wick away moisture and keep you cool while you sleep.
In addition to being fiberglass-free, the Midnight Luxe meets CertiPUR-USⓘ This is a certification given to foam bedding materials that have been tested and confirmed to be environmentally friendly. standards for its foam and is GREENGUARD Gold Certifiedⓘ Certifies that a product has low chemical emissions to reduce indoor air pollution and lower chemical exposure risk .
The pocket coil layer is made from 1,000 steel coils that are zoned to help keep your spine aligned and ease pain in your back. Our testers gave this mattress an “excellent” score of 4.75 out of five for its pressure relief, and is why we chose the Midnight Luxe as the best mattress for back pain.
Our testers gave the Midnight Luxe a firmness score of 5.5 out of 10, which means it’s a softer medium-firm mattress. The softness and pressure-relieving coils make it a comfortable sleeping choice for back and side sleepers.
When your Helix mattress arrives, it will be compressed and rolled in a box. After unpacking, it will need up to an hour to decompress and reach its full size. For detailed unboxing and setup instructions, visit this page and select your mattress from the list.
While Helix does not provide white-glove delivery, it does have a partnership with LoadUp, which provides in-home setup and old mattress removal for a cost. You’ll have the option to select this delivery during checkout. Availability and cost of these services vary by location.
Our tester on the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
“This mattress has a very soft pillow top and a responsive surface underneath. Springs rebound quickly.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Helix Midnight Luxe has 4.5 out of five stars, with more than 6,100 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention its luxurious feel and great comfort.
“I love my new bed!I love my new bed! It feels both luxurious and firm, [a] perfect balance between incredibly comfortable and supportive. The first night I crawled in, I breathed a sigh of delight. After years of mediocre mattresses I couldn’t be more pleased with this product.”
— Loriana K., verified buyer on 3/21/2022
“I was waking up in the night with back pain. It hurt to roll over in bed. I have not had that problem since I bought this mattress. It is soft enough to feel luxurious, but firm enough to support my body as I sleep. I would definitely recommend this mattress to anyone who is experiencing hip and back pain, and to anyone who sleeps on his/her back or side.”
— Jennifer H., verified buyer on 8/07/2023
On Google, the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress has a 4.3 out of five rating, with more than 8,700 reviews. While most users gave the mattress a positive rating, some reviewers complained about sinkageⓘ Good contouring sinkage can give sleepers the feeling of being “hugged” by their mattress, but too much sink can result in misalignment of the spine, especially for stomach and back sleepers. after sleeping on it for a period of time.
Learn more in our Helix mattress review.
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress featuring a soft, quilted pillow top that offers cradling comfort. It also has zoned pocketed coils that provide lower back support and targeted pressure relief. The Classic comes in three firmness levels: plush soft, luxury firm, and firm. We tested the luxury firm style and gave it a score of seven out of 10 for its firmness.
This mattress is made with CertiPUR-US foams and a flame-retardant barrier that’s made from natural thistle pulp instead of chemical sprays or fiberglass.
The Classic has two different coil layers to provide a lot of support for stomach sleepers. The first coil layer has individually encased pocket coils that gently contour the body, while the second layer enhances the support of the mattress and prevents sagging over time. Our testers gave this mattress a support score of five out of five.
Saatva stands out as the only mattress on this list offering free white-glove delivery. The service includes personal delivery and installation in your room of choice. This is an excellent option for those living alone because the queen mattress weighs more than 100 pounds and would be challenging for one person to move. The Saatva Classic arrives fully decompressed and is ready for use the same day it’s delivered.
Our tester on the Saatva Classic mattress
“This mattress has a memory foam layer of lumbar support that adds support to the hips when you’re sleeping on your stomach.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Saatva Classic has 4.8 out of five stars, with more than 3,400 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention an excellent experience with customer care and delivery.
“The delivery of my mattress was outstanding. They were very professional and friendly. I was completely happy with them. I have only had my mattress a couple of days, but so far I have no complaints. Look forward to many more great nights of sleep.”
— Cheryl K., verified buyer on 4/26/2024
“I love everything about Saatva! The mattresses are a lovely fabric, they are very comfortable. And delivery was a breeze, done by competent and friendly gentlemen. Ordering was easy, the staff was so helpful. I did not have to wait long for the product.”
— Gayla C., verified buyer on 6/14/2022
The Saatva Classic mattress has a 4.4 out of five-star rating and more than 4,200 reviews on Google. Many reviews are positive, but others have said the mattress isn’t a good fit for them because it’s too firm or doesn’t provide enough pressure relief.
Learn more in our Saatva mattress review.
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress with a combination of five layers of foam and coils. All of the foam is CertiPUR-US certified and doesn’t contain fiberglass. The Winkbed comes in four firmness styles: softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus for higher-weight sleepers. Our experts tested the luxury firm version of this mattress and gave it a firmness rating of 6.5 out of 10.
Considering its wide variety of size and firmness offerings, its eco-friendly material use, and high performance, this mattress can be a great choice for people seeking an affordable mattress without fiberglass.
Whether you have lower back pain, shoulder pain or other pressure pointⓘ The parts of the sleeper’s body that are in direct contact with the mattress, such as the backside, shoulder, hips, and ribcage. sensitivity or stay mostly on your back throughout the night, the WinkBed has individually wrapped coils with varying zones of support to help keep pressure off areas like hips, knees, and shoulders. Our testers gave The WinkBed a pressure relief score of 4.5 out of five.
Another standout feature of this mattress is its cooling design, which is integrated into more than one layer of the construction. First, with the cover made from naturally derived Eucalyptus fibers that feel cool to the touch and wick moisture away from the body. Second, the pocketed coils allow for heat to flow through the mattress instead of trapping it. This design helped the WinkBed to score 4.5 out of five for cooling. For more of our recommendations for hot sleepers, visit our Reviews Team’s picks for the best cooling mattresses.
Your WinkBed mattress will be delivered compressed in a box. Before using your new mattress, we recommend letting it off-gasⓘ The chemical odor given off from a new mattress. The smell is harmless and is usually gone within the first few days. after unpacking it and laying it out on your bed frame. At this time, WinkBeds does not offer white-glove delivery or old mattress removal with a new purchase.
Visit our review of the best affordable mattresses to get more recommendations on low-cost mattresses.
Our tester on The WinkBed mattress
“Lighter sleepers may want the plusher version for side sleeping, but it should still be comfortable for most positions.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The WinkBed has 4.8 out of five stars, with more than 8,600 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention the high-quality feel and look of the mattress as well as the easy return process.
“Feels great. Firm but not too firm, and comfortable. I was having back issues with our 11-year-old memory mattress. I did my research and your bed was recommended for older people with back issues. Definitely mixed feelings on purchasing a bed without trying it out first, but your warranty on guaranteed satisfaction or return it with no hassles convinced us.”
— Michael O., verified buyer on 5/22/2024
“We bought our wink bed and slept on it for 30+ days. It was a solid choice and was a quality bed. We did, however, decide it wasn’t a good fit for me and my husband. So we initiated a return. They were so quick to get back to us and the return was really hassle free. Highly recommend giving this mattress a try—and if it’s not a good fit for you their return policy is top notch.”
— Sarah G., verified buyer on 5/20/24
To learn more about WinkBed mattresses, read our WinkBed review.
The Nolah Signature is a 12-inch high, all-foam mattress that’s made with four unique layers of foam, each helping to create a supportive, comfortable, and durable mattress. All of the foams in this mattress are fiberglass-free, meet CertiPUR-US standards, and are Greenguard Gold certified.
Based on our testing, the Nolah Signature offers enough sinkage to comfortably contour the sleeper but not so much that they would find it difficult to move around and change positions. This is due to the combination of zoned AirFoam and Active Response Foam. We gave the Signature a support score of five out of five.
The top layer of AirFoam has tiny holes throughout the material to absorb and respond to high pressure, making it a good choice for sleepers looking for targeted relief from back pain. That layer, in combination with the firmer foams near the base of the mattress, helps to keep the back aligned and supported. Our testers gave this mattress a pressure relief score of 4.75 out of five.
All Nolah mattresses are delivered to your door compressed in a box. The mattress box might be awkward and heavy, so we recommend having someone assist you in getting the box to your bedroom and then unboxing and setting it up on your bed base. If you want your mattress to be delivered and set up for you, Nolah partners with Load Up to provide three white-glove delivery options: mattress removal only, mattress setup only, or a combined removal and setup package. Pricing for this service starts at around $125.
Our tester on the Nolah Signature mattress
“This mattress was firmer than expected but offered a good amount of pressure relief while side sleeping and back sleeping.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Nolah Signature has 4.8 out of five stars, with more than 400 reviews on its website. Many of the positive reviews mention excellent pain relief. Some reviews are negative, but of those, customers sometimes said they were just disappointed that the Signature hadn’t relieved their pain, while often acknowledging mattresses can’t cure everything.
“I love my Nolah. I’ve tried several different mattresses to reduce pressure point pain for side sleepers and the Nolah was the only one to achieve this. Very grateful. I got the softest one and I love it!”
— Julian A., verified buyer on 10/5/2023
“I haven’t been able to sleep in a bed for over a decade now, and was kind of hoping for a miracle. My new Signature 12 didn’t work any magic, but it’s a comfy bed. After not sleeping in a bed for 11+ years I wasn’t thinking it was going to be an overnight deal. However, when I do actually fall to sleep on it, I sleep hard, which is a new experience for me. I still wake up several times a night, but I’m right back out, another rarity. I’m giving the bed four stars, strictly because it didn’t perform a miracle and there are no half star deductions. Super comfy, easy to set up and you get two pillows (not cheap ones either) with the bed.”
— Jim M., verified buyer on 9/7/2022
Learn more about these mattresses in our Nolah mattress review.
The Birch Natural mattress features an organic cotton cover, three layers of organic wool, a layer of naturally derived latex, and a wrapped steel-coil layer for comfort and zoned support. The mattress is made from Greenguard Gold, Global Organic Textile Standard, eco-Institut, and Fair Trade-certified materials. Birch has a dedicated certifications page that explains each of these standards in detail.
The combination of natural latex and wrapped coil layers helps cushion and relieve pressure in the side and back sleeping positions. Our testers said the bed felt like a “gentle cradle.” They found that their spine stayed in a neutralⓘ The spine’s natural curves at the neck, middle, and lower (lumbar) sections. alignment when lying on their back, and mostly neutral when lying on their side. We gave the Birch Natural a pressure relief score of four out of five and an overall support score of four out of five.
We also found that the coils around the perimeter of the mattress provided strong stability while our tester was sitting on the edge, and we believe it’s supportive enough to prevent a sleeper who moves around a lot from falling over the side of the bed. Our testers gave this mattress an edge support score of five out of five.
Latex is a naturally bouncy material, so it’s a great choice for combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night. The bounce in this mattress will help make movements easier and prevent the sleeper from feeling stuck in the material, which is the case with some brands of soft mattresses. Our testers gave this mattress a bounce score of five out of five. But since it has such a bouncy feel, it isn’t great at isolating motion to one side of the mattress. We gave it a three out of five for motion isolation. This means light sleepers are more likely to be disturbed when their bed partner moves around on the bed.
Your Birch Natural will be delivered rolled into a box. While you will need to give it a couple of hours to decompress, you won’t need to let it off-gas because no chemicals are used in the materials. If you want assistance with delivery and set up, Birch partners with LoadUp to provide new mattress set-up and old mattress removal services. The cost and availability of services vary by location.
Our tester on the Birch Natural mattress
“Combination sleepers will really like moving on this mattress because of its responsiveness and good edge support.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Birch Natural has 4.6 out of five stars, with more than 4,500 reviews on its website. Many reviews highlight the organic materials and lack of a chemical smell, which is often part of the new mattress experience. Some reviewers were not happy with the softness and bounciness of their mattresses.
“After years of sleeping on full foam, transitioning to my Birch mattress has been a dream come true. Now, I never want to leave my bed, which is admittedly a bit risky! I highly recommend this mattress and definitely plan to buy another when it’s time to replace my current one.”
— Kristian C., verified buyer on 4/26/2024
“I searched high and low for the perfect mattress and found it. I purchased another organic mattress but returned it before this purchase, the shipping was not good and I was concerned it would not have the support we needed. My husband and I are in our 60s and on the large side. This mattress, should it stand the test of time, is perfect; just the right amount of soft, with the perfect amount of support. I highly recommend it. ”
— Teresa C., verified buyer on 1/13/2024
The Birch Natural mattress has a 4.6 out of five star rating, with more than 2,000 reviews on Google. Many reviews are positive, but some reviewers have written that their mattresses lost their shape after only a few months.
Learn more in our in-depth Birch mattress review.
Our Reviews Team has dedicated more than 1,000 hours to researching the mattress industry, consulting at least 10 health care professionals, and testing roughly 40 brands and 130 unique mattress models for quality and comfort. We’ve also interviewed eight older adults who recently purchased a mattress and surveyed more than 3,200 recent mattress customers to understand their experiences shopping for a new bed.
Each mattress undergoes a rigorous 36-page testing procedure to score its different characteristics, including firmness, support, and other aspects most shoppers consider. We choose the best mattress without fiberglass based on the scores of the relevant criteria. See how we tested the most important considerations for this review below.
When testing mattresses without fiberglass, we start by confirming whether the mattress contains any fiberglass. We also take note of the quality and sustainability of the materials used in the construction of each mattress to gain insight into the brand and the product itself. Some of the mattresses we test do include fiberglass in at least one of the layers, but since there isn’t any definitive evidence that mattresses that contain fiberglass are more dangerous than mattresses without fiberglass, we don’t associate a score with the inclusion of that material.
Firmness
Like most mattress brands in the industry, we use a one-to-10 scoring method when testing firmness, with 6.5 being the true medium firm. Our testers rate this by lying on the surface and comparing the feel to other mattresses we’ve tested. Material density and coil strength influence firmness the most.
Pressure relief
We rate pressure relief on a scale of one to five, with five being the most pressure-relieving. We consider how it feels and use a pressure map with sensors to visualize pressure points around the body accurately. Blue and green pressure map results show great pressure relief, while yellows, oranges, and reds indicate pressure build-up.
Support
We score support on a scale of one to five, with five being the most supportive. Mattresses with strong support contour and push into the curves of your body, particularly the lower back or midsection. Not only do we feel support during testing, but we can also visualize it through pressure map results. Maps with mostly white space at the lower back show how the mattress isn’t making contact with the area, which means the mattress isn’t supportive.
Edge support
We score edge support on a scale of one to five, with five being the strongest. Our team tests this by sitting and lying on the edge to determine how safe it feels and measure how far it sinks. For example, if a short 11-inch mattress’s edge sinks about 2 inches, it may feel weak because it collapses under body weight.
Cooling
We use a temperature gun to determine how well a mattress disperses body heat. If the mattress heats up more than 15 degrees, it’s considered a poor score. If it only heats up 5–10 degrees, it’s considered a good or excellent score. The feel of the material under our body is also factored into the score, with one indicating a poor score and five indicating good cooling technology.
Motion transfer
Motion transfer is scored on a scale between one and five, with five being the most motion-isolating. To score this, one tester lies on one side of the mattress while another changes positions while lying on the other side. We score this feature by how much movement we can feel across the mattress. If we don’t feel movement, the mattress dampens motion well, scoring a five out of five.
Bounce
Our team scores bounce on a scale between one and five, with five being the most bouncy. We test this by dropping a 10-pound weighted ball on the mattress surface, recording how many times it bounces, and analyzing the sound of its landing. The ball will bounce multiple times on bouncier mattresses before cradling into the surface, while others thud onto the material, indicating low bounce.
Functional support
Our team developed this unique score to understand how well a mattress accommodates mobility issues, like difficulty moving around or getting up from the bed. We combined firmness (30%), support (30%), bounce (10%), and edge support (30%) to create a score between one and five, with five being the most helpful for movement in bed.
To learn more about our testing and scoring methods, review our sleep methodology.
We continuously test new mattresses each month and make sure we give you the most up-to-date information possible.
Fiberglass is a composite material, which means it’s made up of two or more different components, one of which is always strands of glass. While it can be created with many combinations of materials, the fiberglass used in mattresses is mainly composed of plastic and glass.
Nearly 5 million metric tons of fiberglass are made each year, and it’s mostly used for insulation and to create other composite materials. This affordable material has many practical applications in the construction industry, such as in bathtubs, boats, and home insulation. Manufacturers started using fiberglass in mattresses and mattress covers because it’s an inexpensive, flame-resistant material that has great insulation qualities.
But there are several reasons why you might not want fiberglass in your mattress. The wispy, fibrous material has been known to cause respiratory and eye irritation for those who come in close contact with it. It can also cause recurrent chest and respiratory infections for those who work in industries where it’s commonly used. It can also cause a rash if the fibers break off and penetrate your skin.
Fiberglass is a very fine and wispy material that you likely won’t be able to see with the naked eye, so you can’t know whether the material is in your mattress just by looking at it. The best way to confirm that your current mattress doesn’t contain fiberglass is to read the label.
Many mattresses have a tag that lists all the materials used in their manufacturing. If you can’t find a label on your mattress, you can call the mattress manufacturer and get a list of the materials used in your mattress model.
To avoid purchasing a mattress with fiberglass, you should search for brands that explicitly state that their products don’t contain fiberglass. Mattress companies that use organic materials, like Birch, use safe and all-natural materials that have similar insulative and fire-resistant qualities. One material commonly used as an alternative to fiberglass is wool.
Fiberglass is most commonly found in the foam layers of a mattress, so if you choose an all-foam mattress, there’s a higher chance that it’s integrated into the mattress. But even if you choose a mattress without foam, like an innerspring-style mattress or a hybrid construction mattress, fiberglass might still be integrated into the cover of the mattress for enhanced fire resistance. Since fiberglass is a cheaper alternative to other fire-resistant materials, you’ll likely find this composite in more budget-friendly mattresses.
Sleeping on a fiberglass mattress can pose significant health risks if the mattress is damaged or the cover is removed.
The tiny fiberglass particles can become airborne and cause respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing, and irritation. Additionally, these particles can embed themselves in the skin, leading to rashes, itching, and blisters. Prolonged exposure may exacerbate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
When buying any mattress, you should consider factors and sleeping preferences like firmness, sleep position, budget, and whether you have any medical need for a specific type of mattress. Improving the quality of your sleep can be an expensive investment, so make sure you choose a mattress that’s best suited for your needs and has a trial period so you can return it if it’s not a good fit for you.
To identify if a mattress contains fiberglass, carefully examine the label. Look for terms like “fiberglass,” “glass fiber,” or “glass wool” listed as a material. Additionally, the label might indicate “Do not remove cover” as a warning about potential fiberglass exposure. However, it’s important to note that not all mattresses with fiberglass clearly label it, so the absence of these terms doesn’t guarantee a fiberglass-free product.
You want to choose a mattress with a firmness that suits your preferences. Usually, the firmer a mattress is, the more support it will offer. If you prefer the feel of a deep hug from a mattress, something on the softer side will likely be a more comfortable fit. Most soft mattresses will be made with foam layers near the top or all foam, while firm mattresses will incorporate a coil core or high-density foams.
Some mattress styles and constructions will be better than others for certain sleep positions. For example, those who are looking for a mattress that’s best for side sleepers will likely be most comfortable on a soft-style mattress with good sinkage to prevent their shoulders from becoming misaligned with their spine. The best mattresses for back sleepers will have medium firmness, with enough support to keep their back in a neutral position, but not so firm that there isn’t any cradling from the top layers of the material. Stomach sleepers will need a firm mattress that prevents the hips from sinking too far into the mattress, which can cause spinal misalignment and back pain.
“Side sleepers may need more pressure relief, whereas back sleepers would do well to have more support. This is especially true for older adults who are more prone to painful conditions and arthritis that affect shoulders, hips, and lower backs.”
– Matthew Cavanaugh, doctor of chiropractic at Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Lafayette, Louisiana
The best mattress for combination sleepers will quickly adapt to changes in pressure to prevent sleepers from feeling stuck in the top layers of the mattress as they change positions throughout the night. According to Matthew Cavanaugh, doctor of chiropractic at Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Lafayette, Louisiana, mattresses that have good responsiveness “are usually described as latex or hybrid mattresses and allow a sleeper to change positions without sacrificing comfort.”
Sleepers with lower back pain should prioritize finding a mattress with excellent pressure relief and support. This will help keep the spine aligned and relieve joint pain.
Many people who live with pain and other medical conditions, like sleep apnea, choose to pair their mattress with an adjustable bed frame.
John Gallucci Jr., a physical therapist and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy in New Jersey, told us that “Adjustable beds are a great option for those who have chronic muscular and joint pain in the back, hips, or shoulders. An adjustable bed can help relieve the pressure on certain muscles and joints by being able to adjust to a position that is more comfortable.”
Our Reviews Team has researched the best adjustable beds in depth. If you are looking specifically for an adjustable bed for an older adult, consider reading our review of the best adjustable beds for seniors.
Choosing the right mattress can have a big impact on your sleep quality. Let’s explore the pros and cons of different mattress types to help you find your perfect match.
| Mattress type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium 5.5/10 | Medium 6.5/10 | Medium 5.5/10 | Firm 7/10 | Medium 6.5/10 | Firm 7.5/10 | Medium 6.5/10 |
| Trial period (nights) | 365 | 120 | 100 | 365 | 120 | 120 | 100 |
| Sleep position | Back, stomach, combination | Back, side, combination | Back, side, stomach, combination | Back, stomach, combination | Back, side, combination | Back, combination | Back, combination |
Fiberglass is used in countless products across several industries, including hard materials like bathtubs and soft materials like attic insulation and mattresses. Fiberglass is usually integrated into the internal structure of the mattress, so unless you remove the cover and pull apart the interior of the mattress, you likely won’t come into direct contact with it. While it’s true that when we are exposed to direct contact with fiberglass, it can cause irritation to our skin, eyes, and respiratory system, there’s little information about whether having fiberglass in your mattress has any health implications. Either way, many people choose to sleep on a mattress that’s fiberglass-free to avoid any potential contact with the material.
Our Reviews Team has tested all of the mattresses we featured above to help you make an informed decision about which mattress without fiberglass is best for you. We chose the Nectar Premier Hybrid as the “Best Mattress Without Fiberglass Overall” because of its excellent pressure relief, support, cooling, and medium firmness, which makes it a versatile choice for back, and side sleepers. Other great choices are the Bear Elite Hybrid, with its soft contouring and pocketed coils making it a great choice for many sleepers; Birch Natural, which is made from organic and all-natural materials; and the Saatva Classic, an innerspring mattress that offers excellent support and pressure relief.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Fiberglass is a wispy and fine composite material consisting of two or more components, with glass strands being a constant element. Though it can be made with various material combinations, the fiberglass used in mattresses primarily consists of plastic and glass.
Information is limited on whether it’s safe to sleep on a mattress with fiberglass. Mattress companies create tight barriers in the materials to prevent fiberglass from coming into contact with the user, but it is possible for fiberglass to leak from a damaged mattress. Coming into direct contact with glass fibers can cause eye, respiratory, and skin irritation.
No, not all memory foam has fiberglass. Foams that are CertiPUR-US are certified to be fiberglass-free. But even if the memory foam itself doesn’t have fiberglass, the cover of the mattress may still contain it.
