Recently, fiberglass has been a hot topic – specifically, fiberglass in mattresses. Some mattress manufacturers use fiberglass as an affordable flame retardant, and there are differing opinions on whether or not this is dangerous for consumers.
If you want to stay away from fiberglass completely, you’re in luck. There are many high-quality mattresses that do not contain fiberglass anywhere in their construction. All of these mattresses have been put through our rigorous testing process, because in addition to highlighting mattresses that are fiberglass-free, I wanted to make sure the products I’m recommending meet Mattress Clarity’s high standards. I’ve put together my list of the best mattresses without fiberglass to get you started. Let’s get to it!
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress Without Fiberglass?
The Bear Original earns the top spot on our list of the best mattresses without fiberglass. The bed is a nice and universal medium-firm and features cooling materials like graphite-gel to offset the heat-retention properties of all-foam mattresses.
The Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass 2024
- Bear Original – Best Value Mattress Without Fiberglass
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress For Back Sleepers Without Fiberglass
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress Without Fiberglass
- Nolah Evolution – Best Luxury Mattress Without Fiberglass
- Helix Dawn – Best Firm Mattress Without Fiberglass
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress For Combo Sleepers Without Fiberglass
- Plank Firm – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers Without Fiberglass
- Birch Natural – Best Latex Mattress Without Fiberglass
Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass: Video Review
Compare The Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass
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| Bear Original Mattress | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Helix Dawn Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 8/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| Best For |
Hot Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Couples |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
How We Test The Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
For this list, we chose a group of mattresses that do not contain fiberglass. We also made sure to choose mattresses with a variety of designs, firmnesses, and price points. There should be a fiberglass-free mattress for most types of sleepers.
How We Chose The Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass
Construction
First and foremost, all of these mattresses must contain no fiberglass. It’s a simple but very important criterion.
Price
Mattresses containing fiberglass tend to be more expensive than fiberglass-free mattresses. When compiling this list, we made sure to keep budget shoppers in mind, providing more than just expensive, luxury selections.
Overall Quality
Beyond not containing fiberglass and being reasonably priced, the only thing left for us to consider in this category was overall quality. Of course, there are many fiberglass-free mattresses on the market, so we wanted to make sure we highlighted the ones that impressed us in more ways than one.
Bear Original — Best Value Mattress Without Fiberglass
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isn’t firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re looking for the best affordable mattress without fiberglass, it might be difficult. Many cheaper mattress brands use fiberglass to keep costs low. However, with the Bear Original (our second Bear mattress on this list), you get a great value and no fiberglass.
While you will sink into the mattress enough to receive pressure relief, the firm transition layers in the Bear will help keep you from feeling stuck in the mattress. This means that the Bear isn’t as hard to move around on as some all-foam mattresses are.
And, last but certainly not least, the Bear mattress comes in at just under $1,000 for a queen. There’s nothing like a product that does everything you need it to at a reasonable price.
What our testers say: “Side sleepers will also have a great experience on the original Bear. They will feel great pressure relief on their hips and shoulders.” Joe Auer, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Original
- Like many memory foam mattresses, the Bear does a great job at isolating motion. What this means is that as your partner tosses and turns on their side of the bed you’ll be less likely to feel it on your side. Naturally, this is an important factor for many couples.
- As I mentioned above, the Bear mattress is quite affordable, especially considering its quality and the fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Original
- Based on our testing, we gave the Bear a mediocre score of 3 out of 5 for durability. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the mattress will not hold up over time, but if not properly cared for you may notice some sagging after several years. If durability is very important to you then we suggest you consider a hybrid mattress.
- If you’re a stomach sleeper or a heavyweight person then you’ll likely prefer a firmer mattress than the Bear. The Titan Plus or the Plank Firm will provide much more support and likely be a better fit for you.
What Makes the Bear Original Fiberglass Free?
When asked what is used in the Bear Original in place of fiberglass, BG (a customer service rep) told me, “We use a fiberglass-free, fire-retardant sock made of hydrated silica, rayon, polyester and cotton.”
Other Customer reviews
The Bear mattress has an average score of 4.5 out of 5 based on 10,153 user reviews from the company website. While many praise it for its comfort (with some even saying they’ve purchased multiple), there are some unhappy customers who point out that the mattress sags after a fairly short time.
Read the full Bear mattress review. If you aren’t interested in the Bear Mattress, check out our list of the best mattress for the money for more great options!
Helix Midnight Luxe — Best Mattress For Back Sleepers Without Fiberglass
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price. Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. It likely isn’t firm enough for most stomach sleepers, though. If you’re looking for a more supportive bed, check out the Titan Plus. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Back sleeping on the Helix Midnight Luxe, you will feel the right balance of comfort and support. Your hips will sink into a soft pillow top while two sets of coils keep your spine properly supported. Add in some zoning for extra lumbar support, and the Helix Midnight Luxe offers everything back sleepers should be looking for.
In addition to being great for back sleepers, this mattress excelled in every one of our performance tests. This means it has great support, durability, cooling, motion isolation, and edge support. It’s very rare for a mattress to impress us in each of these fields.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is on the expensive side, but for the quality we think this mattress is well worth the price.
What our testers say: “Back sleeping feels fantastic on the Helix Midnight Luxe. Even as a larger person, I get great support from the coils. I can feel the extra support from the zoned lumbar area. At the same time, the plush pillow top cushions my body and makes for a very comfortable night of sleep. It is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Why We Love the Helix Midnight Luxe
- Many hybrid mattresses do a poor job of isolating motion. The Helix Midnight Luxe, on the other hand, does a great job of keeping motion waves from spreading from one side of the mattress to the other. This makes it a great option for couples.
- This mattress has fantastic edge support. So, if you like to sleep close to the border of the bed you shouldn’t feel any sagging under your weight on the Helix Midnight Luxe.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight Luxe
- As I mentioned above, this mattress is on the expensive side. A queen will cost you over $2,000 before sales tax. If you’re interested in a mattress with similar features for a lower price, check out the non-Luxe version of the mattress, the Helix Midnight.
What Makes the Helix Midnight Luxe Fiberglass Free?
Linaya, a customer service representative from Helix, gave me some information on how the Helix mattresses are free of fiberglass: “The flame retardant yarn that is used is Rayon, a derivative of cellulose (bamboo fiber). We use a chemical free Rayon barrier that is in the form of a small foam layer. Rayon fiber is a manufactured fiber composed of 100% regenerated cellulose.”
Other Customer reviews
This mattress has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 5,588 reviews from the Helix website. Among the 5-star reviews, there are quite a few that mention the mattress being very helpful for back pain, especially for those who sleep on their back. One of the most common complaints is that the Helix MIdnight Luxe arrived damaged.
Read the full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review. If you aren’t interested in the Helix Midnight Luxe, check out our list of the best mattress for back sleepers for more great options!
Bear Elite Hybrid — Best Hybrid Mattress Without Fiberglass
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most high-end mattress. It offers luxury features, like zoned support and extra height, while still offering the temperature regulation Bear mattresses are known for. Based on our testing results, we’d recommend this mattress to average-weight side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, check out the Bear Star Hybrid. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Buying a hybrid mattress is a great way to get the best of both worlds. Hybrid mattresses offer the comfort of foam and the support of coils. If you want all the benefits of a hybrid mattress without fiberglass, then the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress could be for you.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most luxurious mattress. It contains high-density memory foam, zoned comfort foam, and comes in multiple firmness options. We reviewed the Luxury Firm model and found it to be a great choice for combination sleepers.
And, like many hybrid mattresses, the Bear Elite Hybrid is a great option for hot sleepers. Phase change material keeps the mattress feeling cool to the touch, and copper infusions prevent the foams from trapping heat.
What our testers say: “Mattress Clarity’s firmness scale ranges from one to ten, with 6.5/10 representing medium-firm. That also happens to be what the Bear Elite Hybrid Luxury Firm model feels like. It creates a great balance of comfort and support, thanks to the strong coils and soft foam.” – Elisa, Editor & Mattress Tester
What We Love About the Bear Elite Hybrid
- Once again, we love a mattress with multiple firmness options. Just about every type of sleeper will be able to find a version of the Bear that accommodates them.
- The Bear is constructed with cooling features that help regulate temperature and keep the mattress nice and cool as you lie on it. The phase change material in the cover can help lower body temperature, while the copper-infused foam can help to absorb and dissipate heat.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Elite Hybrid
- Like the WinkBed, this mattress is on the pricier side. If a more affordable mattress is what you’re after, then consider the Nolah Original.
- The Bear has a bouncy, responsive feel. If you’re more interested in a mattress that provides a hugging feeling, then you’ll want to instead look into an all-foam mattress.
What Makes the Bear Elite Hybrid Fiberglass Free?
I again reached out to Bear to see if there was anything unique to the Bear Elite Hybrid’s fiberglass-free construction, but BG told me “The Elite uses the same [fire-retardant] sock [as the Bear Original].” BG
Other Customer reviews
The Bear Elite Hybrid has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 285 customer reviews on the company website. Users praise the multiple firmness options and the cooling features of the Bear. Unhappy customers complain that their mattresses did not expand correctly upon unboxing and were difficult to sleep comfortably on.
Read the full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. If you aren’t interested in the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress, check out our list of the Best Hybrid Mattresses for more great options!
Nolah Evolution — Best Luxury Mattress Without Fiberglass
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. It’s not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re searching for a fiberglass-free mattress that also has a luxury feel, look no further than the Nolah Evolution. The medium-firm mattress has a hybrid construction that allows your shoulders and hips to sink below the surface, so you receive adequate pressure relief without sinking too far in. The Nolah Evolution also contains the brand’s proprietary AirFoam, a memory foam alternative that adds bounce and breathability. AirFoam is also more responsive than standard memory foam, so you should be able to move around and change positions easily on the Nolah Evolution.
What our testers say: “Nolah Evolution is a very comfortable mattress made with proprietary AirFoam and pocketed coils. It’s a medium-firm, so suits a lot of sleeper sizes and positions. Sold only online, it’s luxury but with good value, and has a unique mattress donation program that I think will resonate with a lot of mattress shoppers.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Evolution
- The Nolah Evolution is a great mattress for side, back and stomach sleepers. Its softness allows your hips and shoulders to sink into the mattress and get the pressure relief that these sensitive areas need in order to remain pain-free, but the coils lift your hips enough to keep the spine aligned.
- Nolah Evolution is quite responsive. Good responsiveness makes it easy to move around and change sleeping positions and makes it a good mattress for sex.
- The Nolah Evolution provides great support. Light and medium-weight sleepers should easily get comfortable on the Evolution. The only exception may be heavyweight stomach sleepers, who might want to seek out a firmer mattress, like the firm version of the WinkBed.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution
- When we unboxed the mattress, there was some off-gassing, which resulted in a slight chemical odor that dissipated within a couple of days. Though harmless, this smell can be off-putting for some.
- Given its status as a luxury mattress, unsurprisingly, Nolah Evolution is on the pricier side. A queen was $1,749 even with deals, and its typical sticker price is $2,499.
What Nolah has to say about Fiberglass Free Construction
I reached out to a Nolah Representative to better understand their fiberglass free construction, and Doug from Nolah assured me that there is no fiberglass in the Nolah’s construction. Specifically, he said, “We have not used any fire retardant chemicals to meet federal fire safety regulations. Instead, Nolah foam and foam hybrid mattresses use a proprietary silica based fire-retardant rayon blend that prevents heat and fire from igniting the mattress. This is what we use instead of fiberglass that some companies use for their mattresses.”
Other Customer reviews
The Nolah Evolution has an average score of 4.9 out of 5 based on 1,295 user reviews from the company website. Some reviews claim that the mattress helped reduce aches and pains while others say that it worsened shoulder and back pain. No mattress is one-size-fits-all, so make sure you do plenty of research to ensure you’re purchasing a product that accommodates your specific needs.
Read the full Nolah Evolution mattress review. If you aren’t interested in the Nolah mattress, check out our list of the best luxury mattresses for more great options!
Helix Dawn — Best Firm Mattress Without Fiberglass
The Helix Dawn Hybrid is a firm, supportive mattress designed for back and stomach sleepers who like a cooler sleep surface with minimal sink in. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you have no idea what type of mattress is right for you, Helix is a great place to start. The brand offers a line of hybrid mattresses that range from very soft to very firm. And, no matter what model you choose, it will be free of fiberglass.
For fans of firm mattresses, I recommend the Helix Dawn mattress. The Helix Dawn is the firmest model in the Helix line and scored a 7.5/10 during our tests. This is a whole point firmer than 6.5, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
With its firm, supportive feel, the Helix Dawn is a great choice for stomach sleepers. Lying down on the Helix Dawn, you will feel support under your hips and across your entire body.
What our testers say: “We found the Helix Dawn to be an excellent match for stomach sleeping. The firm, supportive nature of this mattress helped ensure that our hips stayed elevated and properly aligned with the spine.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Dawn
- Because the Helix Dawn is on the firmer side it’s a good option for back and stomach sleepers, particularly heavyweight back sleepers and lightweight stomach sleepers, who tend to do best on a mattress that’s has some softness, but not so much that it will allow their hips to sink deep into the mattress.
- The hybrid construction of the Helix Dawn includes a layer of coils that allows for good breathability, which helps keep the mattress cool as you sleep on it.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Dawn
- This mattress probably won’t be soft enough for most side sleepers. If you’re a side sleeper, seek out a softer mattress that provides cushioning around your hips and shoulders, such as the Helix Midnight.
Is There Fiberglass in the Helix Dawn?
I contacted Helix customer service to ask what is used in place of fiberglass in the Helix Dawn and Felix told me, “I do not have the specific information as to what is used to avoid fiberglass being used. I can confirm that fiberglass is not used in the production of any of our mattresses.”
Other Customer reviews
Baes on 1,233 customer reviews from the Helix website, this mattress has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. Happy customers rave about the Helix Dawn having the perfect level of firmness—firm enough to support them but soft enough to provide comfort. Some users with back pain said this bed didn’t meet their needs, though.
Read the full Helix Dawn mattress review. If you aren’t interested in the Helix Dawn Mattress, check out our list of the best firm mattresses.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid — Best Mattress For Combo Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an affordable, no-frills bed with a medium-firm feel that should work for a wide variety of sleepers. While it’s made with durable materials and should last up to 10 years, it isn’t the most luxurious option. If you’re looking for a premium bed, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Do you toss and turn at night and sleep in different positions? If so, I’ve got some news for you – you’re a combo sleeper. Thankfully, there are mattresses built for people just like you – mattresses like the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.
The Signature Hybrid is an affordable hybrid mattress that contains high-quality materials such as individually wrapped coils, gel-infused foam, and a soft-to-the-touch quilted cover. And to boot, it is totally fiberglass-free.
As with the Saatva (which we’ll discuss further down the list), you have multiple firmness options with the Signature Hybrid. Combo sleepers will want to opt for the Luxury Firm as it provides a nice medium firmness for all three sleeping positions. You’ll get the support you need while back and stomach sleeping and the comfort you need while side sleeping.
What our testers say: “The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid hybrid offers a plush and innerspring feel. Thanks to the multiple foam layers, there is a bit of a pillow top feel. There’s a good bounce to it, which makes it an especially good fit for combination sleepers and those preferring a “springy” sleeping surface.” ” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Signature Hybrid
- The Signature Hybrid comes in multiple firmness options. We reviewed the Medium model specifically, which works very well for back sleepers and average-weight combination sleepers, thanks to its middle-of-the-road firmness that combines equal amounts of comfort and support.
- The WinkBed earned a good score on our edge support test. Strong edge support means the perimeter of the bed will do a great job supporting your weight, even as you sit or lie on it.
What to Keep in Mind About the Signature Hybrid
- The Signature Hybrid doesn’t provide a lot in the way of motion isolation. If you sleep with a partner and one or both of you are light sleepers, then you may find that your movements disturb one another on this mattress. If this is an issue for you, consider the Puffy Lux Hybrid instead.
Is There Fiberglass in the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid?
I spoke with Kalen again about the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid. They said, “All of our mattresses use the same fire retardant I mentioned earlier – a hydrated silica fiber sock.” Like the Plank, this fiber sock is used in place of fiberglass.
Other Customer reviews
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 10,429 reviews from the company website. Happy customers praise the comfort of the affordable mattress, with some saying it helped with their joint pain. However, some say that the quality of construction is poor, and the mattress deteriorates faster than expected.
Read the full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. If you aren’t interested in the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, check out our list of the best mattress for combination sleepers for more great options!
Plank Firm Mattress — Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers Without Fiberglass
The Plank Firm mattress is one of the most supportive mattresses on the market. It has a flippable design, with two firmness levels in one. On our firmness scale, the the softer side feels like a 8/10 and the firmer side feels like a 9/10. Both sides tend to work well for stomach sleepers, but most side sleepers won’t get enough pressure relief on this bed. Watch our video review to learn more.
Our Expert’s Take
One of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested, the Plank Firm may sound unappealing to some. However, this level of firmness is a great match for many types of people, particularly heavyweight sleepers and stomach sleepers.
One side of the Plank Firm comes in at an 8/10 on our firmness scale, and the other side ranks at a 9/10. This is a great value add, as the Plank Firm is basically two mattresses in one. You’ll get to try out both sides and select the one that works best for you. Though, if you’re a stomach sleeper, we think you’ll be happiest on the firmer side.
In addition to the flippability, one of our favorite aspects of the Plank Firm is its sturdy perimeter. Sleeping on the edge of this mattress won’t be a problem, as the sides didn’t sag under even our heaviest mattress tester. This is also important for seniors, as they often use the edges of the bed to support themselves as they get in and out.
What our testers say: “The [9/10] side of the mattress proved to be a great match for stomach sleeping. It is incredibly supportive and kept my hips fully elevated and aligned with my spine. This makes it one of the best mattresses for stomach sleeping.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Why We Love the Plank Firm
- We can’t overstate how much we appreciate a flippable mattress. Determining which firmness will work best for you can be difficult and even stressful. With a product like the Plank Firm you get two firmness in one. This may help ease your purchase anxiety a little bit.
- Testing the Plank Firm on our stomachs felt fantastic. The firm support kept our hips nice and elevated, which is very important if you’re hoping to avoid back pain.
What to Keep in Mind About the Plank Firm
- The same firmness that works wonders for stomach sleepers can make it a real challenge for side sleepers to sleep comfortably. Where stomach sleepers will want their hips to stay elevated, side sleepers need a mattress with enough give to allow their hips and shoulders to sink below the surface. We’d suggest the Bear Original if you primarily sleep on your side.
Is There Fiberglass in the Plank Firm?
Kalen, the customer service rep I spoke to about the Plank Firm, said, “We utilize a hydrated silica fiber sock as our flame-retardant material. It is important to clarify that this material does not contain fiberglass and is completely safe, non-toxic, and free from any harmful sprays.”
Other Customer reviews
The Plank Firm has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 2,822 user reviews from the company website. Stomach sleepers praise the mattress for providing a comfortable sleep surface and helping with their back pain. Like the Titan Plus, though, some customers found even this mattress too soft.
Read the full Plank Firm mattress review. If you aren’t interested in the Plank Firm, check out our list of the Best mattress for stomach sleepers for more great options!
Birch Natural — Best Latex Mattress Without Fiberglass
The Birch Natural is a great option if you’re looking for a sustainable, responsive bed. It features natural latex and individually wrapped coils for comfort and support. Its firmness is best suited to back and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs, though, so side sleeepers should opt for a softer bed, like the Helix Midnight. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you are looking for a latex mattress without fiberglass, I recommend the Birch Natural. Instead of fiberglass, it features organic wool. This acts as a natural fire retardant and also gives the top of the mattress a plush feel.
In addition, the Birch contains Talalay latex, organic cotton, and individually-wrapped coils. These create a firm, supportive sleeping surface that will work for both larger people, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers.
But, you can also add a plush Birch topper to the mattress. This will make the mattress feel softer and offer more pressure relief for you side sleepers out there.
What our testers say: “The Birch has a feel that you find with most latex mattresses — very bouncy. The combination of latex and coils make the mattress extremely responsive, so it’s easy to move around. You should sleep on top of the mattress without sinking in too far.” – Joe, Founder & Mattress Tester
What We Love About the Birch
- The Birch sleeps real cool. First off, the hybrid construction promotes breathability, so your body heat shouldn’t get trapped in the mattress layers. On top of that, the wool and latex in the comfort layers add even more breathability on top of the layer of coils.
- Based on our assessment of the construction, the Birch is very durable. It isn’t the most affordable mattress, but at least you’ll know that with proper care the Birch will last you for upwards of ten years.
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch
- This mattress likely won’t be soft enough for most side sleepers. As we’ve discussed, a soft mattress is needed for side sleepers to get good pressure relief around their shoulders and hips.
- Once again, we’re talking about motion isolation. This mattress may make it difficult for you to sleep soundly when sharing the bed with a restless partner. If you sleep with a partner take a look at our best mattresses for couples to find a great motion isolation mattress.
Is There Fiberglass in the Birch Natural?
Felix, the same person I spoke to about the Helix Dawn, told me that, “Our mission is to build Birch products with materials sourced from nature. We use 4 elements: 100% GOTS Certified Organic Wool, Natural Talalay Latex, Organic Cotton, and USA Manufactured Steel.” Fiberglass is nowhere to be found in the Birch Natural.
Other Customer reviews
The Birch mattress has an average score of 4.6 out of 5, based on 4,161 reviews left on the company website. Customers praise the Birch’s sturdiness and its organic construction. Some, however, complained that it’s lumpy and causes back pain.
Read the full Birch Natural mattress review. If you aren’t interested in the Birch Natural Mattress, check out our list of best organic mattresses for more great options!
Why Do Mattresses Have Fiberglass?
Mattresses contain materials that can be extremely flammable, so it is required that every mattress features some sort of fire retardant. While higher-end mattresses feature fire retardants like organic wool, this can be more expensive. Fiberglass is a cheaper alternative and still works to slow the spread of fire.
Is it Safe to Sleep on a Fiberglass Mattress
If your mattress does have fiberglass, it is most likely found in the fire sock. This lays between the outer cover and inner foams and coils of your mattress. If you do not open your mattress or cut into it, you will rarely interact with fiberglass.
If the fiberglass does escape your mattress, it may make your skin itchy or your eyes red. If inhaled, fiberglass can affect your breathing and exacerbate asthma.
We asked our medical expert, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, for his take on fiberglass in mattresses. Watch the video below to get his advice on whether mattresses made with fiberglass are safe.
How to Look for Fiberglass in a Mattress
Check the Tag
The easiest way to tell if your current mattress contains fiberglass is by looking at the tag. Mattress manufacturers are legally required to disclose any materials that their products contain, so if there is fiberglass in your mattress it will be listed on the tag as ‘glass fiber’.
Reach Out to Customer Service
If you’re shopping for a new mattress and want to make sure that the mattress you’re interested in is fiberglass-free, simply reach out to a customer service representative and ask. Most bed-in-a-box websites have live chat features where you can easily speak to an informed employee who will be able to address your concerns on fiberglass. In fact, when choosing mattresses for this article we reached out to each company directly, just to be confident that we were making the right selections.
Look for Certifications
Many mattresses boast vague sounding certifications like OEKO-TEX and CertiPUR-US. While companies don’t always explicitly state what these certifications mean, they are a good sign. Even though they don’t necessarily indicate that a mattress is fiberglass free, they demonstrate that the brand has taken steps to ensure a product that is safe for the customer and even sustainably manufactured.
What To Consider When Buying A Mattress Without Fiberglass
When you’re shopping for a mattress without fiberglass, keep this list handy. It will steer you right and help you find the right mattress for you.
Read The Fine Print
If you’ve found a mattress that you really like, make sure the mattress doesn’t really have fiberglass in it. Most brands don’t advertise “fiberglass” in red letters on the homepage. Look at the specific mattress materials and, when in doubt, use the brand’s chat feature and ask a rep directly, like we did.
Price
Mattresses that contain fiberglass tend to be on the cheaper end of the price spectrum. That said, even if you’re shopping on a budget you can still find quality mattresses that contain no fiberglass. In fact, the Bear Original is very reasonably priced and sits at the top of this list.
Durability
If you’re staying away from cheap mattresses with fiberglass, your new mattress might be more of an investment. Research the mattress to see what types of materials it features. Does it feature high-density foam and high-grade coils or low-density foam that will sag after only a few years? Make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Materials
You may have noticed our roundup almost exclusively boasts hybrid mattresses, rather than all-foam beds. That’s because mattress type and construction materials often correlate with whether a mattress will use fiberglass. Why? Because the more budget-friendly all-foam beds are the most likely culprits to use fiberglass. There are exceptions, of course — an all-latex-foam bed is more likely to use wool over fiberglass, given that consumers seeking latex are often seeking a more natural option. Regardless of mattress type, look for beds with certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or CertiPUR-US, as these indicate more natural materials.
Summary
Again, here are the best mattresses without fiberglass.
| Mattress | Best For |
| Bear Original | Best Value Mattress Without Fiberglass |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Best Mattress for Back Sleepers Without Fiberglass |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Best Hybrid Mattress Without Fiberglass |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Luxury Mattress Without Fiberglass |
| Helix Dawn | Best Firm Mattress Without Fiberglass |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Best Mattress for Combo Sleepers Without Fiberglass |
| Plank Firm | Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers Without Fiberglass |
| Birch Natural | Best Latex Mattress Without Fiberglass |
Best Mattress Without Fiberglass FAQ’s
What is fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a combination of plastic and glass fibers, and is often used in building materials, airplanes, and roofing. And because mattresses have strict fire safety standards, you’ll often see fiberglass in their construction. Fiberglass is heat resistant and acts as a flame barrier.
Do all mattresses have fiberglass?
No, not all mattresses have fiberglass. Some contain fiberglass as a fire retardant, but many use wool or other natural material instead.
Is it safe to sleep on a mattress with fiberglass?
Some experts say that as long as the fiberglass stays inside your mattress, you are safe. However, some people complain about itchy eyes and skin irritation when sleeping on a mattress with fiberglass. In addition, if ingested or breathed in, fiberglass can be dangerous.
