Do Amerisleep Mattresses Have Fiberglass?

Amerisleep, a well-known mattress brand, often gets questions about whether its mattresses contain fiberglass, a common concern for health-conscious shoppers. This article looks at the materials Amerisleep uses and what they mean for safety.

We’ll walk through what fiberglass is, why some mattresses use it, and how to tell whether a mattress contains it, so you can make an informed choice.

Dr. Jordan Burns, DC, MS, eachnight’s lead mattress tester, has tested Amerisleep mattresses and reviewed the brand’s published materials and fiberglass-free claims.

About the Amerisleep Mattress Brand

Amerisleep stands out in the crowded mattress-in-a-box market by skipping the traditional “good, better, best” tiered approach many brands use. Instead, it offers a range of models in different firmness levels, along with an extensive selection of sizes, from twin to split king.

In addition to comfort, Amerisleep says it is committed to environmental responsibility. The brand uses Bio-Pur® memory foam, which replaces part of the petroleum-based ingredients in traditional memory foam with plant-based oils, and its memory foams are CertiPUR-US® certified.

Amerisleep has made Bio-Pur® in the USA since 2009 and says the foam is designed to promote airflow. The brand has also expanded into accessories like pillows, bedding, and adjustable bed frames.

Amerisleep offers a 100-night sleep trial so customers can test their mattress at home, and its mattresses are backed by a 20-year warranty.

Amerisleep says its mattresses are made without fiberglass. Its Organica line uses a layer of Joma Wool® as a natural flame barrier. As a result, shoppers can choose from a range of mattresses, including memory foam, hybrid, and latex options, without fiberglass concerns.

What Is Fiberglass?

Fiberglass is a material made of extremely fine glass fibers, also called fibrous glass or glass wool. It’s widely used for insulation in buildings and in many household products, and it’s also found in some mattresses.

Although fiberglass can help mattresses meet the flammability standards set by the U.S. government for mattresses, it can cause irritation if it escapes, so it’s worth understanding.

Why is Fiberglass Inside Mattresses?

All mattresses sold in the United States, including mattresses manufactured in the United States and imported ones, must meet federal flammability standards. These standards are designed to slow how quickly a mattress burns, giving people more time to wake up and get out.

Historically, chemical flame retardants were common in mattresses. Due to health concerns about some of these chemicals, many manufacturers looked for alternatives, and some turned to fiberglass because it’s inexpensive and doesn’t give off chemical fumes.

Fiberglass works as a fire barrier because glass doesn’t burn easily. When exposed to flame, the fiberglass layer helps shield the mattress’s inner materials and slow the spread of fire, buying time to wake up and get out safely.

Despite these benefits, fiberglass in mattresses has raised concerns among consumers. Problems can happen when fiberglass isn’t well contained or when manufacturers don’t clearly disclose it. If the mattress cover is removed or damaged, fiberglass particles can escape, irritating the skin and spreading through the home. Cleaning up fiberglass contamination can be very difficult and sometimes requires professional help, which is why transparency from manufacturers matters.

The Hazards of Fiberglass

Fiberglass is used in mattresses mainly because of its low cost and effectiveness as a flame retardant when it stays contained inside the mattress. Even so, it’s important to understand what can happen if it gets out.

Fiberglass fibers can get stuck in the skin, causing itching, redness, and irritation, sometimes with a rash.

Fiberglass in the eyes can cause irritation, and breathing in the fibers can irritate the nose and throat, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. These effects are usually temporary once exposure stops.

The risk is low when fiberglass is securely sealed inside the mattress. However, movement and pressure during sleep may allow fibers to work through small openings or tears in a low-quality or damaged cover.

If fiberglass reaches the surface, it can come into contact with the sleeper. Once fibers are released into your home, they can be a significant cleanup challenge.

The Illinois Department of Public Health notes there is inadequate evidence that the glass wool fibers used in home insulation cause cancer in humans. Still, people with asthma or other breathing problems may be more bothered by airborne fibers, so it’s best to avoid exposure. If you have trouble breathing or symptoms that don’t go away, see a doctor.

Exploring Fiberglass Alternatives in Mattresses

For shoppers who want to avoid fiberglass, many mattresses use other fire barrier materials. Natural wool is often used in organic latex mattresses and other mattress types because it naturally resists flame.

Wool is slow to ignite, in part because of its natural moisture and protein content, and when it does burn, it tends to smolder and char rather than burst into flames.

Natural or organic wool can help mattresses meet U.S. flammability standards, and it also helps manage heat and moisture for comfortable sleep. Beyond wool, other natural materials like thistle and flame-resistant plant fibers can also work as flame barriers, though they may cost more. In some mattresses, graphite is included for cooling and may also be part of the fire barrier.

Synthetic alternatives to fiberglass include fire-resistant rayon and polyester blends, often combined with silica. Kevlar, a strong synthetic material developed by DuPont, is another option. It resists melting and high temperatures, making it an effective fire-resistant layer without fiberglass.

Research on durable, heat-resistant materials continues for a range of thermal protection uses, from firefighter and military gear to car engines and mattresses.

Purchasing a Fiberglass-Free Mattress: A Guide

Choosing a mattress means paying attention to both comfort and safety. Many brands promote their mattresses as fiberglass-free, but it’s worth checking the details. To shop for a mattress without fiberglass, consider these steps.

Understanding Misleading Terminology

Watch for unclear language. Fiberglass may be listed under other names, such as “glass fiber,” “glass wool,” or “glass-reinforced” materials. This is similar to “greenwashing,” where terms like “natural” and “eco-friendly” are used loosely without clear standards.

Price as an Indicator

Very low-priced mattresses are more likely to use fiberglass as a cost-cutting measure, though price alone doesn’t tell you for sure. Budget brands that have used fiberglass in at least some models, according to our brand guides, include:

• Ashley Furniture mattresses
• Olee Sleep mattresses
• Allswell mattresses
• Vibe mattresses
• Molblly mattresses

It’s also possible to find budget-friendly mattresses without fiberglass, though it may take extra research. Some affordable brands that say their mattresses are fiberglass-free include:

• Sweetnight mattresses
• Novilla mattresses
• Tuft and Needle mattresses
• Puffy mattresses
• Most IKEA mattresses
• Zoma mattresses
• Vaya mattresses

Materials can change over time, so always confirm the current fire barrier with the brand before you buy. With some research, you can find mattresses that fit your budget without fiberglass.

Leveraging Customer Feedback

When shopping, customer reviews and third-party evaluations can help, especially for mattresses sold by large online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair. Reviews may mention fiberglass problems. Check the dates, though, since manufacturers sometimes change their materials over time.

Assessing the Place of Manufacture

Where a mattress is made can also be worth checking. Every mattress sold in the U.S. must meet the same federal flammability standard, whether it’s made here or imported, but brands vary in how clearly they disclose their materials. Some brands that make mattresses overseas have faced complaints about fiberglass. For details on specific brands, see our guides on Zinus mattresses, Linenspa, and Lucid.

The Significance of Non-Removable Covers

A “do not remove cover” warning is worth paying attention to. This guidance often protects the mattress’s inner layers and may be there to keep fiberglass from escaping. If you see this warning, contact the manufacturer and ask what the fire barrier is made of, and don’t remove the cover.

The Safety Net of Sleep Trials

If you accidentally buy a mattress that contains fiberglass, a sleep trial can give you a way out. Sleep trials, which often last several months, let you test an online mattress at home. Beyond comfort, a sleep trial period can let you return or exchange a mattress if you find out it contains fiberglass.

How to Identify a Mattress with Fiberglass

When shopping for a new mattress, there are a few ways to find out whether it contains fiberglass:

• Check the law tag, product description, and specifications: Look for terms like “glass fiber,” “glass wool,” or “fiberglass.” Fire barriers made with silica blends, such as hydrated silica with rayon, are a different material and aren’t fiberglass.
• Contact the manufacturer: If the information isn’t easy to find, ask the company’s customer support team what the fire barrier is made of.
• Read customer reviews: Look for reviews that mention fiberglass or related problems, such as itching or skin irritation.

These steps can help you make an informed decision and avoid buying a mattress that contains fiberglass.

Do I Need to Replace a Fiberglass Mattress?

Not necessarily. A mattress with fiberglass that stays sealed inside an intact cover is generally low risk. But if you’d rather not keep it and can’t return it, you may want to consider replacing it. In the meantime, a high-quality, tightly woven mattress protector or zippered encasement can add an extra barrier against loose fibers.

Check your mattress cover regularly for wear, holes, or tears that could let fibers escape, and never remove a cover that’s labeled not to be removed. To check for fiberglass particles in your bedroom, you can try a simple test using a flashlight in a dark room, which can make tiny glass fibers glint.

When it’s time to replace your mattress, keep the cover intact, wrap the mattress in plastic before moving it, and contact your local waste management service or a mattress recycling program for guidance on safe disposal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of a fiberglass mattress?

If fiberglass escapes from your mattress, you may notice itching, irritation, and redness on your skin, sometimes with a rash or small, itchy bumps. Breathing in fibers can irritate your nose and throat and may cause coughing. If you have trouble breathing, get medical care.

Not everyone reacts the same way to fiberglass, and some people are more sensitive than others.

What should I do with a fiberglass mattress?

If your mattress contains fiberglass and you want to get rid of it, be careful. Don’t remove the cover, since fibers can get into the air and spread around your home, which is hard to clean up.

Wrap the mattress in plastic before moving it, and contact your local waste management service or a mattress recycling center for guidance on safe disposal.

What does it feel like when you have fiberglass on you?

Fiberglass on the skin can feel itchy, prickly, or stinging, like tiny splinters. You may also notice redness or discomfort.

Don’t rub or scratch the area. Wash your skin gently with soap and warm water to remove fibers, and wash any exposed clothing separately. If fiberglass gets in your eyes, flush them with water. If irritation doesn’t go away or gets worse, see a doctor.

Can fiberglass seep through a mattress cover?

Generally not through an intact, well-made cover. Mattress covers are designed to keep the inner layers, including any fiberglass, contained.

However, if the cover is damaged or has openings, it may not contain fiberglass as well. Thin or loosely woven covers on some lower-quality mattresses may also let fibers through. If you’re concerned, a tightly woven mattress protector or zippered encasement can add another barrier.

Do all boxed mattresses have fiberglass?

No. Not all mattresses in a box contain fiberglass. Some brands use it as a low-cost fire barrier, but many use other fire-resistant materials instead.

If you have concerns about a specific boxed mattress, check the law tag, product description, and specifications. If you still can’t tell, contact the manufacturer and ask what the fire barrier is made of.

Concerns Regarding Fiberglass in Mattresses Takeaway

Fiberglass is used in many bed-in-a-box mattresses as a low-cost fire barrier, which has raised concerns because of how hard it is to clean up if it escapes. Loose fiberglass can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.

Amerisleep says all of its mattresses are made without fiberglass. The brand offers a range of firmness levels, from soft to firm, so different sleepers can find a good fit. Choosing an Amerisleep mattress means you can sleep without fiberglass concerns while getting the comfort that fits your needs.