Dangers of Fiberglass in Mattresses

Fiberglass is a material made up of tiny, glass-like fibers that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. It’s sometimes used in mattresses to meet fire safety standards, but there are potential health risks associated with exposure.

Here are some of the dangers of fiberglass in mattresses:

- Skin irritation: Fiberglass can cause itching, redness, and rashes when it comes into contact with the skin. The tiny fibers can become embedded in the skin, making it even more irritating.

- Eye irritation: Fiberglass can cause eye irritation, redness, and tearing. If fibers become embedded in the eye, they can cause more serious damage, such as scratches or corneal scarring.

- Respiratory problems: Inhaling fiberglass particles can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to fiberglass has been linked to more serious respiratory problems, such as asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.

How to reduce your risk of exposure to fiberglass in mattresses:

- If you’re buying a new mattress, choose one that doesn’t contain fiberglass. There are many safe and effective alternatives available.

- If you already have a mattress that contains fiberglass, make sure to keep the cover on it. This will help to prevent the fibers from escaping.

- Invest in a mattress protector. This will add an extra layer of protection between you and the fiberglass.

- Wash your bedding regularly. This will help to remove any fiberglass particles that have accumulated on your sheets and blankets.

- Be careful when removing or cleaning the mattress cover. Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from exposure.

If you think you may have been exposed to fiberglass, it’s important to see a doctor. They can assess your symptoms and recommend treatment.

Fiberglass mattresses have been a topic of concern for many consumers due to the potential health risks associated with their use. Fiberglass is a common material used in the construction of mattresses, and while it is an effective insulator, it can pose a serious health risk if it becomes airborne.

When fiberglass fibers become airborne, they can easily be inhaled or come into contact with the skin. This can lead to a range of health issues, including irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Long-term exposure to fiberglass can also cause more serious health problems, such as lung cancer.

To mitigate these risks, many manufacturers now use alternative materials, such as foam or cotton, in the construction of their mattresses. However, some cheaper or lower-quality models may still contain fiberglass, so it is important for consumers to carefully research the materials used in any mattress they are considering purchasing.

If you currently have a fiberglass mattress, it is important to take precautions to prevent the fibers from becoming airborne. This can include using a mattress cover, vacuuming the mattress regularly, and avoiding cutting or tearing the mattress. If you are experiencing any health issues that may be related to fiberglass exposure, it is important to consult with a medical professional immediately.

Overall, while fiberglass mattresses may be effective insulators, the potential health risks associated with their use make them a less desirable option for many consumers.

Latest News on Fiberglass in Mattresses

“After a man revealed he’d been sleeping on a fiberglass-filled mattress that was making him vomit and break out in rashes, nearly a dozen mattress companies sent him free beds” (Insider, December 2022)
“Fiberglass in mattresses? TikTok prompts warning: experts” (Miami Herald, December 2022)
“Woman finds fiberglass in mattress, ruins her apartment: ‘I likely just have to move out of my apartment'” (Yahoo Sports, December 2022)
“Woman finds fiberglass in mattress, ruins her apartment: ‘I likely just have to move out of my apartment'” (In The Know, December 2022)
“Family says fiberglass from mattress caused health problems” (WTAE, December 2022)

These stories all highlight the potential health risks of fiberglass in mattresses. Fiberglass is a material made of tiny glass fibers that are often used as a fire retardant in mattresses. However, fiberglass can be harmful if it is inhaled or ingested. Symptoms of fiberglass exposure can include skin irritation, respiratory problems, and eye inflammation.

If you are concerned about the safety of your mattress, you can take the following steps:

Check the label of your mattress to see if it contains fiberglass.
If your mattress does contain fiberglass, make sure that the mattress cover is intact and that you do not unzip the cover unless absolutely necessary.
If you do unzip the mattress cover, be sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from exposure to fiberglass.
If you experience any symptoms of fiberglass exposure, such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, or eye inflammation, see a doctor immediately.

It is important to note that not all mattresses contain fiberglass. If you are concerned about the safety of your mattress, you can contact the manufacturer to ask if your mattress contains fiberglass. You can also search for mattresses that are labeled as “fiberglass-free.”

There are a number of mattress brands and models that may contain fiberglass. Some of the most common brands include:

Ashley Furniture
Zinus
Nectar
Vibe
Olee Sleep
Lull
Linenspa
Layla

It is important to note that not all mattresses from these brands contain fiberglass. You can check the label of your mattress to see if it contains fiberglass. If you are concerned about the safety of your mattress, you can contact the manufacturer to ask if your mattress contains fiberglass. You can also search for mattresses that are labeled as “fiberglass-free.”

Here are some tips for avoiding fiberglass mattresses:

Read the label of your mattress carefully. If the label says “fiberglass,” do not buy the mattress.
Ask the manufacturer if your mattress contains fiberglass.
Search for mattresses that are labeled as “fiberglass-free.”
Consider buying a mattress from a reputable brand that has a good reputation for safety.

If you are concerned about the safety of your mattress, you can take the following steps:

Check the label of your mattress to see if it contains fiberglass.
If your mattress does contain fiberglass, make sure that the mattress cover is intact and that you do not unzip the cover unless necessary.
If you do unzip the mattress cover, be sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from exposure to fiberglass.
If you experience any symptoms of fiberglass exposure, such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, or eye inflammation, see a doctor immediately.

There have been a number of lawsuits filed against mattress manufacturers alleging that their products contain fiberglass and that this fiberglass can cause health problems. Some of the most notable lawsuits include:

A class-action lawsuit filed against Zinus in 2020 alleges that the company’s mattresses contain fiberglass and that this fiberglass can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and eye inflammation.
A class-action lawsuit filed against Ashley Furniture in 2021 alleges that the company’s mattresses contain fiberglass and that this fiberglass can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and eye inflammation.
A class-action lawsuit filed against Nectar in 2022 alleges that the company’s mattresses contain fiberglass and that this fiberglass can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and eye inflammation.

These lawsuits are still ongoing, and it is not yet clear whether the plaintiffs will be successful. However, the fact that these lawsuits have been filed suggests that there is a growing concern about the safety of fiberglass mattresses.

Who To Contact if You Have Fiberglass in Your Mattress

If you have discovered fiberglass in your mattress, there are several people you can contact depending on your situation:

1. The mattress manufacturer:

- This is the first point of contact and the most important one. Look for the manufacturer’s contact information on the mattress tag or website.

- Explain the situation and inform them about your concerns regarding the fiberglass presence.

- Inquire about their policies for dealing with such issues. Some manufacturers might offer repair, replacement, or even a full refund depending on the specific situation and warranty of your mattress.

2. The retailer where you purchased the mattress:

- If you bought the mattress from a store, contact them and explain the problem.

- They might be able to help you mediate with the manufacturer or offer alternative solutions like store credit or exchange.

3. Consumer protection agencies:

- If you are not satisfied with the response from the manufacturer or retailer, you can contact your local consumer protection agency.

- They can provide guidance and support in filing a complaint and potentially mediating a resolution.

4. A lawyer:

- In rare cases, if you have suffered significant health problems due to fiberglass exposure and believe the manufacturer or retailer is negligent, you might consider consulting a lawyer.

- They can help assess your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit.

It’s also important to document everything:

- Take pictures of the fiberglass on your mattress.

- Keep copies of any communication you have with the manufacturer, retailer, or any other relevant parties.

- Track your health symptoms and any medical bills related to potential fiberglass exposure.

By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of getting a fair and satisfactory resolution to the problem.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): https://www.cpsc.gov/

- The Better Business Bureau (BBB): https://www.bbb.org/search

Your local consumer protection agency: You can find contact information for your local agency online or by calling your state government’s consumer affairs office.

Fiberglass Abatement

Getting rid of fiberglass particles from your room if your mattress has fiberglass can be tricky, but it’s important to do it thoroughly to protect your health. Here are the steps you can follow:

Preparation:

1. Protect yourself: Before you start, wear protective gear like gloves, a mask, and long sleeves and pants to avoid skin irritation. Consider wearing goggles if you’re concerned about eye irritation.

1. Move bedding and other items: Remove all bedding, blankets, pillows, and any other fabric items from the room. Wash them in hot water with a good quality detergent, and dry them on low heat. This will help to remove any fiberglass particles that have attached to them.

1. Open windows and doors: If possible, open windows and doors to create good ventilation in the room. This will help to disperse fiberglass particles in the air and make it easier to remove them.

Cleaning:

1. HEPA vacuuming: The most effective way to remove fiberglass particles is to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are designed to capture very small particles, including fiberglass. Vacuum the entire room thoroughly, paying close attention to areas where fiberglass particles are likely to have accumulated, such as the floor, mattress frame, and furniture.

1. Lint rollers: Use lint rollers to pick up fiberglass particles from surfaces that are difficult to vacuum, such as walls, baseboards, and furniture upholstery.

1. Damp cloths: For surfaces that can’t be vacuumed or rolled, use damp cloths to wipe away fiberglass particles. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the cloths, and dispose of them properly after use.

Additional tips:

- Avoid dry dusting: Dry dusting can stir up fiberglass particles and make them airborne. Opt for vacuuming or damp cloths instead.

- Change air filters: After cleaning, change the air filters in your air conditioner and furnace. This will help to remove any fiberglass particles that have been circulated through the air.

- Monitor your health: If you experience any symptoms of fiberglass exposure, such as skin irritation, eye irritation, or respiratory problems, see a doctor immediately.

Remember: It’s important to be patient and thorough when cleaning up fiberglass particles. It may take several rounds of cleaning to completely remove all of the fibers from your room.

Is it Still Legal to Make Mattresses with Fiberglass?

it is still legal to have fiberglass in mattresses in most parts of the world, including the United States. This is because the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires all mattresses sold in the U.S. to meet a certain level of fire safety. Fiberglass is one of the materials that can be used to meet this standard.

However, there are some concerns about the health risks associated with fiberglass exposure. Fiberglass can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. Inhaling fiberglass particles can even lead to more serious health problems, such as asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about fiberglass in mattresses:

- Many consumers are unaware that their mattresses contain fiberglass. Mattress manufacturers are not required to disclose the presence of fiberglass on the label.

- There are safe and effective alternatives to fiberglass that can be used to meet fire safety standards. Some mattress manufacturers are already using these alternatives in their products.

California is the only state in the U.S. that has banned the use of fiberglass in mattresses. The ban will take effect in 2027.

Fiberglass Alternatives for Mattresses

Fiberglass is a commonly used fire retardant in mattresses, but due to potential health concerns, many people are looking for alternatives. Here are some popular fiberglass alternatives in mattress construction:

Natural materials:

- Wool: Wool is naturally fire-resistant and has excellent temperature regulation properties. It’s a popular choice for organic and luxury mattresses.

- Cotton: Cotton is naturally flame-retardant and breathable. It’s often used in mattress covers and quilted layers.

- Kapok: Kapok is a plant-based fiber with natural fire-resistant properties and good moisture absorption. It’s becoming increasingly popular as a mattress filling material.

- Plant-based thistle: This thistle plant fibers are used by some mattress brands like Saatva as a natural fire barrier.

Chemical-based alternatives:

- Polycarbonate: This synthetic fire retardant is effective and widely used. However, it’s non-breathable and may off-gas harmful chemicals.

- Sodium polyphosphate: This is a mineral-based fire retardant that is considered safe and non-toxic. It’s used by some mattress brands like Avocado.

- Melamine: This is a synthetic fire retardant that is relatively new to the mattress industry. While it’s considered safe, its long-term effects are still under study.

Other alternatives:

- Barrier technology: Some mattress brands use a special fabric barrier woven into the mattress cover to meet fire safety standards. This eliminates the need for any fire retardant filling materials.

- Encapsulation: Encapsulating the mattress foam in a separate fabric layer can help to prevent fire from spreading.

Things to consider when choosing a mattress without fiberglass:

- Price: Mattresses with natural fire retardants like wool or kapok tend to be more expensive than those with fiberglass or synthetic alternatives.

- Performance: Some alternative materials may offer different levels of fire protection, comfort, and breathability than fiberglass.

Certifications: Look for mattresses with certifications from organizations like CertiPUR-US or Oeko-Tex, which guarantee the absence of harmful chemicals.