Have you heard of the negative buzz around mattresses having fiberglass? If you’ve been searching the internet for a mattress good for back pain, chances are you did. But did you know that fiberglass can cause skin rashes and other health risks?
Numerous lawsuits against the producers speak volumes about the health risks associated with fiberglass mattresses. However, what precisely is this fiberglass? Why are businesses still using it in beds?
Here is all you need to know about fiberglass and how you can protect yourself from its harmful effects.
Let’s figure it out!
What is Fiberglass?
For those who are unfamiliar, fiberglass is a composite material made up of two parts: glass and reinforced plastic. Though high-end mattress companies no longer use fiberglass, many online and retail stores sell mattresses that use fiberglass. Why? Because it’s a fire-retardant material that is cheap, durable, and easy to mass produce.
Fiberglass is a common component of mattresses, particularly orthopedic memory foam mattresses. Boats and airplanes are two additional items that can use fiberglass. However, businesses most frequently use it for wall insulation.
Which Mattresses Comprise Fiberglass?
The mattress foam or covers must meet fire-resistant standards before being cleared for sale. Fiberglass serves as a great fire-retardant alternative that is affordable, chemical-free, and used by many manufacturers for this purpose. Even when some mattress claims to be free of heavy metals and dangerous fire-resistant chemicals, it only applies to foam.
The chemicals may still be present in the mattress cover. As a result, unzipping or uncovering the mattress may expose you to fiberglass. Numerous such mattresses contain fiberglass, and it can be difficult to tell whether a mattress or its cover contains fiberglass.
However, some pointers can help you spot whether fiberglass is present in the mattress.
How to Spot Fiberglass When Searching for a Mattress?
Buying a mattress is not an easy choice. You may want to find the best orthopedic mattress for lower back pain or a comfy mattress for a good night’s sleep. In addition, the bed shouldn’t be made of fiberglass to avoid any resulting health problems. Therefore, it’s crucial to have an eye out for high-quality mattresses devoid of fiberglass.
However, how can you tell if a mattress is free of fiberglass? Here is a list of warning signs you can look out for to avoid buying the wrong bed pad for your home.
See the Label or Website
Always check the labels or website of the mattresses to see if they have fiberglass. You may want to pick a company that is transparent about what materials it uses to meet fireproofing norms and the other materials in its products.
Look for Greenwash Terms
Companies sometimes use misleading terms to sell their product to customers. Since most people are aware of the risks associated with fiberglass, they may intentionally mislead consumers by using terms like silica, glass wool, and glass fiber.
Look for another safe orthopedic mattress if you find any of these terms or similar ones on the tags.
Price and Origin
The low price and origin of the mattress company quick tell if the mattress has fiberglass or not. Most of the low single bed mattress price beds have fiberglass contents. If you’re buying a king-size mattress size less than the average cost, it’s wise to glance at its tag.
In addition, many nations, including China, have less strict laws governing the materials used in mattresses. So, there are more chances that fiberglass is present in beds from such countries.
Check the Cover
If the mattress cover cannot be removed, it typically means that the 6-inch mattress contains fiberglass. The “don’t remove the cover” label is added by the manufacturer when they don’t want you to expose the fiberglass. Hence, steer clear of such mattresses.
When in Doubt, Ask Questions
If you’re unsure whether the mattress contains fiberglass, don’t hesitate to ask questions. If the best orthopedic mattress for back pain is fiberglass free, they will give a straight answer. If not, it’s a clear red flag, and you would want to head in the opposite direction.
What to Do If My Mattress Has Fiberglass?
As you now know how to spot a bed floor mattress that has fiberglass in it or not, it’s time to learn what’s next. Don’t panic if you already have a fiberglass mattress, first and foremost. If your bed is in decent shape, you might not experience any problems.
Since fiberglass isn’t toxic, you can take precautions to avoid letting it off the bedding. But the question remains – how to keep the fiberglass attached to the mattress? Let’s dig in!
Use Mattress Covers
It’s okay to use the fiberglass mattress as long as you’re careful and aware of the fiberglass in it. You may want to use high-quality mattress covers for your memory foam mattress with fiberglass. Or you can also get a sealed mattress protector to reduce the risk of fiberglass exposure.
Avoid Removing the Cover
As long as possible, never remove the cover of your fiberglass mattress. It will ensure that the small loose fiberglass remains within the mattress cover and stays away from your skin. If the bed gets damaged or torn, handle it with utmost caution.
A fiberglass mattress’ release of fibers is possible if the cover is removed. You might not want to do it at all times.
Replace the Mattress
Get rid of the mattress if it’s torn or damaged. You may want to get the best orthopedic mattress in India, which doesn’t contain fiberglass. However, ensure to read the label before purchasing a new mattress. And consider buying an organic or coir foam mattress that is fiberglass free.
The Bottom Line
The best choice for cozy, hygienic, and high-quality sleep is to find a mattress without fiberglass. Along with comparing king-size mattress prices, it’s critical to search for a mattress without fiberglass. So be sure to carefully read the list of materials used when buying beds. And think about choosing mattresses with natural fire retardants.
There are plenty of safe and comfortable options, so a bit of research and awareness can make a big difference. It will allow you to find the best single-bed mattress price that isn’t harmful to your health.