Fiberglass—a material made of plastic that’s been strengthened by extremely small glass fibers—functions as a flame retardant in some mattresses. More recently, though, shoppers have become increasingly aware of its potential dangers.
When exposed to fiberglass, your eyes, skin, and respiratory system can become irritated, and long-term air exposure to fiberglass may cause lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis.1 If your mattress contains fiberglass, it’s unlikely that the fibers will escape if you keep the cover on the bed. But if you feel like playing it safe anyway, I’ve got your back.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of fiberglass-free mattresses. These beds use alternative flame-retardant materials, such as rayon or organic wool.
Top Mattresses Without Fiberglass
Our Video Review of Mattresses Without Fiberglass
Compare Mattresses Without Fiberglass
Bear Original Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Saatva Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
Rating | |||||||||
Firmness | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
Cooling | — | — | — | — | |||||
Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | 25-year warranty |
Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
Trial Period | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights |
Best For | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Couples, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs.
For this roundup, we focused on the best beds without fiberglass and offered recommendations. We considered several factors when creating our list, including different sleeping positions, cooling elements, motion isolation, firmness, edge support, and more.
We also consulted the expertise of our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, for his thoughts on fiberglass-free beds.
Bear Original – Editor’s Pick
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Bear Original Earned Best Fiberglass-Free Mattress Overall
Fiberglass is commonly found in memory foam mattresses, so shopping for this kind of bed can be tough if you want to avoid the material. Thankfully, Bear’s mattresses—including their all-foam model, the Bear Original—do not incorporate any fiberglass into their layers.
Their beds also boast two key safety certifications: one from CertiPUR-US® and one from GREENGUARD Gold. The first guarantees that the foams inside the Bear Original are free of harmful ingredients you may find in lower-quality foams, such as ozone depleters and heavy metals. The second signifies that the bed will not compromise your indoor air quality with chemical emissions. You won’t see these certifications on low-quality, suspiciously cheap foam beds.
These third-party certifications, along with the brand’s own stringent safety standards and the Original’s impressively supportive construction, netted it the top spot on this list.
What’s the Bear Original Made Of?
The Bear Original is 10 inches tall and has four layers if you count its initial cover.
Dig Into The Layers
- Layer 1 – Tencel™ Cover. Made with fibers derived from eucalyptus wood pulp, this cover is breathable and soft. You can also pay extra to replace it with a Celliant® cover, which, according to Bear, aids muscle recovery after the day’s activity.
- Layer 2 – Cooling Gel Memory Foam. While the foam contours to the shape of your silhouette and relieves pressure, the gel inside prevents heat buildup.
- Layer 3 – Bear Dynamic Foam. A supportive foam that also contributes to pressure relief from deeper in the bed.
- Layer 4 – High-Density Support Foam. The base of the bed is made of thick and long-lasting foam.
Do Bear Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?
No, Bear mattresses do not contain fiberglass. Instead, they have a rayon flame retardant called WhisperShield™, free from chemicals and substances known to cause adverse reactions.
What We Liked
- Firm for foam – Testers Mark and Stuart both appreciated how firm the Bear Original felt. “I did really like this bed when I laid on my back, and when I laid on my stomach. It was firm enough for those two positions,” said Stuart. Mark added, “It’s a little firmer than the typical all-foam mattress, which should make it a little bit more versatile for different kinds of sleepers.”
- Caters to couples – The Bear Original isolates motion very well, leading Stuart to deem it a great option for couples. “It’s not likely you’ll disturb one another’s sleep,” he said.
Potential Drawbacks
- Side sleepers may want more softness – “When I was laying on my side, it was maybe just a little bit too firm,” Mark reported. “I was comfortable, but I do think I would have a hard time sleeping on it overnight.”
- Edge support isn’t perfect – Stuart was pleased with the Bear Original’s edge support when lying on the side of the mattress, but when he sat up on the perimeter, he noticed it buckled quite a bit.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Original
According to Bear’s website, the Bear Original scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Bear Original mattress for its excellent pressure relief but have reported that its edge support may be lacking, which could affect those who use the full mattress surface.
Want to learn more? Read our in-depth Bear Original mattress review or browse our picks for the best mattresses of 2024.
Helix Midnight – Best Affordable Mattress Without Fiberglass
Helix Midnight Mattress
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Helix Midnight Earned Best Affordable Mattress Without Fiberglass
A queen-sized Helix Midnight shouldn’t cost you more than $1,500, and promotions that lower its price by hundreds of dollars are common. This fact is all the more impressive when you consider that it’s a hybrid model featuring both foam and springs.
Its affordability doesn’t come at the expense of craftsmanship—each one is handmade in an American facility, without any fiberglass. Because the brand produces its own coils and proprietary foams, they can keep a close eye on the quality of these materials.
Helix also distinguishes itself with CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold certifications, ensuring customers that their foams are free of certain dangerous components and that the mattress’s emissions meet exacting safety standards.
What’s the Helix Midnight Made Of?
The Helix Midnight is 11.5 inches tall and has six layers.
Dig Into the Mattress Layers
- Layer 1 – Cover. You can stay with the standard soft cover or order a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover for an additional fee.
- Layer 2 – Memory Plus Foam. This proprietary Helix foam lightly cradles the body’s pressure points.
- Layer 3 – Helix Responsive Foam. This foam has a springer feel than the Memory Plus Foam above, but should still mold to your body a bit.
- Layer 4 – Helix Responsive Foam. The subsequent layer of Helix Responsive Foam is more supportive than the one before it.
- Layer 5 – Coil Unit. The springs in the Helix Midnight are individually wrapped and reinforced on the long sides of the bed for edge support.
- Layer 6 – DuraDense Foam. The foam base at the bottom of the bed anchors the layers above.
Do Helix Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?
No, all Helix mattresses are constructed without any fiberglass. For fire protection, Helix mattresses have a thin foam layer made from chemical-free Rayon fiber.
What We Liked
- Nice price for a hybrid – The Helix Midnight is one of the brand’s core mattresses, and it’s available at an attractive price: less than $1,500 for a queen. Considering the cost of similarly constructed beds from competitors, this hybrid looks quite affordable.
- For back and side sleepers – Helix prescribes this mattress to side sleepers often, but my fellow testers and I were particularly fond of how it felt while lying on our backs.
Potential Drawbacks
- Stomach sleepers will need something firmer – After resting on my belly and feeling my hips sink into the Midnight a bit, I’m hesitant to recommend it to stomach sleepers.
- Limited edge support – This bed has reinforced coils on its long sides only. If you’re tall, you spread out a lot, or you appreciate a more complete sense of security, you might prefer a bed with edge support on all four sides.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight has over 6,500 reviews on Helix’s website, scoring at 4.5 out of 5. Some negative reviews mention feeling a dip in the middle of the bed when it’s shared with a partner. But overall, most users say they’re getting a great night’s sleep along with some pain relief.
To Learn More: Read our in-depth Helix Midnight mattress review or explore the best cheap mattresses.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Luxury Mattress Without Fiberglass
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Bear Elite Hybrid Earned Best Luxury Mattress Without Fiberglass
Hybrid beds combine the sturdiness of an innerspring unit with the cushioning of foam layers, resulting in a lovely balance of comfort and support. The Bear Elite Hybrid is a phenomenal example of this balance. It uses pressure-relieving memory foam to fill in the back’s lumbar region, and coils to lift the hips into neutral alignment. It’s also totally fiberglass-free.
What makes it a luxury bed, you ask? Well, it features zoned support, meaning it skews sturdier or plusher across its surface to accommodate different parts of the body. It has advanced cooling materials that helped it win a 4.5 out of 5 from us in that performance category. And, finally, it’s quite tall and imposing: a full 14 inches thick.
What’s the Bear Elite Hybrid Made Of?
The Bear Elite Hybrid is 14 inches tall and has five layers, including its cover.
Dig Into the Mattress Layers
- Layer 1 – Cover. Phase change material (PCM) in this cover helps to regulate temperature and keep you cool. For an extra fee, you can also add Celliant® fibers (a performance textile that may encourage muscle recovery).
- Layer 2 – Copper Memory Foam. A contouring, pressure-relieving foam infused with antibacterial and cooling copper.
- Layer 3 – Dynamic Transition Foam. This transitional foam conforms to your body along with the memory foam above, but also offers a higher degree of support in its role as the barrier between the foam and spring layers.
- Layer 4 – Pocketed Coils. The coil unit in the Bear Elite Hybrid has thicker coils in its midsection. This zone corresponds to the lumbar region of the back and gives targeted pushback to that sensitive area. The spring system also has reinforced coils along its sides for sturdy edge support.
- Layer 5 – High-Density Support Foam. At the base of the mattress, a layer of high-density foam holds everything together.
Do Bear Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?
No, Bear mattresses are fiberglass-free. They contain a rayon fire retardant called WhisperShield™.
What We Liked
- Cools quite well – The phase change material in the cover proved pretty effective in our testing studio: the surface temperature only rose 10 degrees after we laid on top of the bed, which is a below-average increase.
- Built-in lumbar support – As a stomach sleeper, I need a lot of lift around my hips and midsection. The Bear Elite Hybrid really delivered—I have no doubt back sleepers will love it.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not for lightweight side sleepers – While testing this bed on my side, I experienced just a bit of pressure buildup around my shoulder. Our lightweight tester, Loren, noticed even more.
- Motion isolation is just average – We gave the Bear Elite Hybrid a 3.5 out of 5 for motion isolation. So, it’s not terrible, but it’s not great either.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Elite Hybrid
According to Bear’s website, where the Bear Elite has over 3,700 reviews, the mattress scores 4.6 out of 5 stars. Some customers find the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress too firm for their liking, but it receives praise in its reviews for its advanced cooling technology and pressure relief.
To Learn More: Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid review or browse the best luxury beds.
Saatva – Best Mattress for Back Pain
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Saatva Classic Earned Best Mattress Without Fiberglass for Back Pain
The Saatva Classic is a superstar when it comes to addressing back pain. All throughout its construction, there are features specifically designed to support the lumbar region and keep your spine aligned. Its dual innerspring units give it outstanding durability and a bouncy feel, rather than the sinking you might experience on an all-foam bed.
Furthermore, this mattress has absolutely no fiberglass inside it. Saatva is committed to using safe, eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes—even the antimicrobial treatment they use on their mattress covers is botanically derived.
What’s the Saatva Classic Made Of?
The Saatva Classic is 11.5 or 14.5 inches tall, depending on which version you order. You can also choose between Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm feels.
Dig Into The Layers of the Saatva Classic
- Euro Pillow Top. A foam-lined Euro top with an organic cotton cover. The quilting in the middle of the cover is slightly firmer for lumbar support.
- Memory Foam Lumbar Crown. A strip of memory foam is located directly under the lumbar spine. It provides both pressure relief and a bit of lift for this area.
- First Innerspring Unit. Individually wrapped coils compress to suit the shape of your body, with stronger springs in the lumbar zone.
- Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire. Located within the innerspring units, this bracing wire adds even more support beneath the sensitive lower back.
- Second Innerspring Unit. The base innerspring system has interconnected coils that resist sagging and encourage cooling airflow.
- High-Density Foam Rails. Around the edges of the bed, a frame of high-density foam prevents the sides from dipping.
Do Saatva Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?
No, Saatva mattresses have no fiberglass inside them. The brand rejects chemical fire retardants in favor of a plant-based fire barrier derived from thistle pulp or, in some of their mattresses, a layer of organic wool.
What I Liked
- Feeling lifted – Testing the Saatva Classic, my midsection felt elevated and secure. I didn’t have to worry about my lower back or hips dipping out of alignment, and the edges of the bed likewise stood strong when I rolled onto them.
- Green ingredients and policies – From recycled steel coils to a thistle pulp-based flame barrier, the earth-friendly components inside Saatva beds are impressive. The brand is even mindful of the carbon footprint from shipping mattresses and strives to keep the delivery distance between its factories and your home to a minimum.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not super plush – The pillow top gives the Classic some lovely cushion, but on the whole, this is a bed that lifts you up rather than cradles. If you want lots and lots of cloud-like pressure relief, you may want to look beyond a mattress with two spring units.
- Not a ton of cooling elements – The Saatva Classic runs cool enough, but if you sleep really hot, it may not be able to counteract your night sweats. It doesn’t have phase change material or many specialized temperature-regulating features.
Customer Reviews of the Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic rates 4.8 stars out of 5 on Saatva’s website. One negative aspect customers found with the Saatva Classic mattress is that it may feel too firm for some users, while a notable advantage is its high-quality materials, providing durability and support.
To Learn More: read our in-depth Saatva Classic mattress review or explore our picks for the best mattresses for back pain.
WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the WinkBed Earned Best Hybrid Mattress Without Fiberglass
A great hybrid mattress should represent cozy harmony between foam and innerspring layers, and the WinkBed does this wonderfully. “The pressure-relieving foams and zoned support [from the springs] work to keep your body weight evenly distributed,” said our lead product tester, Loren. “It should work for just about anyone.”
Additionally, the WinkBed has no trace of fiberglass in its construction—its fire barrier is made from cotton and rayon.
What’s the WinkBed Made Of?
The WinkBed is 13.5 inches high and can be ordered in one of four firmness levels: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus. The last option is intended for plus-size sleepers.
Mattress Construction of the WinkBed
- Tencel™ Cover. A soft, eucalyptus-derived Tencel™ cover makes the surface of the bed breathable and moisture-wicking.
- Euro Pillow Top. Quilted with gel-infused foam, the Euro top ensures a plush introduction to the bed.
- Additional Foam Layers. Specialized foams beneath the pillow top help with motion isolation and lumbar support.
- Pocketed Coils. A zoned innerspring unit provides varying levels of support and give to encourage ideal body alignment. The coils are also reinforced along the edges of the bed.
Does the WinkBed Contain Fiberglass?
No, there is no fiberglass in the WinkBed. On the brand’s FAQ page, its fire barrier is billed as all-natural and consists of a cotton and rayon blend.
What We Liked
- Lots of options – “Every sleeping position gets a turn with the WinkBed,” said Loren. She recommended the Softer model for side sleepers, the Luxury Firm or Firmer for back sleepers, and the Firmer for stomach sleepers. Heavyweight people should also check out the Plus, which was built to offer superior support to plus-size folks.
- Noteworthy edges – The WinkBed’s edge support is super strong. “Those reinforced edges really do pay off,” Loren reported. “Seniors and couples will benefit from this the most because it’s easy to get in and out of bed.”
Potential Drawbacks
- Motion travels – A common complaint about hybrid beds is that they don’t absorb movement as well as all-foam mattresses. “Because of its overall bouncy nature, when your partner tosses and turns or gets up out of bed, you feel everything,” Loren noted.
- Not for memory foam enthusiasts – Rather than letting you sink in, the WinkBed will hold you aloft on its layers. “If you like to feel cushioned and cradled and a little swallowed by your mattress, the WinkBed keeps you too elevated,” Loren warned.
Customer Reviews of the WinkBed
On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns 4.8 out of 5 stars. One drawback of the WinkBed mattress is that it might be too expensive for budget-conscious shoppers, but overall it offers excellent durability and customizable firmness options.
To Learn More: read our comprehensive WinkBed review, or check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best for Couples
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Earned Best Mattress Without Fiberglass for Couples
When testing the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, Emma concluded that “couples should love this bed.” It gives you three firmness options to choose from, its edge support is awesome, and it absorbs movement remarkably well for its construction. “Hybrids usually perform pretty averagely when it comes to motion transfer. But we were surprised at how well [the] Signature Hybrid isolated motion, especially for how responsive it is,” Emma said.
To top off these desirable qualities, this hybrid also doesn’t have any fiberglass in its flame-retardant sock.
What’s the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Made Of?
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has five distinct layers and a 12.25-inch profile. You can order it with a Soft, Medium, or Firm feel. The thickness of each layer depends on the firmness level you select.
Dig Into the Mattress Construction
- Layer 1 – Quilted Top. A breathable, sag-resistant top. For an additional fee, you can enhance this layer with a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover and cushiony pillow top.
- Layer 2 – Supreme Response Comfort Foam. As its name suggests, this foam responds quickly to your movements rather than preserving body impressions.
- Layer 3 – VariFlex™ Foam. A transitional foam that both relieves pressure and provides support before the spring unit.
- Layer 4 – Coils. An 8-inch layer of individually wrapped coils with stronger springs around the perimeter.
Do Brooklyn Bedding Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?
No, Brooklyn Bedding mattresses do not have fiberglass in them. According to the brand, their beds are outfitted with fire-retardant socks made of non-woven silica, rayon, polyester, and cotton, with no additional chemical sprays.
What We Liked
- Support and lift – “I like how firm this bed feels,” said Emma, testing the Medium version. “It’s very supportive, which is great for back and stomach sleepers. It almost feels like the bed is lifting me up.”
- Impressive motion isolation – Even though this bed has springs, its upper layers of foam dampened motion pretty well. According to Emma, “Couples shouldn’t be bothered by movements across the bed unless they were really sensitive and super-light sleepers.”
Potential Drawbacks
- Not enough pressure relief for side sleeping – Side sleepers will probably want more of a pillowy feel than this bed provides. “On my side, I feel some pressure in my hips and shoulders, so if I exclusively slept on my side, I’d probably choose a softer bed,” Emma noted.
- No-frills design – This mattress doesn’t have loads of fancy features, just the essential components of a supportive, affordable sleep surface. As Emma put it, “If you’re looking for a basic bed that does the job well, this is it.”
Customer Reviews of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Signature has 4.7 out of 5 stars. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress receives praise from customers for its versatility with different firmness options, but some have mentioned that it may produce slight noise when bearing weight.
To Learn More: read our in-depth Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review or explore the best mattresses for couples.
Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Nolah’s innovative pressure-relieving abilities should be an excellent fit for side-sleepers, and if you struggle with overheating, the AirFoamICE™ technology should keep you cool all night long.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Nolah’s innovative pressure-relieving abilities should be an excellent fit for side-sleepers, and if you struggle with overheating, the AirFoamICE™ technology should keep you cool all night long.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Nolah’s innovative pressure-relieving abilities should be an excellent fit for side-sleepers, and if you struggle with overheating, the AirFoamICE™ technology should keep you cool all night long.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Nolah Evolution Earned Best Cooling Mattress Without Fiberglass
Lots of mattresses boast foams with cooling properties, and the Nolah Evolution has plenty of those. But it takes its cooling efforts a step further with a “Heat Escape Gusset” surrounding the top of the bed, a cover made with temperature-regulating fibers, and coils that allow for airflow. Their proprietary AirFoamICE™ foam is also reputed to run cooler than traditional memory foams.
You won’t find any fiberglass in the Evolution, either—Nolah advertises that all of its beds are fiberglass-free.
What’s the Nolah Evolution Made Of?
The Nolah Evolution is 15 inches high with a whopping eight layers if you count its top and bottom covers. You can order it in one of three firmness levels: Plush, Luxury Firm, or Firm.
Dig Into the Layers of the Mattress
- Layer 1 – Top Cover. Made from organic cotton and ArcticTex™ cooling fibers, this cover feels soft and welcoming.
- Layer 2 – Euro Topper (2 inches). The plush Euro top has quilting with high thermal conductivity, meaning it can help to prevent heat buildup.
- Layer 3 – AirFoamICE™ (2 inches). Nolah’s proprietary pressure-relieving foam outlasts and outcools older memory foams, according to the company. A gusset around this layer and the one above also lets excess heat out of the bed.
- Layer 4 – High-Resilience Foam (2 inches). A supportive foam that encourages spinal alignment.
- Layer 5 – High-Density Transition Foam (1 inch). A springy foam that bounces back easily and protects you from feeling the coils below.
- Layer 6 – Coils (8 inches). HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ coils are split into three zones that lift up the lumbar spine and compress more easily under areas that need a bit of give. The springs are also reinforced around the bed’s edges.
- Layer 7 – Recycled Plant Fiber Foundation. A sturdy, eco-friendly base layer.
- Layer 8 – Lower Cover. A fabric cover with handles and an anti-slip underside.
Do Nolah Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?
No, none of Nolah’s mattresses have fiberglass in them. The brand reassures customers in the FAQ section of its mattress product pages that each of its beds is fiberglass-free.
What We Liked
- Plush but not too plush – Stuart appreciated that this hybrid mattress didn’t sacrifice softness to include springs. “When I crawled into this bed, I could really feel it gently cradle my body,” he said. However, he also reported that the bed was responsive enough to enable easy movement.
- Amazing edge support – Both Stuart and Liz were impressed by how strong the Evolution’s edges were. “As someone with disabilities, getting in and out of bed can be a little difficult. But having the reinforced edges makes all the difference,” Liz said.
Potential Drawbacks
- Stomach sleepers may not love it – All of the soft upper layers in this bed may lead to excess sinking around the midsection for stomach sleepers. “Stomach sleepers may find that their hips and lower back sink pretty deep into this mattress, and it may not be the most comfortable for long-term sleep,” Stuart cautioned.
- It’s cumbersome to move – At 15 inches high, the Evolution is notably tall and heavy. “Make sure you have someone available to help you set this thing up, as it’s thicker than most of the mattresses we work with,” Stuart advised.
Customer Reviews of the Nolah Evolution
Earning 4.9 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website, the Nolah Evolution seems to be a hit. Customers appreciate the Nolah Evolution mattress for its superior pressure relief, but some have mentioned that the edge support could be improved for a more consistent sleep surface.
To Learn More: read our in-depth Nolah Evolution mattress review or explore our top picks for the best cooling mattresses.
Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress Without Fiberglass
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Plank Firm Earned Best Firm Mattress Without Fiberglass
We chose the Plank mattress for this roundup because of its noteworthy firm feel, especially welcoming to back and stomach sleepers. I recommend this bed for people craving solid support and even-keel weight distribution.
It’s one of the most reliable beds out there in terms of staying sturdy—it’s a flat, firm mattress that mimics the feel of Asian sleeping mats. And, of course, you won’t find any fiberglass inside it.
What’s the Plank Firm Made Of?
The Plank Firm has four layers and is 10.25 inches tall. For an extra fee, you can augment both sides with a cooling GlacioTex™ cover.
Dig Into the Mattress Layers
- Layer 1 – Quilted Top, Firm Side (1.5 inches). On the firm side of the bed, the quilted top has a smidge of loft and cushion to it.
- Layer 2 – TitanFlex™ Foam (2 inches). This foam layer gives the firm side an extra bit of comfort and responsiveness.
- Layer 3 – High-Density Support Foam (6 inches). The foam core of the mattress is dense and durable.
- Layer 4 – Quilted Top, Extra-Firm Side (0.75 inches). On the extra-firm side, the quilted top is truly flat.
Do Plank Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?
No, there’s no fiberglass in the Plank Firm (and no chemical retardants in general). Instead, the brand uses a fire-retardant sock made from “a non-woven silica/rayon/polyester/cotton blend.”
What We Liked
- Keeps stomach sleepers lifted – I’m a stomach sleeper myself, and it’s hard to find beds that accommodate this position without a lot of sinking around the hips and lower back. Thankfully, the Plank kept my spine aligned while I lied on both my stomach and my back.
- Flip to change the feel – With a mattress as seemingly uncompromising as the Plank, it’s lovely to be able to access two different firmnesses: an ultra-firm one, and a slightly less firm one. Flipping the bed is relatively simple.
Potential Drawbacks
- Extremely firm – This bed is really, really firm—so much so that it might be uncomfortable for exclusive side sleepers or anyone who desires a pillowy feel from their mattress.
- Cooling cover costs extra – You can add a GlacioTex™ cooling cover to both sides of the Plank Firm, but it will cost you an additional fee at checkout. Otherwise, be prepared for some heat buildup with this all-foam bed.
Customer Reviews of the Plank Firm
On Plank’s website, the Plank Firm gets 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers left a little over 3,000 reviews, appreciating the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm mattress for its exceptional firmness, but some have found it to be too rigid for their comfort preferences.
To Learn More: Read our Plank mattress review or browse the best firm mattresses.
Birch Natural – Best Latex Mattress
Birch Natural Mattress
An eco-friendly bed that pairs latex and individually wrapped coils for a versatile hybrid sleep experience.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Natural Mattress
An eco-friendly bed that pairs latex and individually wrapped coils for a versatile hybrid sleep experience.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Natural Mattress
An eco-friendly bed that pairs latex and individually wrapped coils for a versatile hybrid sleep experience.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Birch Natural Earned Best Latex Mattress Without Fiberglass
The Birch Natural is an eco-friendly bed that uses latex foam—derived from rubber trees—instead of polyurethane foams. Latex has a memorably springy feel but also enough softness for pressure relief. It’s a different vibe than slow-sinking memory foam, but the Birch leans into it to great effect. “I really appreciate the way the latex and coils respond to my movements, helping me to switch positions easier without feeling stuck in the bed,” said Stuart.
Furthermore, Birch’s commitment to natural and safe materials means that there’s absolutely no fiberglass in this mattress. Instead, organic wool functions as its fire-retardant layer.
What’s the Birch Natural Made Of?
The Birch Natural has six layers if you count its top cover, and stands about 11 inches tall.
Detailed construction details
- Layer 1 – Organic Cotton Cover. The cover is made from cotton that’s been certified by GOTS, the Global Organic Textile Standard. It’s breathable, soft, and tufted.
- Layer 2 – Organic Wool. This fire-resistant layer features organic wool rather than chemicals or fiberglass.
- Layer 3 – Organic Wool. A second wool layer helps to keep the bed cozy and insulated.
- Layer 4 – Talalay Latex. Pressure-relieving, bouncy latex that’s been tapped using sustainable harvesting techniques and certified by eco-INSTITUT for safe emission levels.
- Layer 5 – Coils. Individually wrapped springs compress according to your body’s movements, and reinforced coils along the longer edges of the bed contribute to edge support.
- Layer 6 – Organic Wool. A third and final wool layer rounds out the mattress with even more fire protection.
Does the Birch Mattress Contain Fiberglass?
No, Birch beds do not contain fiberglass. The company uses organic wool as a natural flame retardant, and the Birch Natural boasts three layers of it.
What We Liked
- Certified materials with lots of benefits – The Birch Natural comes with GOTS, GREENGUARD GOLD, and eco-INSTITUT certifications that testify to the quality and safety of its materials. It’s also a hypoallergenic and antimicrobial mattress, thanks to the latex, cotton, and wool in its construction.
- Sturdy edges – Stuart enjoyed the Birch’s responsiveness, but also the security he felt when testing its long edges. “It feels like I can really utilize the entire mattress,” he said. “Couples are sure to really appreciate the edge support.”
Potential Drawbacks
- Not very motion-dampening – Latex and springs make for a pretty bouncy bed, so movement will travel across it easily. “If you’re looking for something that absorbs motion, however, you may prefer memory foam over latex,” Stuart advised.
- More supportive than soft – Stuart didn’t recommend this bed for lightweight folks or exclusive side sleepers. Its materials lift you up rather than allowing you to sink in deep. “If you want a softer mattress, this might not fully suit your needs. But you can add on the mattress topper with your order for an extra fee,” he said.
Customer Reviews of the Birch Natural
According to Birch’s website, Birch Natural scores 4.6 out of 5 stars. While some users consider the Birch Natural mattress to be on the pricier side, it gains customer appreciation for its organic materials and sustainable, eco-friendly construction.
To Learn More: read our in-depth Birch Natural mattress review or browse our list of the best latex mattresses.
Other Mattresses Without Fiberglass We Tested
While these mattresses didn’t make our list, each of these beds are great fits for shoppers prioritizing fiberglass-free mattresses. Check out our featured recommendations below.
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Puffy Lux Hybrid MattressFirmness
Soft: 4.5/10Trial Period
101 nightsProduct
Nectar MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10Trial Period
365 nightsProduct
Avocado Green MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10Trial Period
365 nightsProduct
Amerisleep AS2 MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10Trial Period
100 nightsWhat Is Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a composite made from reinforced plastic and glass. Apart from mattresses, you can find fiberglass in cars, appliances, roofing material, insulation, and bathtubs, as it’s durable, cheap, and malleable. These fibers can be used in various ways depending on the product.
What to Know When Buying Fiberglass-Free Mattress
Fiberglass is cheap to use as a flame retardant, and it easily meets safety standards. It does a good job of preventing your mattress from burning fast if it catches on fire. However, you’re exposed to fiberglass the moment your bed is damaged. People are wary because breathing in airborne fiberglass can result in eye and skin irritation and even damage the lungs and respiratory tract.1
How to Check If a Mattress Has Fiberglass
- Don’t go with the cheapest option – More often than not, the cheapest mattresses have fiberglass because it’s efficient and inexpensive to use in mattress manufacturing. The price makes it attractive to brands making cheap beds, so try to steer clear of those if you want to avoid fiberglass.
- Ask the company directly – If you’re unsure if a bed has fiberglass, it’s best to ask the company. Most brands have live chats on their website, or you can send an email or call them to ask if they use fiberglass as a flame retardant.
- Read the fine print – Most brands that don’t use fiberglass will like to say that out loud. For this reason, there’s likely a label on the mattress indicating the product is fiberglass-free. In addition, beds now have a label with a list of all the materials used.
- Research where it was made – Brands that are transparent about where and how their beds are made are always the best choice. This insight allows you to learn about the materials, their sustainability, and their role in your mattress.
- Look for beds with more organic materials – Beds with organic materials like wool and cotton usually don’t have fiberglass because the two organic materials act as a fire barrier instead. Explore the best organic mattresses here.
Have questions? Review our data study: Does My Mattress Have Fiberglass?
Why Do Some Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?
Some mattresses contain fiberglass as a fire retardant to help ensure the bed doesn’t burst into flames if caught on fire. Fiberglass is deep inside the mattress and is not dangerous until the bed is damaged and you’re exposed to it.
Why Should I Get a Mattress Without Fiberglass?
It’s important to get a mattress without fiberglass because of the potential health risks that could happen if you’re exposed to it.
“Exposure to fiberglass can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs, causing issues like itching, coughing, allergic reactions, and breathing difficulties.”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta
Fiberglass is found inside a mattress, and sometimes, we can be exposed to the inside of the bed without thinking too much about what’s inside. For example, if your bed has a removable cover, some fiberglass may be on the inside of the layers. In other cases, the cover could become torn, which could expose the sleeper to fiberglass.
In a 2022 study, the covers of four mattresses were inspected using tools that allowed the team to examine them on a microscopic level.2 What they found was that two of the mattresses had over 50 percent fiberglass in the inner sock layers, and 1 percent had made its way onto nearby fabric layers, which means if the cover’s zipper was even just slightly opened, the sleeper could be exposed.
Mattress Types to Consider When Shopping for a Fiberglass-Free Mattress
Memory Foam
Memory foam beds are excellent for pressure relief, and they usually have good motion isolation for couples and co-sleepers. However, they tend to sleep hot, which is why some brands use cooling covers or gel infusions.
It’s not uncommon for memory foam mattresses to have fiberglass, but this flame retardant is more common among very cheap, low-end models.
Latex
Latex can be either Talalay or Dunlop and is often combined with coils or other foams. Latex beds are durable, bouncy, and cooling because the material doesn’t retain heat like memory foam.
More often than not, latex beds are advertised as eco-friendly, so they usually don’t contain fiberglass. However, this is not a hard-set rule, so make sure to check before you buy.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine foam and coils. In some cases, it can be memory foam, polyfoam, or even latex. These beds are a perfect combination of pressure relief and support, providing bounce with solid motion isolation.
Hybrid mattresses don’t always contain fiberglass, but this typically depends on their comfort layers. Those with memory foam might, while those with latex may have an alternative fire barrier.
Innerspring
Innerspring beds also have coils, but they typically have fewer comfort layers than hybrid mattresses. These are typically supportive enough for average-weight people and very bouncy because there is not as much foam in the comfort layers, and the coils may be interconnected rather than individually wrapped (as they are in hybrids).
Since fiberglass can be found in any mattress, it can also be found in innerspring beds, especially cheaper ones. High-end options may have a fire barrier made from wool, rayon, cotton, and other similar blends.
Looking to upgrade your mattress? Check out our Best Luxury Mattresses.
Other Considerations When Shopping for a Mattress
Your Preferred Sleeping Position
Side Sleepers
Side Sleepers – Side sleepers usually want a softer mattress that can adapt to their curves and relieve pressure in the hips, shoulders, and knees. Most side sleepers steer toward memory foam beds, but many can also enjoy a hybrid if it’s on the softer side or has a plush pillow top.
Back Sleepers
Back Sleepers – Back sleepers do best with a medium firmness as they require a bit of contouring around the lower back and plenty of support to keep the spine aligned. Most back sleepers do well with memory foam and hybrid beds, but some may also like a latex mattress.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers – Stomach sleepers should look for firmer mattresses that don’t allow the hips to sink into the comfort layers. Hybrid and innerspring beds are typically the best for people who sleep on their stomachs.
Combination Sleepers
Combination Sleepers – Combination sleepers need a responsive mattress that makes it easy to reposition, which is why they steer toward latex and innerspring models. Their preferred firmness should depend on what position they spend the most time in.
Body Type
Lightweight Sleepers
Lightweight Sleepers: Lightweight sleepers weigh under 130 pounds, and they usually experience mattresses as firmer. For this reason, most lightweight people look for softer beds with plush comfort layers, Euro tops, or pillow tops. They can do with any mattress type as long as there’s enough cushioning on the mattress surface.
Average-Weight Sleepers
Average-Weight Sleepers: Average-weight people weigh 130 to 230 pounds, but they can experience a mattress differently depending on their exact body weight. Most of these people enjoy medium firmness, although some may prefer softer or firmer beds depending on their preferred sleeping position.
Heavyweight Sleepers
Heavyweight Sleepers: Heavyweight sleepers weigh above 230 pounds. They usually do best with the firmest mattresses, especially if they like sleeping on their side or stomach. Most people within this group should like hybrid and innerspring beds with good edge support.
Cooling
A great cooling mattress is important because experts say a cooler space supports our body’s natural drop in temperature to prepare for sleep.3
We use a temperature gun to check the bed’s initial surface temperature before measuring it again after five and 10 minutes. This helps us gauge how hot the mattress gets when you use it.
Some mattresses tend to be cooler than others. For example, mattresses that include springs, like hybrid or innerspring models, will naturally have more airflow than beds that don’t have springs. Latex is also a naturally cool material. On the other hand, memory foam beds tend to feel warmer due to their dense construction.
Firmness
At Sleep Advisor, we rate mattresses on a firmness scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is the absolute softest, and 10 is as firm as a board. Most people will fall somewhere in the 5-6, or “medium” level, on this scale. However, lightweight sleepers and those who sleep on their sides might want something on the softer end, and heavier individuals or those who sleep on their backs or stomachs might want something firmer.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference. We suggest finding a mattress with a good trial period so you can test out its firmness for several nights before deciding.
Couples
We rate beds for couples based on how they perform in categories couples can benefit from most, including motion isolation, edge support, cooling, and bounce.
Motion isolation describes how well the bed prevents motion from one side of the bed to the other, which can minimize the likelihood that you two will disturb each other if you toss and turn. Edge support means that the edges of the bed will not collapse beneath your weight. This makes for a bed with a larger usable surface area, which is especially important if you’re sharing a smaller bed.
Bouncy is helpful for sexually active couples since it can make it easier to reposition and not feel awkwardly stuck during intimacy. Lastly, cooling is a consideration because when two people share a bed, that means extra body, so you’ll want something to help counteract that.
If a bed scores highly in most of these categories and has a high enough weight capacity, we consider it good for couples.
Learn More: Best Mattress for Couples and Best Mattress for Sex
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is important for many people, especially if you sleep on your side or have sensitive joints. When testing for this, we use a pressure map to see how much relief (or buildup) a mattress would provide. Red and yellow readings mean there’s pressure buildup, while green and blue indicate little to no pressure.
If pressure relief is important to you, look for beds with good comfort materials, such as memory foam and latex.
Support
A mattress needs to be supportive to keep your body in healthy alignment. Mattresses provide support through base layers made of firmer foam or coils. Often, medium-firm or firmer beds do well at this. While we often find great support from hybrid mattresses, there are some fantastic all-foam options, so don’t discount those.
We test support by trying out the mattress in each sleeping position and for different weight groups, including petite, average-weight, and plus-size sleepers. We evaluate how much sinkage we’re experiencing and whether we feel well-lifted in heavier areas like the midsection and lower back.
Mattresses Without Fiberglass FAQs
Is it safe to sleep on a mattress with fiberglass?
Fiberglass is safe to sleep on as long as it’s contained inside the mattress. If your bed has fiberglass, never remove the cover to avoid exposure.
Exposure to fiberglass could lead to symptoms such as a rash or irritation in the eyes, throat, nose, or stomach.4 If you notice any rips or damage to the bed, you should immediately dispose of it to reduce the risk of coming into contact with fiberglass.
Do all mattresses have fiberglass?
No, not all mattresses have fiberglass. Although the material is efficient and affordable, it’s also potentially unhealthy, so organic and eco-friendly brands typically avoid using it. For this reason, we now have beds with wool as a fiberglass alternative.
Do memory foam mattresses have fiberglass?
Although fiberglass is most commonly found in memory foam beds, this doesn’t mean you won’t find it in hybrid or innerspring mattresses. It also doesn’t mean all memory foam mattresses have fiberglass.
Is it legal to use fiberglass in mattresses?
Yes, it’s legal to use fiberglass in mattresses because the material meets federal safety standards. However, it must be inside the mattress cover, contained in a way that ensures it cannot be released.
What should I do if I buy a mattress that has fiberglass in it?
The first thing to remember is to always keep your mattress cover on because most of those fibers are easily found closer to the cover if not on the inside of it. It’s also a good idea to add a mattress protector as an extra barrier. Lastly, if your bed has fiberglass, and you notice the cover is damaged, you should replace it immediately.
What are the cheapest mattresses without fiberglass?
The cheapest mattresses without fiberglass are:
- Bear Original – $999 for a queen
- Helix Dawn – $1,199 for a queen
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – $1,199 for a queen
Compare Prices of the Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass
Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
Bear Original | Editor’s Pick | $999 | Bear Original Mattress Review |
Helix Midnight | Affordable | $1,332 | Helix Midnight Mattress Review |
Bear Elite Hybrid | Luxury | $2,305 | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review |
Saatva Classic | Back Pain | $1,995 | Saatva Classic Mattress Review |
WinkBed | Hybrid | $1,799 | WinkBed Mattress Review |
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Couples | $1,249 | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Review |
Nolah Evolution | Cooling | $2,299 | Nolah Evolution Mattress Review |
Plank Firm | Firm | $1,332 | Plank Firm Mattress Review |
Birch Natural | Latex | $1,799 | Birch Natural Mattress Review |
Julia Forbes
Lead Product Tester
About Author
Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
References:
- “Synthetic Vitreous Fibers”. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Last modified March 26, 2014.
- “Fiberglass and Other Flame-Resistant Fibers in Mattress Covers”. National Library of Medicine. 2022.
- Rabago, Norma. “A cold room, not a warm bath, encourages sleep”. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. 2023.
- “Fiberglass”. Illinois Department of Public Health. Webpage accessed May 24, 2024.