How effectively are you aware your mattress? Chances are high, not very effectively in any respect; and but, you share eight hours with it each evening. In recent times, we have all made a acutely aware effort to decide on environmentally-friendly mattresses which might be extra simply recycled or made with natural supplies. We’re acquainted with all the primary culprits, akin to reminiscence foam, however do you know your mattress may additionally comprise fiberglass?
That is proper, that fluffy-looking insulating materials that you must solely deal with when carrying a masks and gloves might be hiding inside your mattress. The malleable and sturdy materials is usually used as a fireplace retardant – particularly in foam mattresses – and, as such, the potential well being dangers are broadly debated. However how are you aware in case your mattress incorporates fiberglass when choosing the proper mattress?
Due to the assistance of some specialists we now have the reply, in addition to an perception into whether or not fiberglass is definitely a protected materials to share your mattress with in spite of everything…
Lilith Hudson Social Hyperlinks Navigation Junior Author Lilith is an skilled at following information and traits the world over of inside design, and he or she repeatedly makes use of her experience to share articles that assist readers make the most secure (and most fashionable) selections of their houses. For this piece, she spoke with specialists on bedding and mattresses to discover ways to discover out whether or not there’s fiberglass in your mattress and the implications.
What’s fiberglass?
Earlier than we bounce into the nitty-gritty, it is price understanding a bit extra about what fiberglass truly is. For those who’re not acquainted with it, fiberglass is mainly a composite materials product of glass and strengthened plastic that is normally manufactured in sheets which might be generally used as an insulating materials.
Its gentle, malleable properties additionally make it an affordable choice on the subject of making mattresses. ‘It is typically present in mattresses made within the US because it’s an affordable hearth retardant choice,’ explainsbed specialist Jonathan Warren, director at Time4Sleep (opens in new tab). ‘However, upon direct contact, it might pose a number of potential well being hazards, together with pores and skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.’
(opens in new tab) Editor’s alternative Pure Mattress, Birch (opens in new tab) For a safer evening’s sleep that is higher for you and the planet, attempt the Pure Mattress from Birch. Their natural mattresses include an natural cotton cowl as their high layer, bettering breathability and growing airflow for a extra snug sleep. The latex filling is tremendous supportive too, relieving strain out of your physique after the stresses of the day.
Why do some mattresses comprise this materials?
(Picture credit score: Naturalmat)
As a result of laws, all mattresses are required to fulfill the federal security commonplace for open-flame hearth resistance, which implies they have to comprise a certain quantity of fireside retardant supplies, however these do not normally come low-cost.
‘Some mattress producers use fiberglass to chop down on manufacturing prices as chemical components and coatings generally used to make reminiscence foam mattresses hearth retardant can drive up costs,’ explains Jonathan. ‘It could be that to compete inside the US market, mattress suppliers go for fiberglass as a less expensive various to extend gross sales, however this doesn’t prioritize the well being and security of consumers.’
This begs the query, is fiberglass truly protected, and may it’s lurking in your bed room? For those who’re instantly uncovered to it, it has the potential to be very dangerous. It is primarily product of tiny shards of glass and plastic which may make tiny cuts in your pores and skin if touched, resulting in nasty rashes or sore eyes. If inhaled, it might worsen bronchial asthma or result in respiratory infections.
‘Prime quality mattress producers wouldn’t dream of utilizing fiberglass,’ says Adam Black, co-founder of Button & Sprung (opens in new tab). ‘When disrupted, it might unfold all through the house, visibly deciding on surfaces and getting into the physique the place it might trigger allergic reactions to the pores and skin and airways.’ Mattress producers who use fiberglass, nevertheless, say it is a completely protected for use inside mattresses since it is not uncovered.
(opens in new tab) Editor’s alternative Adagio Natural Latex Mattress Topper, Naturepedic (opens in new tab) For those who’re not able to splurge on a model new mattress, do that natural latex topper from Naturepedic. The 2 inch mattress topper provides a clean plush really feel to you mattress, serving to to alleviate strain factors. It is also the proper answer for those who discover your mattress too agency or gentle.
How do I do know if my mattress incorporates fiberglass?
(Picture credit score: Naturalmat)
With all that in thoughts you would possibly need to keep away from ever shopping for a mattress that incorporates fiberglass, however how are you aware if it is inside your current one?
For those who personal an natural mattress, you may relaxation assured there will not be any fiberglass inside it. ‘Mattresses containing fiberglass are sometimes cheaply made and imported from overseas,’ Adam says. ‘Mattress producers don’t all the time declare precisely what’s contained in the mattress, however you must be capable to see if the mattress incorporates fiberglass by checking the care label or asking the producer instantly.’
In your mattress label, look out for a proportion of ‘glass fiber’ as a listed materials. The tag must also explicitly say that the quilt ought to by no means be eliminated since this may trigger fiberglass particles to be launched and uncovered to the air. For those who learn this on the label however do not see fiberglass talked about, it is most secure to imagine that it does in reality comprise fiberglass.
(opens in new tab) Editor’s alternative Avocado Inexperienced pure mattress (opens in new tab) Sleep simple understanding your mattress is sustainable with this natural latex, wool and cotton choice from Avocado inexperienced. The medium-firm mattress has no polyester, polyurethane foams, or poisonous hearth retardants to hurt you both.
What safer pure alternate options are there?
For those who’re on the hunt for one of the best mattress, there are many protected and pure alternate options in the marketplace that will not pose a danger to your well being.
‘At Naturalmat, we solely use pure and natural supplies akin to natural coir, natural wool and pure latex, as a result of they’re breathable, self-ventilating, extra snug and longer lasting,’ says Naturalmat USA founder, Mark Tremlett. ‘This all provides as much as a greater, more healthy and extra sustainable evening’s sleep.’ Mattresses like these usually come as a hybrid of layered supplies and one of the best half is, a lot of them (akin to wool) are naturally flame-retardant.
If doable, Adam strongly encourages avoiding artificial supplies akin to fiberglass and foam altogether. ‘Not solely can they be unhealthy to your well being, however supplies akin to foam may cause over-heating in the course of the evening,’ he says. ‘In addition they largely find yourself in landfill, taking hundreds of years to biodegrade.’
An natural mattress seems like a no brainer and is certainly well worth the funding in case your due a bedding refresh. If you wish to preserve the nightmares at bay, we would suggest checking your mattress label earlier than you sleep tonight…