Updated on: February 15, 2024 / 9:58 PM EST / Essentials
CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Mineral Fiber Board
Do you know what's in your mattress? Certain brands have come under fire over claims that fiberglass released from mattresses can lead to health troubles. That's why fiberglass-free mattresses like the Helix midnight luxe memory foam mattress (currently 25% off) are more popular than ever right now.
A 2022 class action lawsuit against popular Amazon mattress brand Zinus claimed that consumers faced a number of health troubles after fiberglass exposure. The case was later settled privately, but either way, there's some science to back up such allegations; direct exposure to fiberglass has been linked to an increased risk of adverse health effects such as inflammation.
So why do mattresses contain the material at all?
"Fiberglass is a lightweight but strong material," says sleep expert and board advisor at Dozy Sleep Korina Burkhard. "Most manufacturers use fiberglass because it is strong, durable and resistant to chemicals and heat. Fiberglass meets the mandatory flame resistance standard that mattresses should meet without using harmful chemical fire retardants; hence, it is a common material."
But there are plenty of options out there if you want to avoid this possible health risk. If you want a good night's sleep with zero risk of exposure to fiberglass, read on.
Regardless of your sleep position or personal preferences, you're bound to find the perfect fit below. We researched some of the most reliable and well-reviewed mattresses without fiberglass; here is what we came up with:
Put your health first by adding one of these top quality, fiberglass-free mattresses from trusted brands like Saatva, Brooklyn Bedding, and more. Mattresses come in sizes ranging from twin and twin XL to king and California king, but prices are listed for queen sizes.
The Saatva classic is an all-around top quality innerspring mattress. Available in plush soft, luxury firm, or firm comfort levels, this mattress has more than 3,000 customer reviews and is advertised as "America's best-selling online luxury innerspring" mattress.
We love the mix of responsive and soft, plush sensations that this Saatva mattress offers. We consider this one of the best innerspring mattresses available today, and we should know after our extensive review of the Saatva classic vs. the Saatva Rx mattresses .
Though it's typically available for $1,995, customers can save nearly $300 by shopping this popular mattress in a queen size online right now.
This hybrid mattress by Nolah is made from natural Talalay latex, which is both an environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic material. Packed with organic wool, this mattress delivers an exceptional sleep performance with increased breathability and cooling features.
This mattress offers six layers of certified organic cotton, breathable organic wool, two layers of Talalay latex (perfect for pressure relief), a layer of individually wrapped coils, and a cotton/wool bottom layer. All of this comes together for a perfectly comfortable mattress that keeps you cool, dry, and entirely free from the threat of fiberglass.
Shoppers can save 35% by picking up this mattress in a queen size for $1,364 (a nice markdown from $2,099).
True to its name, this hybrid mattress is all about supreme comfort: multiple foam layers and a breathable cashmere top will have you feeling like you're sleeping on air. Deemed one of the most comfortable fiberglass-free mattresses on this list, the DreamCloud hybrid is also our choice for one of the best hybrid mattresses available today.
At14 inches tall, this hybrid mattress reinforces its plush foam layers with 8.5-inch individually wrapped coils. These round out this mattress's soft, comfy feel with an added layer of support.
The DreamCloud hybrid mattress typically sells for a total value of $1,332 (queen). Thanks to the company's current sitewide 50% markdown, you can get this hybrid mattress in a queen size for just $665.
If you're on the prowl for a firm, supportive mattress, Brooklyn Bedding has your back with the plank firm mattress. Advertised as one of the firmest mattresses on the market, this mattress will keep you from sinking with multiple layers of thick, supportive foam.
This mattress is unique in that you can flip it for a refreshing night's sleep. If you want something a little less durable than the extra firm top side, simply flip it for a medium firm feel.
This mattress is typically available for $750, but shoppers can save 25% on a queen size mattress by using code PRESDAY25.
This luxurious innerspring mattress by Bear offers advanced cooling technology and a unique, five-zone support coil system.
If you're in desperate need of sleep that's as refreshing as it is restorative, this is the mattress for you. Thermoregulation in this mattress's "phase change material" can absorb body heat, keeping you cool all night long.
This hybrid mattress is typically available for $2,305, but shoppers can save more than $800 on a queen size mattress by shopping this mattress today.
One of the best latex mattresses on the market today is this one by Birch. Perfect for any sleep position, this mattress is optimized for pressure relief and superior breathability thanks to the inclusion of natural Talalay latex and other hypoallergenic and organic materials.
This mattress is also one of the best organic mattresses on our list, thanks to a fully transparent list of organic materials. These meet the global organic textile standard (GOTS), which regulates the use of harmful chemicals or those with unknown sources. Translation: definitely no fiberglass fibers here!
Typically available for $2,124, this mattress is 25% off with a code that's automatically applied at checkout.
This mattress by Avocado is our pick for the best organic mattress available today. With certified organic latex and organic cotton, this mattress is free of any unwanted or harmful chemicals. Both certified organic cotton and latex are GOLS-certified (global organic latex standard).
This mattress also features FSC-certified Talalay latex and is needle-tufted by hand and assembled in Los Angeles, California. There is also a notable (and clearly labeled) absence of polyurethane foam or fire retardants, so no fiberglass worries here.
The short answer is this: to keep your mattress from catching fire. The longer answer points to fiberglass as a cheap -- and therefore popular -- material used by mattress brands and manufacturers to meet certain regulatory requirements.
"[Fiberglass] is used in some mattresses, particularly memory foam mattresses and mattress covers, as an economical way for manufacturers to meet flammability requirements," says certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor Carlie Gasia. "Fiberglass became a popular choice because it was considered a safer alternative to certain flame-retardant chemicals used in the past, which were associated with potential long-term health risks."
Mattresses are legally required to be fire-resistant. Due to the affordability of fiberglass over alternatives like certified organic wool or fire-resistant latex, it's not uncommon to find fiberglass fibers in some mattresses.
"Sleeping on a mattress with fiberglass woven into the cover typically doesn't have health risks as long as the mattress is intact," says Gasia. "However, direct exposure to fiberglass can be potentially harmful. If the mattress is damaged, tiny fiberglass fibers can escape and spread throughout your house, potentially causing health concerns."
Burkhard shared a recent study showing how "prolonged fiberglass exposure [can] worsen respiratory conditions" or potentially lead to worse outcomes such as lung disease.
TikTok creator imcodyjacob went viral in December of 2022 after alleging health issues such as skin irritation, that resulted from years spent sleeping on a mattress containing fiberglass. Anecdotal accounts like these and others support the claim that fiberglass fibers, once free from the confines of a mattress cover, could lead to further irritation and health issues if left unchecked.
The class action lawsuit against mattress brand Zinus, which was dismissed on August 25, 2023, following a private settlement, alleged that certain defective mattresses can allow fiberglass to escape, or "leak," over time and contaminate your home.
"Check the mattress label first," says Burkhard. "All manufacturers are required to list the materials they use, so first, check if they have listed fiberglass on the labels. In case the label is not clear, get in touch with the manufacturer directly."
Fiberglass may be listed differently depending on how it was used in the manufacturing process, so look out for any of the following red flag listings when checking the label: glass fiber, glass wool, glass-reinforced plastic, glass-fiber reinforced plastic, or fiberglass-reinforced plastic.
Mattress companies are generally required to list any and all materials on their labels, but there are some caveats you need to know. Different countries have differing manufacturing standards, some potentially laxer than the United States' manufacturing requirements. Additionally, the California Department of Public Health found that these fibers can be found in some mattresses that don't list fiberglass on their label -- such was the case for the Zinus green tea memory foam mattress (twin) and Graco crib and toddler deluxe mattress, which the CDPH reviewed.
Paradoxically, one of the only ways to know for sure whether or not your mattress contains fiberglass is to check under the mattress cover -- we at CBS Essentials do not recommend doing this.
"Fiberglass particles can become airborne when disturbed and could be inhaled or irritate the skin, which can cause respiratory issues, eye discomfort, or skin irritation," says Burkhard.
Most mattresses come with instructions warning customers not to remove the outer mattress cover. This keeps the internal fire barrier safe and secure. Opening the mattress cover on a mattress containing fiberglass fibers can potentially subject you and your home to the unwanted material.
One Amazon reviewer detailed what happened after they unknowingly removed and washed the cover of their Zinus mattress: "And now our entire house is covered in tiny fiberglass shards."
If you're still unsure after reviewing a mattress label and its manufacturing company, check under and around your mattress (don't touch that mattress cover!) for small, shiny fiber strands: these are signs that your mattress may be leaking fiberglass.
"Fiberglass is uncommon in high-quality mattresses," says founder and CEO of Mattress Next Day Martin Seeley. "Reputable manufacturers of memory foam, latex, and innerspring mattresses rarely include fiberglass. It is prudent to conduct research and examine product labels, descriptions, and reviews in order to select a comfortable and safe mattress."
While memory foam mattresses in general come with a higher risk of included fiberglass, look for high quality products with clearly labeled materials. The best memory foam mattresses and innerspring mattresses are less likely to contain any fiberglass fibers, but it's important to double check three things: product labels, mattress company website (for manufacturing info), and customer reviews. A lack of detailed information or a number of negative reviews citing health issues are signs you should shop elsewhere for a new mattress. You can also head over to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and look up mattress brands and products to check for any relevant consumer complaints.
If you prefer to fill your life with organic products whenever possible, you're in luck: organic mattresses are only manufactured using naturally occurring materials, and fiberglass is very much not organic. Look for the best organic mattresses like the Birch Natural latex mattress, which contains within its mattress cover organic wool as a fire retardant instead of fiberglass.
When picking the best mattresses made without fiberglass, we considered a number of important factors:
Tom Horton is a resident health expert for CBS Essentials, with deep experience in topics ranging from chronic conditions to health-care devices to diet options. He lives in upstate New York, and draws his power from local bookstores, long hikes on a sunny day, and his cat Sammy.
First published on November 10, 2023 / 5:09 PM EST
Check out this comprehensive roundup of awesome gift ideas for the husband you adore
Fubo TV just got even cheaper, but is the live TV streamer worth the subscription once the sale is over?
Warby Parker, GlassesUSA, Zenni Optical, Roka and LensCrafters: The 5 absolute best places to buy glasses online and save
NBA League Pass is your ticket to watching out-of-market NBA games and local NBA games on the go.
Save on luggage and travel accessories from QVC.
Amazon is offering a $15 credit when you buy Bounty, Cottonelle, Glad, Hefty, Scott and more top grocery brands.
These deals won't last long.
The Sixers and Celtics face off tonight for the last time of the 2024 NBA regular season. Here's how to watch the game.
Lights, camera, Ohtani! How to watch Shohei Ohtani's first game-time at-bat in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform.
A guilty verdict was reached in the murder trial for two men charged with killing Run-D.M.C. star Jam Master Jay.
A preliminary autopsy report said Nex Benedict did not die of injuries from the fight, but the harassment they faced is familiar to LGBTQ+ youth.
More companies run by women are creating devices specifically tailored to track women's health.
After more than 2 years of discord, Starbucks and union representing 10,000 workers jointly tout breakthrough.
There are more than 1,300 contaminated Superfund sites across the U.S.
After more than 2 years of discord, Starbucks and union representing 10,000 workers jointly tout breakthrough.
When asked for basics on elections, artificial intelligence tools provided wrong information more than half the time, one analysis found.
Vehicle maker's fourth recall in six days seeks to address issue that can lead to parts separating from the axles.
Buying a burger when there's a long line may soon cost more than at slower times, as demand pricing hits fast food.
Americans are spending more money on food than they have in 30 years, and Kellogg's CEO Gary Pilnick has a solution to that: eat cereal for dinner.
Michigan was the latest state to go to the polls in the 2024 presidential primary season.
When asked for basics on elections, artificial intelligence tools provided wrong information more than half the time, one analysis found.
Republicans say the materials related to the special counsel's investigation into President Biden's handling of classified documents is relevant to their impeachment inquiry.
The legality of a ban on bump stocks that was issued under the Trump administration will be under consideration by the Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he and the other leaders at the White House meeting made clear to Speaker Mike Johnson how "vital" the aid to Ukraine is.
More companies run by women are creating devices specifically tailored to track women's health.
The FDA's new regulations are due to be published this year.
Switching up your hair part isn't just about style — it can also help support the health of your hair. A dermatologist shares how.
Despite being declared eliminated in 2000, measles cases are on the rise across the U.S., with 36 instances identified in 16 states since January. Florida emerged as a hotspot with nine cases, as the state's surgeon general challenges CDC vaccine guidelines. CBS News’ chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook provides an in-depth analysis of this alarming development.
In its battle against the fentanyl epidemic, the DEA is intensifying crackdowns on pill press usage, crucial in the illicit production of fentanyl-laced pills. The agency is now putting e-commerce platforms on notice to regulate sales under existing laws to avoid facing legal action.
Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel were likely thrown into the ocean and died, police said.
"I go around the world to tell about my mom. So maybe someone in the U.S. can hear me and help find her," said 13-year-old Sasha Radchuck.
Experts warn that Mexico's emboldened drug cartels could make this summer's elections the most violent ever.
Documents obtained by "60 Minutes" show the Secret Service shelled out more than $12 million to protect John Bolton and Robert O'Brien, two former national security advisers, over the course of a year.
Ridouan Taghi is the alleged mastermind of the Amsterdam-based group called the "Mocro-maffia" — which the judge called a "murder organization."
A guilty verdict was reached in the murder trial for two men charged with killing Run-D.M.C. star Jam Master Jay.
"The Many Lives of Mama Love" is a memoir by Lara Love Hardin that has been selected as Oprah Winfrey's latest book club pick.
The uncorrected copy proof of the debut novel in the Harry Potter series was bought for pennies more than a quarter-century ago with J.K. Rowling's name misspelled on the title page.
"""CBS Mornings"" exclusively reveals Oprah Winfrey's latest book club selection: ""The Many Lives of Mama Love,"" the powerful memoir by Lara Love Hardin. The author talks to David Begnaud in her Northern California home about her journey through addiction, legal battles and redemption."
Don Henley was asked about the incident before he testified he never gave away handwritten pages of lyrics to "Hotel California" and other Eagles hits.
Wendy's is planning to roll out a "dynamic pricing" model for its menu in 2025, meaning prices will change throughout the day based on a few different factors. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent explains.
Women tech entrepreneurs are taking it upon themselves to help close the gender health care gap by designing medical devices specifically for women. Meg Oliver takes a look at some of the innovations.
More companies run by women are creating devices specifically tailored to track women's health.
When asked for basics on elections, artificial intelligence tools provided wrong information more than half the time, one analysis found.
After some controversy, Google is planning to re-launch its Gemini artificial intelligence picture generator in the next few weeks. The company paused the tool earlier this month after users discovered historical inaccuracies and concerning responses in the tool. Maria Curi, tech policy reporter for Axios, joined CBS News to discuss Gemini.
Unseasonably warm temperatures are hitting at least 300 locations in the U.S. this week. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff reports from Atlanta.
A researcher says sea animals used to get stuck in the maze of wharfs in Osaka Bay every few years, but as the sea warms, they're being led off track.
Now in lunar orbit, Intuitive Machines' Odysseus lander will attempt a touchdown near the moon's south pole Thursday.
Images shared by NASA show the U.S. East Coast is actually sinking — including the land that holds major cities like New York and Baltimore.
While carmakers are ramping up their rollouts of electric vehicles, the construction of EV charging stations has lagged far behind. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter has more.
A guilty verdict was reached in the murder trial for two men charged with killing Run-D.M.C. star Jam Master Jay.
A New York City jury found two men guilty Tuesday in the 2002 murder of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay. CBS News New York reporter Jessica Moore has more on the case.
Sharon Mills' body was recovered in Florida a month after she was reported missing, the Dothan Police Department said.
Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel were likely thrown into the ocean and died, police said.
Experts warn that Mexico's emboldened drug cartels could make this summer's elections the most violent ever.
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter confirms Odysseus reached its planned landing site near the moon's south pole.
Three NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut plan to spend six months aboard the orbital outpost.
Intuitive Machines says despite its off-kilter touchdown, the Odysseus moon lander can still accomplish most of its objectives.
CBS News space consultant William Harwood describes what it was like covering Thursday's U.S. moon landing, a historic event not seen in more than 50 years, and what to expect from Intuitive Machines' Odysseus moon mission and others coming up.
NASA is looking for participants for its next Mars simulation. The deadline for the second Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog mission is April 2. Participants will spend a year inside the Mars Dune Alpha simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Texas, experiencing typical environmental stressors and the limited resources of the Red Planet. Christiane Heinicke, a researcher for the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity, joined CBS News to discuss the mission.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
When Tiffiney Crawford was found dead inside her van, authorities believed she might have taken her own life. But could she shoot herself twice in the head with her non-dominant hand?
We look back at the life and career of the longtime host of "Sunday Morning," and "one of the most enduring and most endearing" people in broadcasting.
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Days after a young woman vanishes, a man in a distinctive hat is seen walking away from her car. Who is the man in the hat?
CBS News projects that former President Donald Trump will win the Republican primary in Michigan, while President Biden will win the Democratic primary. Carissa Lawson anchors a special report.
Wendy's is planning to roll out a "dynamic pricing" model for its menu in 2025, meaning prices will change throughout the day based on a few different factors. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent explains.
Ten months into the deadly civil war in Sudan, the U.S. State Department has appointed a new special envoy to push for an end to the conflict and address the humanitarian crisis. Cameron Hudson, senior associate of the Africa program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins CBS News to explain the cause of the conflict and examine the path forward.
Israel is downplaying the potential for an immediate breakthrough in hostage negotiations with Hamas, despite President Biden saying on Monday he hopes there could be an agreement within a week. CBS News foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab reports. Then, CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan joins to discuss the status of the talks.
Top congressional leaders from both parties emerged from the White House on Tuesday optimistic about avoiding a government shutdown. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has the details.
Phenolic Faced Plywood Copyright ©2024 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.