Fiberglass mattresses are a concern due to potential health hazards when the material is released. Fiberglass is a composite material made from fine glass fibers woven together. In bedding, it is a low-cost solution used to meet mandated fire safety regulations. While safe when fully contained, if the microscopic glass shards escape, they become airborne. This leads to extensive contamination of the home environment and causes physical discomfort for occupants.
The Purpose of Fiberglass in Mattress Manufacturing
Mattress manufacturers incorporate fiberglass as an inexpensive, effective fire barrier to comply with federal flammability standards. These standards, set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), require mattresses to withstand an open flame for a specific duration. The fiberglass, often labeled as “glass fibers” or “spun silica,” is woven into an inner sock or barrier layer surrounding flammable core materials like memory foam. When exposed to high heat, the fiberglass melts, creating a dense layer of char that acts as a thermal barrier between the fire and the combustible inner foam. This physical solution is frequently chosen as an alternative to using chemical flame retardants, which also raise health concerns. Mattresses on the lower end of the price spectrum, particularly those containing petroleum-based memory foam, are the most likely to utilize this material to keep production costs low.
How Fiberglass Escapes the Mattress Core
The fiberglass is secured inside the mattress structure by an inner cover, which is protected by a decorative outer cover. The most common containment failure occurs when the consumer removes the outer, zippered cover for washing. This action breaks the intended containment seal and allows the microscopic glass shards to escape into the environment. Physical damage to the mattress is another frequent cause of release. Rips or tears in the outer and inner covers, caused by friction or moving the mattress, can compromise the barrier. Constant compression and movement from sleeping can also cause the fine fibers to work their way through the porous textile weave of the inner lining. Once these sharp, tiny glass filaments are released, they become easily aerosolized and spread rapidly through the home via air currents.
Health Effects and Property Damage from Exposure
Fiberglass exposure causes mechanical irritation upon contact because the material consists of microscopic shards of glass. The most immediate health effect is skin irritation, presenting as a rash, persistent itching, or a prickly sensation. Inhaling the airborne fibers can irritate the upper respiratory tract, leading to a sore throat, persistent dry cough, or nasal irritation. When the fibers become airborne, they can also cause significant eye irritation, resulting in redness, a gritty sensation, and tearing. While the fibers are generally too large to penetrate deep into the lower lung tissue, they can aggravate existing conditions such as asthma.
Beyond health concerns, fiberglass contamination causes extensive and costly property damage that is difficult to remediate. The fine, lightweight shards settle on every surface, embedding themselves deeply into soft materials like carpets, clothing, and bedding. Standard household cleaning methods, such as sweeping or using a regular vacuum cleaner, are ineffective and worsen the problem by stirring the fibers into the air. Contamination can be carried through the home’s ventilation system, depositing particles into the HVAC ductwork, which requires specialized professional cleaning. In severe cases, the contamination is so pervasive that affected personal items must be professionally cleaned or discarded entirely.
Identifying Mattresses Containing Fiberglass and Remediation Steps
Consumers can often determine if their mattress contains fiberglass by carefully inspecting the mandatory law tag. A clear warning label that explicitly states, “Do not remove the outer cover,” is also a strong indication that an internal fire barrier is present.
Identifying Fiberglass
To confirm the presence of fiberglass, look for the following indicators:
- The law tag lists alternative names such as “glass fibers,” “glass wool,” or “spun silica.”
- The mattress is a new memory foam model sold at a very low price point.
If contamination is suspected, the first step is to immediately isolate the affected mattress by wrapping it in heavy-duty plastic sheeting and securing the edges with duct tape. It is imperative to avoid using a standard vacuum cleaner or sweeping the area, as this will aerosolize the fibers and spread the contamination. When handling the mattress, wear protective gear, including a respirator mask, protective eyewear, and gloves. Contaminated clothing and bedding should be carefully removed, placed in a sealed bag, and washed separately. For the environment surrounding the mattress, a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-filtered vacuum cleaner should be used. Hard surfaces should then be wiped with a damp cloth. Due to the difficulty and potential health risks associated with cleanup, consulting with a professional remediation service is often the safest course of action.