1. Quick list
2. Best overall
3. Best cooling
4. Best organic
5. Best affordable
6. Best for heavy people
7. Fiberglass info
Choosing the best mattress without fiberglass is easier than you might think, and we're here to help you do it. Fiberglass is a surprisingly common ingredient in beds; many of the best mattresses have fiberglass in them, and it's entirely likely that there's fiberglass in your current mattress. Before you throw it out, though, it's worth learning more about what fiberglass is and why it can be found in mattresses, as well as whether it's actually a risk to your health.
The basic facts: fiberglass is a heat-resistant material made from fine strands of glass; it's also malleable and cheap, which makes it a popular fire barrier for many mattresses. As long as it's properly sealed within a mattress it poses no immediate health risk, however direct contact or inhalation can cause skin irritation and breathing problems.
When you buy a new mattress you want something you can sleep soundly on – which may mean choosing a model made with materials you feel safe with. Frustratingly, sleep brands that use fiberglass tend not to be very transparent about it, which means that unless a brand specifically states that its beds don't contain fiberglass (which some, thankfully, now do), it's hard to buy with confidence if you're concerned about fiberglass.
That's why we've selected the top five mattresses without fiberglass, based on our personal experiences and in-depth research. We also asked a couple of sleep experts to explain what you need to know about fiberglass – including ways you can avoid it and how to keep yourself safe around it.
Mattresses that use fiberglass alternatives such as wool or cotton tend to cost more, but mattress sales take place place all year round, and we've included shopping information with each entry in our list.
Best mattress without fiberglass: quick list
In a hurry to choose? Here are the bare basics you need to know about with each of our selected mattresses.
The best overall
The Saatva Classic is a luxury mattress that comes at a quite reasonable price. This hybrid innerspring uses premium materials including a plant-based fire retardant.
Best cooling
The Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid is an excellent choice for anyone who sleeps warm, and inside there's a cotton-polyester blend rather than fiberglass.
Best organic
Going organic is a great way to avoid fiberglass. This bed from Birch is made with organic latex, wool and cotton, and it's naturally breathable and excellent value.
Best affordable
The Bear Original is well worth a look if you don't have a huge budget. It delivers great motion isolation, and it uses flame-proof Rayon as a fire barrier.
Best for heavy people
If most mattresses don't give you the support you need, the Big Fig is tailor-made for larger bodies, with a total weight capacity of 1,100lbs.
The best mattress without fiberglass in 2024 - as chosen by experts
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Best overall
✅ You're picky about depth and firmness: The Saatva Classic comes in three firmness options and two heights, so you can get the perfect fit for your needs.
✅ You have a bad back: The Classic's Lumbar Zone technology is approved by the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations and can really help with back pain.
❌ You enjoy a sink-in feel: There isn't as much memory foam in the Saatva Classic as in other mattresses, and it doesn't really hug you in the way memory foam beds do.
❌ You have a really restless partner: There are a lot of springs in the Classic, and its motion isolation could be better, which means a fidgety co-sleeper may disturb you.
For most sleepers, the Saatva Classic is the best mattress without fiberglass for its winning combination of luxury, practicality, and eco-friendliness. It receives heaps of praise from consumers and sleep experts alike, and offers impressive customization options. It comes in three firmness levels – soft, luxury firm, or firm – and two height profiles (11.5 or 14.5 inches).
Materials
One key reason for the Saatva Classic's acclaim is the brand’s commitment to quality materials that are safe for sleepers and the environment. Handcrafted in the US, the Saatva Classic mattress consists of recycled steel coils, CertiPUR-US certified foam, an organic cotton cover, and a natural flame retardant crafted from thistle pulp.
Firmness and comfort
With three sleep feels to choose from there's a comfort option for everyone; most people favor the Luxury Firm option in the middle, although side sleepers might prefer the Plush Soft option for its additional cushioning, while stomach and back sleepers should consider the Firm version for extra support. Whichever option you choose you'll get a buoyant sleep surface; this is a mattress you lie on top of rather than sinking in.
Performance
Our experience with a 14.5-inch firm Saatva Classic mattress revealed it to be a superb all-rounder, providing comfort in any sleep position thanks to the impeccable pressure relief of its soft pillow top and Saatva’s patented Lumbar Zone Technology. We recommend it for anyone seeking a good mattress for back pain, as well as hot sleepers since its dual layer of coils, breathable cover, and minimal lack of foam result in ample airflow.
Value for money
Though it’s easy to find a Saatva mattress sale, this is still a bonafide luxury mattress, even after discounts. That said, it offers tremendous value for a hotel-quality bed, complete with a 1-year trial, lifetime warranty, and free in-home delivery, including removal of your old mattress if needed. (The Saatva Classic arrives flat, instead of vacuum-sealed in a box.)
- Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review
Best cooling
✅ You tend to sleep hot: The AS3 Hybrid's cooling tech, including Bio-Pur foam and a 'Refresh Cover', means it can feel seven degrees cooler than other beds.
✅ You're a side sleeper: You get great pressure relief with the AS3 Hybrid, which will keep your joints cushioned if you tend to sleep on your side.
❌ You're of a heavier build: The Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid is a softer mattress that with a sink-in feel that means it won't be firm enough to support heavier bodies.
❌ You sleep on your stomach: The AS3 Hybrid's softness means stomach sleepers' spines may not get the support they need.
If you're seeking a cooling mattress without fiberglass (that’s also made in the USA), check out the Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid. It's a premium hybrid mattress that as well as offering great cooling, is also a fine choice for side sleepers thanks to its impressive pressure relief.
Materials
The Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid features a Refresh Cover that purportedly sleeps up to seven degrees cooler. Packed inside are zoned and pocketed coils and plant-based Bio-Pur Foam, which is contouring and responsive as well as delivering enhanced breathability. An Amerisleep representative told us that the brand uses a cotton-polyester blend instead of fiberglass, which also lends it a plusher feel.
Firmness and comfort
Rated a 6 on the firmness scales by Amerisleep, the AS3 Hybrid is best suited to side sleepers of average or light build, thanks to its contouring foam that cushions your joints, as well as the additional support provided by the lower levels of foam and coils. It should suit most other sleepers, but heavier stomach sleepers may struggle to get enough support.
Performance
In our Amerisleep HS3 Hybrid review, we dubbed it the "Goldilocks of beds for side sleepers” since it strikes the perfect balance of comfort and support for that position. Zoned coils align the spine while easing pressure on the hips, knees, and shoulders. Our tester's chronically-overheated sleeping partner was impressed by the AS3 Hybrid's cooling abilities as he slept soundly – not sweaty – every night. Sturdy edges and minimal motion transfer also make it a suitable choice for couples who otherwise struggle with sharing a bed.
Value for money
A queen-sized Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid retails for $1,949, but it regularly sells for $1,499 courtesy of an evergreen $450 discount. It comes with 120 nights to test it out, along with free returns if you’re not satisfied. Keep it and your purchase will be backed by a 20-year warranty.
- Read more: Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid Mattress review
Best organic
✅ You get hot in the night: The Birch Natural mattress is very breathable and actually feels cool to the touch, making ideal if you regularly wake up feeling too warm.
✅ You want an organic bed: The Birch is made with organic Fair Trade cotton, organic wool and natural Talalay latex.
❌ You tend to fidget in bed: Springy latex plus springs means that the motion isolation on Birch isn't the best, so your nocturnal movements may disturb your partner.
❌ You sleep on your side: The Birch is fairly firm, and side sleepers may find their joints aren't adequately cushioned as latex doesn't have the sink-in feel you get from foam.
Choosing an organic mattress is a surefire way to steer clear of fiberglass, toxic chemicals, and non-degradable materials. On the flip side, organic beds tend to be among the most expensive, but the Birch Natural mattress is consistently available at a more attainable price point.
Materials
The Birch Natural mattress has a breathable GOTS Certified cotton cover, eco-INSTITUT certified Talalay latex for pressure relief, and a 100% organic New Zealand wool comfort layer. At the base are 1,000 individually-wrapped coils, followed by an additional layer of organic wool to act as a flame retardant.
Firmness and comfort
Birch rates this mattress as a 6 to 7 out of 10 for firmness; our reviewer largely agrees with this, although some customers feel that it's more of an 8. The Birch Natural mattress's latex means that you don't get the cradling feel of memory foam; instead you get a lightly conforming feel with just enough give for comfort. This one's a good option for back and stomach sleepers, and while it's more comfortable than other firm mattresses for side sleeping, it might not be the best fit for everyone who prefers that sleep style.
Performance
Like the Amerisleep AS3 above, the Birch Natural excels at keeping night sweats away. When we tried this bed ourselves, our lead mattress tester – who tends to sleep warm – found solace in the cooling, soothing surface of the Birch Natural. A mix of organic, breathable materials and strategically-placed springs effectively wicks away heat and moisture. It has a taut yet comfortable feel, which will cater well to combination sleepers who switch between their stomachs and backs. Heavier coils along the edges will prevent restless sleepers from rolling overboard.
Value for money
While not exactly budget-friendly, the Birch Natural is an excellent value for an organic bed. A queen typically sells for $1,699 after a consistent 20% discount. Along with a pair of free pillows, you'll receive a 25-year warranty and a 100-night home trial. Ground shipping is included, or choose in-home setup with optional mattress removal for an extra fee.
- Read more: Birch Natural mattress review
Best affordable
✅ You're on a budget: The Bear mattress is a very reasonably priced option that delivers plenty of great features for what you pay.
✅ You share a bed: Motion isolation is very good, so you won't disturb your partner if you have a tendency to move about in the night.
❌ You tend to sleep hot: This is an all-foam bed, and despite a cooling cover as well as gel-infused foam, it still has a tendency to trap heat.
❌ You like a softer bed: The Bear mattress is comfortable and supportive but pretty firm, which might be a turn-off if you prefer lots of cushioning.
While fiberglass-free mattresses usually carry a hefty price tag, the all-foam Bear Original is somewhat of an outlier. This GREENGUARD Gold-certified memory foam mattress is the most affordable option on our list, but it doesn't compromise on comfort or support.
Materials
The Bear Original features three layers of CertiPUR-US Certified foam: a top layer of cooling gel memory foam, a middle layer of dynamic foam for improved pressure relief, and base layer of high-density support form for durability. It's all wrapped up in an infrared-responsive Celliant cooling cover, and a WhisperShield fire barrier made from flame-proof rayon.
Firmness and comfort
The Bear Original is rated a 7 out of 10 for firmness, and customers seem to agree with that rating, while noting that despite its firmness it's comfortable and supportive to sleep on, especially if you give yourself a few days to adjust to its feel. Bear says that most owners of the Bear Original mattress are back sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress, and while its contouring means what side sleepers should get on with it too, if that's you then a slightly softer option may be a better idea.
Performance
Although we haven't tested the Bear Original ourselves, it garners high praise from back, front, and side sleepers alike for its full-body contouring, balanced medium-firm feel, and subtle bounce reminiscent of traditional innerspring beds. (For those seeking even more responsiveness, a hybrid version of the Bear Original is also available.) Couples appreciate its minimal motion transfer, ensuring uninterrupted sleep for both partners. However, despite its cooling cover and a gel-infused memory foam layer, some customers claim that the Bear Original retains heat.
Value for money
The Bear Original has a mid-range MSRP, but it’s regularly 30% off, reducing the price of a queen size to $649. Better yet, Bear generously includes a lifetime warranty along with a free bedding set consisting of sheets, pillows, and a mattress protector – up to $500 value. You’ll have 120 nights to try it at home, with free returns if it doesn’t work out.
Best for heavy people
✅ You're of a generous build: The Big Fig mattress is built to support bigger bodies, with a weight capacity of 1,100lbs, so it'll support you when lesser mattresses fail.
✅ You need lots of edge support: A dense foam outer border means you can sit on the side comfortably and you're not in danger of rolling off the edge.
❌ You overheat at night: Some customers have pointed out that the Big Fig has a tendency to trap heat, which isn't surprising considering its layers of dense foam.
❌ You don't like firm beds: Because it's designed to support heavier bodies, this bed could be too firm for some, especially lightweight sleepers.
The Big Fig hybrid mattress is tailor-made for larger bodies, with a total weight capacity of 1,100lbs. We consider it one of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Materials
Wrapped in a ThermoGel fabric cover, it consists of multiple layers of high-density polyfoam, a layer of perforated latex, and over 1,600 pocketed 15-gauge coils, and it's tufted in 16 places to ensure that its layers don't move around. Per a Big Fig representative, the brand eschews fiberglass and instead uses a blend of cotton, linseed, and flax as a fire barrier.
Firmness and comfort
Because the Big Fig is designed to provide support for heavier bodies (up to 550lbs), it's very firm indeed and particularly suited for back and stomach sleepers; it'll do an excellent job of keeping spines nicely aligned throughout the night. Of course this also means that side sleepers and people of a lighter build are likely to find it far too firm.
Performance
While we haven't personally tried the Big Fig mattress, it's received rave reviews from larger sleepers who seek a durable and supportive bed. It offers a medium-firm feel with minimal sinkage, and an outer border of 80 ILD foam allows sleepers to utilize the bed to its fullest extent without fear of falling over. A 16-tuft top cover ensures all materials stay in place while reducing the risk of sagging.
Value for money
You’ll often find $300 off the MSRP, which drops the price of a queen to $1,499. Shipping is free, as are returns if you don’t get on with it within the 120-night trial period. You do have the option to upgrade to in-home delivery from $199; mattress removal is also available with delivery from $129. A 20-year warranty applies.
Is it okay for a mattress to have fiberglass?
Yes, it's generally safe for a mattress to contain fiberglass as long as it’s not exposed. All mattresses sold in the US must have a fire barrier, per the Flammable Fabrics Act. Fiberglass is a cheap and effective way for mattress companies to fulfill that requirement.
Fiberglass isn’t illegal in the US, but concerns about its health effects gained significant attention in December 2022 when a viral TikTok video highlighted exposed fiberglass particles from a damaged mattress. In February 2023, lawmakers in California introduced a bill to ban the use of fiberglass in mattresses and furniture.
Chester Wu, a double-board certified psychiatrist and sleep specialist, says that airborne fiberglass can cause skin irritation, as well as red, itchy eyes and irritated lungs. (“People with allergies or sensitivities may have more pronounced reactions to fiberglass exposure,” he adds.) In any case, Wu suggests seeing a doctor if you suddenly experience “coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, or skin irritation."
If you discover your mattress has fiberglass in it, don’t panic. Wu says, “You can place the mattress in a mattress protector – some are specifically designed to trap fiberglass fibers. You can also vacuum the mattress regularly with a HEPA vacuum cleaner.” If that’s not enough to settle your mind, consider replacing your mattress with one that’s fiberglass-free.
How to choose the best mattress without fiberglass
"Consumers should look for labels or product descriptions that state the mattress is free from fiberglass," says Martin Seeley, senior sleep expert at MattressNextDay. "If in doubt, consumers can also contact the manufacturer directly for more information before buying a mattress."
Another indicator that a mattress might have fiberglass is if a brand advises against removing the cover. While this may largely be related to protecting the inner materials from damage, Seeley points out, "There’s a possibility this could be related to fiberglass since exposing the material may cause irritation or respiratory issues."
Popular alternatives to fiberglass include wool, cotton, polyester, and rayon – comfortable materials that are also effective flame retardants. More innovative approaches include plant-based thistle (as used by Saatva) and Big Fig’s blend of cotton, linseed, and flax in its flagship bed.
If you’d feel more at ease sleeping on a mattress without fiberglass, keep in mind that such beds tend to cost more. Fortunately, there are always savings to be found so you’ll seldom have to pay full price. You'll find today’s deals on the best mattresses without fiberglass below.
Of course, you’ll still want your fiberglass-free mattress to suit your sleep style and preferences. Take the materials into consideration while also knowing how to choose a mattress that’s the right fit for your needs.
Dr Chester Wu is double board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. In addition to his work as Rise Science’s Medical Reviewer, Dr. Wu provides sleep medicine services, medication management, and psychotherapy to adults at his private sleep medicine and psychiatry practice in Houston.
The founder and CEO of MattressNextDay, Martin Seeley has been in the sleep industry since the 80s. A prominent figure in the bed world, Martin knows how to overcome any sleep-related problem.
