Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
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.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of fiberglass-free mattresses. These beds use alternative flame-retardant materials, such as rayon or organic wool.
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.
Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass
Our Video Review of Mattresses Without Fiberglass
Compare Mattresses Without Fiberglass
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| Bear Original Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Saatva 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: 6/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | 25-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 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 | Couples, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, 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.
What We Look for in Mattresses without Fiberglass
No Fiberglass
Talk about a gimme, right? Yes, obviously we look for mattresses that don’t contain fiberglass for this list. Considering that this can be a make-or-break factor for many people, we wanted to make it clear that we scrutinized these beds to make sure they were completely free of fiberglass.
Additional Safety Certifications
Mattresses can earn third-party safety certifications based on their materials and manufacturing procedures. When it comes to fiberglass-free beds, we looked for the following:
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- CertiPUR-US® – This label certifies that any poly or memory foams are free of heavy metals and contain limited amounts of certain types of phthalates and flame retardants.
OKEO-Tex Standard 100 – Mattresses that earn this certification do not release certain harmful chemicals.
- CertiPUR-US® – This label certifies that any poly or memory foams are free of heavy metals and contain limited amounts of certain types of phthalates and flame retardants.
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- GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold – If your mattresses have been awarded this certification, it means that the materials used restricted emissions of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
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- Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) – This certification indicates that latex mattresses contain at least 95 percent organic latex and adhere to chemical restrictions for any latex and other non-latex materials.
Support Score
The lack of fiberglass doesn’t necessarily affect the support score, but good support is usually indicative of a quality mattress. So, a mattress’s support score is an important factor in determining whether it is one of the best. We typically need a mattress to score at least 4 out of 5 to be considered for a recommendation.
Best Fiberglass-Free Mattresses
Bear Original – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: With a name that inspires hibernation, it’s no surprise we found the Bear Original to be an attractive all-foam mattress at its fair price. It’s got a firmer feel that’s sure to please folks looking for support—and a surprising amount of bounce.
| Metrics | Bear Original Mattress | Average |
| Overall Score | 3.8 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 10″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Memory Foam | – |
| Number of Layers | 3 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Ships free across the continental United States. | – |
| Certifications | GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $998 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
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.
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’s the Bear Original Made Of?
The Bear Original is 10 inches tall and has four layers if you count its initial cover.
- 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.
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
The Advisor Says: The Midnight has one of the most impressive score spreads of all the mattresses we’ve reviewed. The best word to describe it is “balanced”: it’s got pressure relief, support, and cooling power in spades, plus a versatile medium-firm feel that tends to satisfy lots of sleepers.
| Metrics | Helix Midnight Mattress | Average |
| Overall Score | 4 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 12″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid | – |
| Number of Layers | 4 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 100 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Shipping is free within the United States. | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $1,332 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Luxury Mattress Without Fiberglass
The Advisor Says: This is a memorably bouncy and supportive hybrid with state-of-the-art cooling elements. It had a delightful balance of cushion and lift for back and stomach sleeping in particular.
| Metrics | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Average |
| Overall Score | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 14″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid | – |
| Number of Layers | 4 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, and Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Free shipping is available within the contiguous United States. | – |
| Certifications | GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $2,305 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
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.
Do Bear Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?
No, Bear mattresses are fiberglass-free. They contain a rayon fire retardant called WhisperShield™.
What’s the Bear Elite Hybrid Made Of?
The Bear Elite Hybrid is 14 inches tall and has five layers, including its cover.
- 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.
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.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Fiberglass-Free Mattress for Couples
The Advisor Says: For shoppers on a budget, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is one of the top hybrids we recommend. It’s simultaneously soft and bouncy, with three firmness options and decent cooling power.
| Metrics | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Average |
| Overall Score | 4 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 12.25″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid | – |
| Number of Layers | 5 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, and Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Shipping is free within the continental United States. | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $1,332 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
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.
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’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.
- 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.
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.
WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress Without Fiberglass
The Advisor Says: Our testers often compare the WinkBed to a luxury hotel mattress, which is no surprise given its handcrafted touches and elegant hybrid design. It’s also one of the most customizable beds out there, with a firmness level for every body type.
| Metrics | WinkBed Mattress | Average |
| Overall Score | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 13.5″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid | – |
| Number of Layers | 3 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm, and Plus | – |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Shipping is free within the contiguous United States. | – |
| Certifications | OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $1,799 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress Without Fiberglass
The Advisor Says: The Nolah Evolution is a team favorite with a highly competitive score spread—our testers gave it at least a 4 out of 5 in every single performance category. It’s definitely a luxury mattress, with the height (and price) to match.
| Metrics | Nolah Evolution Mattress | Average |
| Overall Score | 4.7 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 15″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid | – |
| Number of Layers | 8 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Free shipping is available within the contiguous United States. | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $2,498 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress Without Fiberglass
The Advisor Says: We’re constantly calling this mattress one of the firmest in the online market, and if you don’t believe us, try it for yourself! It offers both a classic firm and extra-firm feel in its flippable design, alongside posture-aligning support. Bonus points for good marks in performance for cooling, bounce, and couples.
| Metrics | Plank Firm Mattress | Average |
| Overall Score | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 10.25″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Memory Foam | – |
| Number of Layers | 4 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Firm and Extra Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Shipping is free within the contiguous United States. | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $1,332 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Saatva Classic – Best Fiberglass-Free Mattress for Back Pain
The Advisor Says: The Saatva Classic is the gold standard for lower-back support, strong edges, and customizable luxury. It’s not the softest or most motion-isolating bed out there, but it’s a dependable, bouncy hybrid that consistently impresses our testers with its two coil units.
| Metrics | Saatva Classic | Average |
| Overall Score | 4 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 11.5″ or 14.5″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid | – |
| Number of Layers | 4 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Luxury Firm, Firm, and Plush Soft | – |
| Sleep Trial | 365 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Free shipping within the continental United States. | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® and GOTS-certified | – |
| Price (Queen) | $2,095 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Birch Natural – Best Fiberglass-Free Latex Mattress
The Advisor Says: Dare we say the Birch Natural is the bed that comes to mind when we think latex? As the name implies, this bed combines natural components with quality construction, yielding a supportive, luxurious, and eco-friendly mattress.
| Metrics | Birch Natural Mattress | Average |
| Overall Score | 4.4 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 11″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid | – |
| Number of Layers | 5 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 100 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Shipping is free within the United States. | – |
| Certifications | eco-INSTITUT Certified, GREENGUARD Gold, and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) | – |
| Price (Queen) | $1,873.80 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
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
Type
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Product
Type
Score
What Is Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a material made from reinforced plastic and glass. To the naked eye, it can look like tiny, shimmery strands of string or straw. When you zoom in on it, it looks like several overlapping fibers.
It’s durable, cheap, and easy to mold into different shapes. That’s why it’s found in so many places, including cars, appliances, roofing material, insulation, bathtubs, and some mattresses.
Why Do Some Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is cheap to use as a flame retardant and does a good job of preventing your mattress from burning fast if it catches on fire.
Because fiberglass is so inexpensive, mattresses that contain it are usually priced much lower than those that don’t. Steer clear of low-priced beds that don’t specify their materials if you want to avoid fiberglass.
Is Fiberglass in a Mattress Dangerous?
Breathing in airborne fiberglass can result in eye and skin irritation and even damage the lungs and respiratory tract.1
“Exposure to fiberglass can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs, causing issues like itching, coughing, allergic reactions, and breathing difficulties.”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta
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 inner “fire socks” consisting of more than 50% fiberglass, and up to 1% had transferred onto nearby fabric layers. The study concluded that there was a slight risk of exposure to fiberglass if the cover of the mattress was unzipped.
That being said, the fiberglass inside certain mattresses is not dangerous to people unless the mattress is uncovered, cut open, or damaged. If the cover of your mattress is fully secured, you won’t be exposed to fiberglass and needn’t be concerned about its health risks.
Should You Be Worried About Fiberglass in Mattresses? Dr. Raj Explains
Should You Get a Mattress Without Fiberglass?
Many people prefer to own a fiberglass-free mattress because fiberglass poses health risks if you’re exposed to it. If you want to totally eliminate your chances of exposure to fiberglass from your mattress, then yes, you should buy a bed that’s fiberglass-free.
How to Check Whether a Mattress Has Fiberglass Before Buying
- Ask the company directly – If you’re unsure whether 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 so 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.
How common is fiberglass in mattresses? Review our data study: Does My Mattress Have Fiberglass?
How to Tell If Your Mattress Has Fiberglass
If you don’t know whether your current mattress contains fiberglass, do not take off the cover to go looking. Doing so may result in fiberglass exposure!
Instead, follow these steps:
- Look at the mattress label. See if fiberglass is listed as a component of the mattress. Sometimes it may be referred to by another name, such as “glass wool.”
- Consult the mattress care manual. The manual may mention fiberglass or caution you never to remove the cover, which is a sign that there may be fiberglass inside the bed.
- Call the manufacturer and ask. If you can contact the mattress manufacturer and know when the mattress was bought, they can usually tell you whether or not it has fiberglass inside as a flame retardant.
If you can’t get a straight answer from any of these sources, it’s safest to assume that the mattress does indeed have fiberglass inside it.
Remember, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the mattress is dangerous! It just means you shouldn’t remove the cover, and that if the bed ever becomes damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Fiberglass-Free Mattress
Mattress Type
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.
“[If you want to avoid fiberglass,] choose mattresses that explicitly say they are fiberglass-free or look for materials like natural latex or organic cotton, both known for offering exceptional safety and comfort when it comes to mattresses.”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta
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.
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.
Sharing the Bed
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
Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass Scores Side-by-Side
| Mattress | Pressure Relif | Support | Motion Transfer | Cooling | Bounce | Edge Support | Couples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Original | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 |
| Helix Midnight | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3.5 | 2 | 3 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 4 | 5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4.5 | 5 | 3 | 2.5 |
| WinkBed | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Nolah Evolution | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Plank Firm | 3.5 | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Saatva Classic | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Birch Natural | 4 | 5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Average Score | 4.3 | 4.5 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
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 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Couples | $1,249 | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Review |
| WinkBed | Hybrid | $1,799 | WinkBed Mattress Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Cooling | $2,299 | Nolah Evolution Mattress Review |
| Plank Firm | Firm | $1,332 | Plank Firm Mattress Review |
| Saatva Classic | Back Pain | $1,995 | Saatva Classic Mattress Review |
| Birch Natural | Latex | $1,799 | Birch Natural Mattress Review |
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester 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.