Consumers continue to ask us about fiberglass in their mattresses. It’s an important topic so I am re-issuing this blog post that first appeared about 18 months ago.
Foam producers do not use fiberglass to make the types of foam we certify through the CertiPUR-US® program. However, sometimes there may be fiberglass in your mattress cover or in a fabric “sock” that is pulled over the foam core before the cover is put on — in what is referred to as a barrier fabric. These barrier fabrics are designed to meet government flammability standards. This is a perfectly legitimate practice. But it is important the fiberglass stays safely contained inside the mattress.
For that reason, do not remove the cover of a mattress without first reading product care instructions carefully, consulting the manufacturer’s website or calling their customer service department. Do not take any chances.
Of course, some mattresses are designed with a cover that can be removed without creating a problem, but just because you see a zipper, do not assume the cover is removable.
Sometimes the zipper is there only for easy assembly at the factory and not for the consumer to use. In these cases, unzipping the cover could be like opening Pandora’s Box. You could release glass fibers into the air or onto you, which is not going to be fun (or even possible) to clean up or put back.
That’s why it’s a good idea to purchase a separate mattress pad or protector to keep on top of your mattress to protect the surface from spills and stains. Many mattress protectors have waterproof features, and some protectors that cover all sides of your product have the added benefit of deterring bedbugs (a topic for another day!). These bedding accessories can be easily removed for washing.
OK, enough said. I will zip it right here!
