Bear Mattress Awards & Recognition
Explore Bear's "best fiberglass-free mattress" accolades from trusted publications and sleep experts.
Bear Brand
- 10 Best Fiberglass-Free Mattresses (2026 Review) — The Good Trade
Bear Original
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Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass: Best Mattress Without Fiberglass Overall — Mattress Clarity
- Best Mattress Without Fiberglass: Editor's Pick — Sleep Advisor
Bear Elite Hybrid
- I Found The 8 Best Fiberglass-Free Mattresses For Quality Sleep: Best Mattress Without Fiberglass For Couples — Forbes
- The Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass in 2026: Best Overall — NCOA
- Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass: Best Hybrid Mattress — Sleepopolis
What Is Fiberglass, and Why Is It Used in Mattresses?
Fiberglass is a synthetic material made from extremely thin strands of glass. It's lightweight, inexpensive, and naturally resistant to heat and flames, making it a common component in mattress fire barriers.
All mattresses sold in the United States must meet federal flammability standards, including 16 CFR 1633. To comply, manufacturers use various fire-resistant materials and construction methods that help slow the spread of flames.
Some mattress manufacturers use fiberglass as a protective layer beneath the mattress cover, often in the form of a woven fabric or mesh surrounding the foam layers. While fiberglass can provide effective fire protection, it also raises concerns about potential exposure if the material escapes from the mattress.
Fortunately, fiberglass isn't necessary for a mattress to meet federal fire safety requirements. Alternative fire-resistant fabrics and barriers can provide the required protection without introducing fiberglass into the mattress construction.
Is Fiberglass in Mattresses Dangerous?
Fiberglass generally poses less risk when it's securely contained within a mattress. However, problems can arise if the mattress cover is removed, torn, or damaged, allowing tiny glass fibers to escape.
Exposure to loose fiberglass particles can potentially cause:
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Skin irritation: Contact with fiberglass fibers may cause itching, redness, and discomfort.
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Eye irritation: Airborne particles can irritate the eyes, causing redness and watering.
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Respiratory irritation: Inhaling fiberglass particles may irritate the nose, throat, and airways.
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Household contamination: Once released, tiny fiberglass fibers can spread to bedding, clothing, furniture, and carpets, making cleanup difficult.
For shoppers who want to avoid these potential issues altogether, choosing a fiberglass-free mattress offers a straightforward solution.
Are Bear Mattresses Fiberglass-Free?
Yes! Bear mattresses are made without fiberglass. From our affordable memory foam mattresses to our premium hybrids, we use alternative fire-resistant materials to meet federal mattress flammability requirements.
Rather than relying on fiberglass or sprayed chemical flame retardants, we incorporate fire-resistant fabrics directly into our mattress construction.
Depending on the model, our may mattresses achieve fire protection through one of two methods:
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Fire-resistant quilted covers: Protective fire-resistant fabric is incorporated directly into the mattress cover.
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Fire-resistant fabric barriers: Durable, protective fabric sleeves surround the mattress's internal foam layers.
These fire-resistant materials use a blend of non-woven hydrated silica, rayon, polyester, and cotton. This approach allows us to meet federal fire safety requirements while maintaining our commitment to fiberglass-free mattress construction.
Beyond Fiberglass-Free: Bear's Mattress Material Certifications
Choosing a fiberglass-free mattress is an important consideration for many shoppers, but it's only one part of understanding what's inside your bed.
At Bear, we also prioritize independently tested materials and low chemical emissions. Our mattresses feature two important third-party certifications that provide additional information about their construction.
GREENGUARD Gold Certification
Bear mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning they've undergone independent testing to meet stringent standards for low chemical emissions.
This certification evaluates emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that can affect indoor air quality. GREENGUARD Gold has particularly strict emission limits, including requirements designed for sensitive indoor environments.
CertiPUR-US® Certified Foams
Bear mattresses feature CertiPUR-US® certified polyurethane foams that are independently tested to meet standards for content, emissions, and durability.
Among other requirements, CertiPUR-US® certified foams are made without formaldehyde, ozone depleters, and certain prohibited phthalates and heavy metals. They must also meet low VOC emission limits.
Together, these certifications provide additional assurance about the materials and emissions associated with our mattresses, beyond their fiberglass-free construction.
How to Choose the Best Fiberglass-Free Mattress
Finding the best fiberglass-free mattress starts with understanding its materials, but comfort and support matter just as much.
Before purchasing, we recommend confirming that the manufacturer explicitly identifies its mattress as fiberglass-free and explains what materials it uses for fire protection. Third-party certifications can provide additional insight into material quality and chemical emissions.
Once you've confirmed the mattress meets your material preferences, consider your sleep position, preferred firmness, pressure relief needs, and whether you prefer the contouring feel of foam or the responsiveness of a hybrid.
Because Bear mattresses are fiberglass-free, you can focus on choosing the construction and comfort features that work best for you.
Our Best Fiberglass-Free Mattress Guide takes a closer look at what to consider when shopping, along with recommendations for different types of sleepers.
Disclaimer: Bear does not provide medical advice. All resources on the Bear blog, including this article, are informational only and do not replace professional medical counsel. Talk to your doctor about any health, mental health, or sleep-related issues.
