Recently, there has been growing concern about mattresses containing fibreglass, especially after reports in the US where some budget mattress brands were found to use it as a cheap fire-retardant material.
In fact, lawsuits in America against brands like Zinus highlighted health issues linked to fibreglass exposure, including skin irritation and respiratory problems.
But does this apply to the UK? The short answer is: our regulations and mattress market are different.
In this guide, we’ll explain what fibreglass is, whether it’s used in UK mattresses, and which trusted brands you can buy from with confidence.
What Is Fibreglass?
Fibreglass is a man-made material made from very fine glass fibres reinforced with plastic. It’s strong, lightweight, and inexpensive, which is why it’s used in everything from insulation and roofing to boats and car parts.
In mattresses, fibreglass isn’t added for comfort – it’s mainly used as a fire barrier.
By layering it beneath the cover, manufacturers can meet fire safety regulations without relying on more expensive materials.
Why is Fibreglass Used in Mattresses?
Some of the top reasons that manufacturers might use fibreglass in their mattresses include the fact that it is affordable.
It lowers the cost of the manufacturer, which means that they can create mattresses in bulk to meet the demands of customers.
On the other hand, fibreglass is also an excellent flame retardant. This material is effective in preventing the mattress from easily catching fire, which is a crucial safety feature.
So, it is a useful material, but it comes with its drawbacks.
Is Fibreglass Dangerous?
The answer to this is complicated because fibreglass can potentially harm you if you are exposed to it directly. However, the if this material stays inside your mattress it might not pose the same risks unless you remove the cover.
Fibreglass inside the mattress is completely safe as long as it is inside, and it is not touched or inhaled.
However, if this material finds a way to get out, then it can cause harm to your health and safety. For example, if the fibreglass layer becomes exposed, either through damage or by removing the mattress cover, tiny fibreglass particles can become airborne.
In the lawsuit against Zinus’ “Green Tea Mattress”, customers claimed that since the mattress cover had a zipper on it, they felt nothing wrong with removing and washing it. However, this let them to being exposed to the fibreglass directly, and resulted in health problems.
These particles can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and other health problems if inhaled or if they come into contact with the skin.
Keep in mind that if you have asthma and you inhale this material, then it can worsen it even further.
Because of this, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of a mattress you are purchasing. It is best to stray away from mattresses that contain this material altogether. It will lower these health risks and ensure you live in a healthy environment at home.
Which Brands are Safe to Buy in the UK?
If you are looking to buy a mattress in the UK without fibreglass, then you must conduct research. We have also done the research for you to save you time and effort.
Here are some of the top brands in the UK that you can buy safe mattresses from:
We recommend that you stray away from any online stores that offer mass-produced mattresses.
Such products don’t take care of quality, and there is a high chance that they might be using unsafe materials inside.
3 Ways to Tell if a Mattress Has Fibreglass Inside:
Finally, there are many ways you can tell if a mattress has fibreglass inside. Some of these include:
1. Cost
If a mattress is cheap (below £170 for a double size), then there is a high chance that it contains fibreglass. That’s because it’s made of low cost materials, so the mattress can be priced at a lower price. Lower cost also means lower quality for many products.
That is why it is good to set a higher budget and invest in the right mattress once every 5-7 years. You will get a high return on your investment from these mattresses in the long run.
Shopping Tip: If you’re looking for a new mattress but have a lower budget, check out the Fogarty mattress collection from Dunelm.
Inside there is a layer of pocket springs and Eco-Flex Fillings (made from recycled textile). They are priced at around £200-350 for a double size.
2. Contact the Manufacturer
Many people look for mattresses online, but sometimes they don’t state the materials used in such products. If that is the case, then be sure to contact the manufacturer and ask them about this.
If the representative does not provide you with a clear answer, then we recommend that you stray away from the store.
You can keep shopping and look for other manufacturers that are transparent about the materials in their mattresses.
3. Check the Manufacturing Label
We also recommend that you check the manufacturing label on the mattress tag. If there is jargon or greenwashing terminology, then it is likely that the mattress might have fibreglass. Manufacturers do this to confuse the buyers and use misleading terms to increase their sales by appearing environmentally friendly.
On the other hand, if the mattress is manufactured in China, then there is a high probability it has fibreglass. Ideally, you should look at products made in the UK.
This is why it is crucial to do your research and then make an informed decision about the mattress you will choose.
Quick Checklist: How to Spot Fibreglass in a Mattress
🔎 Check the law label – look for terms like “glass fibre”, “glass wool” or “fire barrier”.
📞 Ask the manufacturer – a reputable brand will provide a clear materials list.
💰 Be cautious with very cheap mattresses – budget foam mattresses (under ~£170 for a double) are more likely to contain fibreglass.
🛏️ Look at the cover design – removable zip covers on low-cost mattresses can hide a fibreglass fire barrier.
✅ Choose UK-made mattresses with certifications (CertiPUR, OEKO-TEX, BS 7177) for safer, fibreglass-free options.
Buy a Mattress With Organic Materials: Wool, Cotton, etc.
Finally, we recommend that you narrow down the search and purchase mattresses with organic materials. These include materials such as cotton and wool. Such mattresses might cost more, but they will be worth it in the long run.
Shopping Tip: Check out Dream’s Flaxby natural mattress collection, which contains only the finest materials.
Inside you’ll find: Egyptian cotton, wool and mohair locally sourced from Yorkshire, to luxurious cashmere. Plus a layer of pocket springs.
So, look for stores in the UK that use natural materials in mattresses. It will not be too difficult as you will be saving time and money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
That was your complete guide to understanding if UK mattresses contain fibreglass. Not all brands add this material to their mattresses, which is why it is vital to do research and then make an informed decision. You can follow our guidelines to make the right choices for your mattress.
Keep in mind that you should never compromise quality for the cost. You will have to pay more for a better quality mattress, but it will give you high returns in the form of health and safety.
