Your sleep is important – no doubt about it. Memory foam pillows can help you achieve the same mostly because they conform to your neck and head hence giving you maximum comfort. That is not all they have to offer either, because they are long-lasting as well, and with that, you get value for your money.
However, the biggest question you need to ask yourself before getting one is; do memory foam pillows have fiberglass? Why do you need to know this? Well, fiberglass is a material that has been used in the past during mattress production to act as a flame retardant.
Essentially, you will not find any fiberglass in most pillows that are made from memory foam. Instead, they are made from a combination of other materials including additives, polyurethane, and chemicals.
What is in Memory Foam Pillows?
Now that we have established that there is usually zero fiberglass content in most memory foam pillows, you would want to know what they actually contain. Memory foam pillows just as their name implies, feature a unique kind of foam that contours to the shape of your neck and head.
This foam contains several materials that for the most part are hypoallergenic and safe. You are looking at things like polyurethane foam that is responsible for contouring, viscoelastic materials that respond to temperature changes and pressure, as well as cooling agents that help prevent overheating and regulate your body temperature as you sleep.
Are Memory Foam Pillows Safe
While memory foam pillows are a great addition to your bed, you want to keep in mind that they can emit some chemicals or volatile organic compounds that can be hazardous when inhaled. This is known as off-gassing. In the recent past, manufacturers have been moving towards using low-VOC materials to reduce off-gassing.
With memory foam pillows, you also risk suffocation. Granted, these pillows contour to the shape of your neck and head hence giving you comfort, but the same can be detrimental to you. You see, when the pillow contours it could block your breathing.
That said, most people find memory foam pillows highly safe and comfy. If you have any health issues or concerns such as breathing difficulties or allergies, it is advisable to get medical aid before purchasing a memory foam pillow.
What Material is the Healthiest for Pillows?
As you contemplate buying a pillow that will help you sleep better, you want to remember that memory foam is a popular option for a reason. However, you do not just stop at that and take our word for it. Rather, you want to consider different materials and how they perform before deciding which one is the healthiest.
Here are some common materials that are considered healthy.
Organic cotton: With the word organic, most people are convinced that they are dealing with something safe, and understandably so. As such, pillows made from organic cotton are considered safe. This is because they do not contain synthetic materials or chemicals that could be harmful, especially for people with sensitivities and allergies.
Natural latex: Pillows made from natural latex consist of sap derived from rubber trees. They are hypoallergenic and do a great job at resisting dust mites. This makes them the perfect choice for persons with respiratory issues and allergies.
Wool: Wool naturally absorbs moisture and regulates temperature. As such, woolen pillows can help prevent sweating and overheating as you sleep. It is also hypoallergenic.
Buckwheat: This is not a popular choice, but that does not mean it is not good. Buckwheat pillows are breathable and hypoallergenic because they contain natural material. They offer great support for the neck and head and are especially preferable for people who like firmer pillows.
How Safe Are Fiberglass-Laden Memory Foam Pillows for Home Use?
If you have a memory foam pillow that contains fiberglass, chances are that it can cause potential health risks and irritate your skin. You see, fiberglass serves a great purpose and that is to resist or slow down flames in case they occur.
However, the fiberglass particles can affect your respiratory system adversely if inhaled and irritate your skin if it is exposed to it.
Other than that, sleeping on a fiberglass-filled memory foam pillow can also be dangerous in other ways. You see, fiberglass particles are very fine and tiny hence difficult to see. Therefore, they can easily dissipate throughout your home and cause the aforementioned problems.
You may want to stop using your memory foam pillow if you suspect that it contains fiberglass. If you confirm that it does, dispose of it properly and promptly.
How can you tell that your Memory Foam Mattress has Fiberglass?
Chances are that you will not know that your memory foam pillow contains fiberglass. Not to worry though, here are several signs indicating that it does.
Irritated or itchy skin: As previously mentioned, fiberglass can irritate your skin and this can manifest in the form of redness or itching. If you are getting the same, especially on your face and neck, chances are that your pillow contains fiberglass.
Visible fibers: While fiberglass particles are fine and tiny, sometimes they can be seen on your mattress surface or surrounding areas.
As such, if you see tiny, shiny particles in your bed, it could be that your mattress or pillow contains fiberglass.
Unusual odor: Usually, memory foam mattresses with fiberglass release an unusual smell. If you perceive a chemical smell emanating from your mattress, it could be that it contains fiberglass.
Label or documentation: It would be easier if all mattresses came with labels stating what they contain. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In that regard, you want to check your mattress label or go through its documentation to find out if it contains fiberglass.
Another good place to check and find out would be the mattresses’ website.
FAQs
Do all memory foam mattresses contain fiberglass?
No, not all of them do. Older ones may have fiberglass because it was used in the past as a flame retardant. Newer models however contain safer substitutes, because fiberglass can be detrimental to health.
Is it dangerous to have fiberglass in my memory foam mattress?
Essentially, it is not dangerous until it encounters your respiratory system or skin. Nevertheless, if your mattress is not damaged or old, chances of the same happening are low.
What should I do with my memory foam mattress if it contains fiberglass?
Ideally, you should contact the manufacturer for the next course of action. However, this will not always yield results. As such, you should put measures in place to reduce exposure, or simply replace your mattress.