When you are in the market for a new mattress, you want it to have features like breathability, comfort, durability, and affordability right? With a spring mattress, you get all that, but you are probably worried about it having fiberglass. This is because fiberglass particles can cause respiratory issues and irritate your skin.
However, in the past, manufacturers did use fiberglass as a fire-retardant material in the construction of their mattresses. So, in this day and age, do spring mattresses have fiberglass? The answer to that is that some do, and some don’t.
Due to the health risks of fiberglass, most spring mattresses today use other fire-resistant materials. If you are unsure if the mattress you’re buying contains fiberglass, read the manufacturer’s information carefully. If you are still not sure, try contacting the manufacturer and ask them.
Read on to find out more.
Why Do Mattresses Contain Fiberglass?
If fiberglass is not such a good material, why would it be used in the manufacture of a mattress? You see, fiberglass is often used in mattresses as a fire-retardant material. In order to meet safety standards and regulations, mattresses must be able to withstand certain levels of heat and flames without catching fire. Fiberglass serves that purpose well.
When used in mattresses, fiberglass is usually found in the form of a thin layer or batting, which is placed just beneath the top layer of the mattress. This layer of fiberglass helps in preventing or slowing down of the spread of flames in the event of a fire, allowing people more time to evacuate the building hence reducing the risk of injury or death.
Now, even with its fire-resisting abilities, fiberglass does come with possible health risks. If you inhale its particles, you could suffer respiratory issues.
In that regard, some manufacturers now opt to use alternative flame retardant materials including natural fibers like wool.
What Makes a Spring Mattress?
Typically, a spring mattress comprises springs or metal coils that make up its support system. These coils are steel-made and can be of different shapes and thicknesses. Other than the coils, the mattress also has a few layers of upholstery material and padding all of which are supposed to offer cushioning and comfort.
All the layers in a spring mattress can be held by stitching, adhesive, or both. As for the top layer of the mattress, it is often quilted to create a smooth, comfortable surface for sleeping.
Some high-end spring mattresses may also feature additional comfort features, such as pillow tops, Euro tops, or foam layers, which provide extra cushioning and support.
Are Spring Mattresses Worth it?
Whether a spring mattress is worth it depends on a variety of factors, including personal preference, budget, and sleeping needs.
What you want to keep in mind is that these mattresses are typically less expensive than other types of mattresses, such as memory foam or latex, which may make them a more affordable option for some people.
That said, spring mattresses may not be the best choice for everyone. For instance, they can be noisy when the coils or springs squeak and they may not provide as much pressure relief as other types of mattresses, which can be a concern for people with certain medical conditions or sleep preferences.
Ultimately, a number of factors will determine whether a spring mattress is worth it, but you have to try one out for yourself to be sure. Look out for mattress stores that offer trial periods, as this will allow you to test out a mattress for a while before making a final decision.
Do all Mattresses have Fiberglass?
Since fiberglass is a flame retardant that was widely used in the past during the manufacture of mattresses, you are probably wondering if all mattresses contain it. Well, not all of them do.
You see, because of the potential health risk it poses, fiberglass does not feature in most mattresses today. Manufacturers of some hybrid, latex, and memory foam mattresses are now using substitute fire retardant materials made from natural fibers such as wool. This is a welcome approach as these materials are healthier and more environmentally friendly.
With that in mind, you want to note that not all manufacturers use the same material to serve the purpose of fire resistance when producing their mattresses. Always check specifications before buying, or try contacting manufacturers to find out what materials are used in the mattress you want to purchase.
What Effect does Fiberglass have on the Body?
Fiberglass can have several potential negative effects on the body, particularly when inhaled.
Inhalation of fiberglass particles can irritate the respiratory system, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. This is because fiberglass fibers are small and can easily get into your respiratory system, causing irritation and inflammation in the lungs.
In the worst-case scenario, fiberglass particles can lead to respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. Other than that, they can irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions. As such, you should strive to avoid coming directly into contact with fiberglass.
While not all products that contain fiberglass pose a health risk, it is advisable to be careful when handling them. This can be achieved by wearing a mask and protective clothing as well as properly disposing of them.
If you experience any symptoms of respiratory or skin irritation after exposure to fiberglass, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Spring Mattress Pros and Cons
Pros of a Spring Mattress
Support: These mattresses offer good support because they are designed to contour your body shape, which can help alleviate back pain and promote healthy spinal alignment.
Durability: Because of the metal coils or springs used in their construction, spring mattresses tend to be durable and long-lasting, with many models lasting between 7-10 years.
Affordability: Spring mattresses belong to the affordable side of mattresses as they are often less expensive than other types of mattresses, such as memory foam or latex, which makes them a good option if you are on a budget.
Breathability: The open structure of spring mattresses allows for the circulation of air more freely, which can help keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep.
Cons of Having a Spring Mattress
Motion transfer: Spring mattresses can be noisy and transfer motion easily, which can be problematic for people who share beds.
Allergies: As we discussed earlier, some spring mattresses use fiberglass as a fire-retardant material, which can cause respiratory issues and irritation for some people.