by Fiberglass started being used as a cheaper yet healthier alternative to chemical fire retardants. But, these are not that good of a choice too. They pose a lot of risks to your health, but despite that being known, companies such as Zinus continue to use these in their mattresses so that people looking for cheaper mattress options have something they can go for.
Although it does the job- it is good at disrupting heat but is it worth the risk it poses to your health?
Continue reading to find out all that you need to know about it!
We recommend Saatva if you are looking for a fiberglass-free mattress.
Why Does Zinus Add Fiberglass To Their Mattress?
Zinus is a popular mattress brand that makes sleep products for the masses (check the best selling mattresses). It is one of those brands that use fiberglass in their construction. Any review you open on amazon right now about a Zinus mattress, you will find this is a hot topic over there currently.
Zinus is a company that produces mattresses in the USA. And as per the law, all mattresses must have some fire retardant in their construction. Among many other options, fiberglass is a good fire retardant and a cheaper option than most others. This is why Zinus uses fiberglass in its mattresses to create a layer of fire-resistant material without using other expensive chemical treatments.
This is the main reason why Zinus use fiberglass in its mattress. If your mattress catches fire, this protective layer will melt and burn itself into the sock. It will not transfer the fire onto the mattress, leaving a protective layer of the sock over the mattress.
Most mattresses, especially those with foam and highly flammable, will turn into a fiery inferno within seconds if no fire retardant is in the construction for protective purposes.
How to Identify a Zinus Fiberglass Mattress?
It isn’t that difficult to identify if a mattress has fiberglass in it or not (also check the top rated mattresses without fiberglass). Mostly, two main giveaways tell if the mattress has fiberglass in it or not. First, these mattresses do not have a removable cover on them. If the mattress cover gets damaged, you will be exposed to fiberglass.
The second giveaway is that these mattresses are usually on the cheaper end. Zinus uses it as a flame retardant to keep the prices low. So, if the mattress seems like it has it all and is still on the cheaper end, plus if the cover is a non-removable one, it might be safe to say that the mattress has fiberglass in its construction.
Safety Concerns of Fiberglass in Zinus Mattresses
Companies have started using fiberglass to replace chemical fire retardants in mattresses. This became a common practice, and companies started to sell good mattresses at a much cheaper price because fiberglass is not that expensive. You might see most of these mattresses on the top trending options of e-commerce platforms such as Amazon. But recently, it has been a significant cause of concern if these mattresses are safe to use or if they threaten your health.
Here is all you need to know about fiberglass mattresses.
Fiberglass is of microscopic plastic pieces converted into glass fibers. This is not carcinogenic, so it can’t be banned. But close contact with these particles can irritate your skin, eyes, and airway. These tiny particles are sharp and can easily stick into places on your body.
Inhaling them can cause breathing problems, swelling, etc. What’s even more worrying is that if you are experiencing all these symptoms, you might spend ages figuring out what that trigger is.
So, fiberglass is extremely tiny glass, almost powder-like. Therefore, it needs a lot of care to handle. This being said, fiberglass is safe when you handle it properly. If the mattress cover is thick enough to create a strong barrier between you and the fiberglass layer, you should not worry.
You can ensure you keep your mattress safe and that the cover stays intact to avoid mishaps. Another way can be to cover your mattress with one more removable layer. This will make it easy to maintain the mattress cover and add a barrier between you and the fiberglass. Keep inspecting your mattress covers to ensure there aren’t any tears, and you will be good to go.
What Brands Don’t Use Fiberglass in the Mattress?
Not all mattresses have fiberglass in them. Other options include fire retardants in your mattresses, usually on the pricier end. Other brands use a mixture of wool and silica that act as a fire barrier around the mattress, but this makes the price of the mattress go up many folds. But then again, it is worth the money in most cases since you aren’t at risk of attacks by tiny invisible pieces of glass shards all the time.
Saatva
The Saatva is a luxury mattress with free shipping and returns, a 365-night sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty. Available in various options and price ranges, Saatva is famous for using the best materials in its mattresses (check the best selling hotel mattresses).
They give you organic cotton covers which are breathable and removable. Some have foam, some have coils, and some have it all! It is available in different firmness options. Saatva mattress provides the plush comfort you need to balance with amazing lumbar support and pressure relief. What more do you need in a mattress?
Well, it doesn’t have tiny pieces of glass shard covering the mattress to prevent your mattress from flaring up like an inferno when there is a fire!
Saatva uses natural thistle and wool in its all foam mattresses to act as a fire retardant. These are all organic and safe to use in your mattresses. In most cases, they do not pose any health hazards. The only reason is if you are one of those who have allergies to natural and organic wool (check the top-quality mattresses for allergies).
Puffy
Puffy is another famous brand that has all-foam mattresses for you. These are amazing to use and do not have tiny glass fibres that may pierce your skin anytime! It has a simple construction with standard base layers and gel memory foam. It gives you a plushy. Comfortable feel, and you get that quick sink feel.
These mattresses are durable and have so much to offer all kinds of sleepers. Puffy keeps you safe by not using fiberglass as a fire retardant. Instead, it used TCE flame retardants that do the job and are baby-safe. Yes, these molecules are put in a baby product.
Amerisleep
The Amerisleep is another super-safe mattress that does not use fiberglass. So, you can use this worry-free and enjoy your sleep. The Amerisleep has a range of options and multiple models for you to choose from. From soft to substantial mattresses, Amerisleep has something to offer all kinds of sleepers. It offers zoned support systems which means you get a fantastic balance of back support, pressure relief, and motion transfer (check the top rated mattresses for motion isolation). Whether you sleep on your sides, back or stomach (check 10 amazing mattresses for stomach sleepers)- you will get a model that suits you the best.
Type of Fiberglass
C-glass: This type of fiberglass is suitable for electrical insulation. It is of chemical glass and is amazing at resisting chemical corrosion. Materials like Silica, Alumina, Boron, etc., are integral to its construction.
A-Glass: A Glass referred to as alkali glass is similar to the window glass you commonly know. It is used in different equipment-making processes.
AE-Glass: AE glass is a simple glass that is resistant to alkali.
E-Glass: This, like the C glass, has amazing electrical insulation properties.
S-Glass: This is a structural glass famous for its mechanical properties.
Key Takeaways: Zinus Mattress Fiberglass
Reasons for Using Fiberglass in Zinus Mattresses
While Zinus is a widely recognized mattress brand, it incorporates fiberglass into its mattresses as an affordable fire retardant. Following US regulations, mattresses must contain some form of fire retardant. Fiberglass, being cost-effective, serves Zinus in achieving this requirement while keeping prices low for consumers.
Identifying a Zinus Mattress with Fiberglass
Generally, mattresses from Zinus that contain fiberglass tend not to have a removable cover. A damaged cover can lead to fiberglass exposure. Furthermore, these mattresses are typically priced lower, providing a hint of their fiberglass content.
Safety Implications of Fiberglass in Mattresses
While fiberglass emerged as an alternative to chemical fire retardants for its affordability, there are health concerns. Microscopic glass fibers from fiberglass can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Proper handling and ensuring a thick mattress cover can minimize potential hazards.
Alternative Brands Without Fiberglass
Not all mattresses rely on fiberglass for fire resistance. Some premium brands, like Saatva and Puffy, employ other fire retardant materials. Saatva, for example, uses natural thistle and wool. Puffy opts for TCE flame retardants, which are considered safe even for baby products.
Conclusion
So, do the Zinus mattresses have fiberglass in them? Yes! Are they safe to be used? Generally speaking – no. But it majorly depends upon the handling of the mattress. It is not easy to sleep on a mattress, knowing the kind of health hazards it poses. So, in all honesty, the cons outweigh the pros in this case. Investing in something that does not have fiberglass in it is better. It will be on the pricier end but will be worth the investment (also check 10 amazing mattresses under 1000 dollars).
Zinus fiberglass FAQs
Did Zinus Stop Use Fiberglass?
No, almost all Zinus mattresses still have fiberglass in them. So technically, fiberglass is not carcinogenic, and it is easily available.
Can You Get A Zinus Mattress Without Fiberglass?
No, all Zinus mattresses have fiberglass in them.
How to Clean Fiberglass from a Zinus Mattress?
You should not even try to do it yourself. Fiberglass can go into your airways and spread throughout the house through the AC systems. Doing so will only increase the contamination. The only option is to call for professionals.