Do Nectar Mattresses Have Fiberglass?

What Is the Nectar Mattress Company?

Nectar Mattress is a famous mattress brand that offers memory foam mattresses, made with a blend of durable and comfortable foams. They are owned by home furnishing company Resident, a parent company of other mattress brands like DreamCloud, Awara, and Level Sleep.

Nectar mattresses do not rely on flame retardant chemicals for safety. Evidence suggests they instead use fiberglass in the sock that encases their foam layers beneath the mattress cover.

Should a fire break out in the bedroom, the sock suffocates the oxygen needed for fuel and the fiberglass melts to keep the insides from catching fire.

For clarification, Nectra team reached out to us in October 2023 and they disavowed the use of fiberglass in their mattresses. However, they did not respond to our requests for elaboration on what they used instead.

Composition of a Nectar Mattress

A Nectar mattress is meticulously constructed with a four-layer design, where each layer plays a crucial role in delivering comfort, cooling, and support:

• Luxurious Gel-Infused Quilted Foam:

The topmost layer features a gel-infused quilted foam that prioritizes exceptional comfort and breathability.

The advanced quilting technique creates small air pockets, facilitating excellent airflow and ensuring a cool, refreshing sleep surface. It’s a revitalizing start to your rest!

• Pressure-Relieving Gel Memory Foam:

Beneath the quilted layer lies another layer of gel memory foam, designed to enhance cooling and alleviate pressure points. This layer ensures even heat distribution, preventing any uncomfortable hot spots from disrupting your sleep.

• Supportive Adaptive Hi-Core Foam:

The third layer consists of adaptive hi-core memory foam, which offers a firm yet comfortable foundation.

This layer ensures you feel well-supported without sinking too deeply, and it provides a slight bounce, creating a perfect balance between support and responsiveness.

• Durable Base Support Layer:

The foundation of the Nectar mattress is made up of a dense foam base layer. This component acts as the mattress’s backbone, delivering robust support and maintaining the overall structural integrity.

The mattress cover is carefully crafted from a blend of cotton and Tencel, known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, ensuring a cool and dry sleeping environment.

It’s worth noting that there have been concerns about the use of fiberglass in Nectar mattresses, and addressing any potential controversies related to their construction is important.

Why Do Nectar Mattresses Have Fiberglass?

Nectar mattresses do have fiberglass, which is often used in some of the most popular memory foam blends. Nectar mattresses have fiberglass included to provide additional fire retardant protection.

Memory foam mattresses are prone to catching fire when exposed to an open flame, due to their synthetic materials. And the fiberglass provides an extra barrier to help prevent this from happening.

By law, all mattresses made in the USA must meet stringent flammability safety guidelines. In other words, a US-made mattress must be able to resist an open flame for a set amount of time, and fiberglass is a common way to do so. However, some people worry about potential fiberglass exposure while using these mattresses.

The Reason Behind Fiberglass in Nectar Mattresses

The decision to avoid sleeping on a fiberglass mattress is rooted in the awareness of its potential dangers. While fiberglass boasts excellent fire-retardant properties, these advantages are overshadowed by its unsuitability for bedding materials.

When exposed to flames, fiberglass can melt and effectively extinguish the fire, making it highly valuable in certain industries.

However, the use of fiberglass in bedding raises several safety concerns. One of the main issues with fiberglass is its ability to cause respiratory problems, such as asthma, if accidentally inhaled.

The tiny fiberglass fibers can irritate the throat, nose, and eyes, leading to discomfort and potential health risks. Additionally, direct contact with fiberglass can cause skin irritation or redness, making it far from ideal for use in bedding.

Given these safety risks, it’s recommended to avoid using fiberglass in bedding materials to ensure a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. Exploring alternative materials that provide both fire resistance and comfort would be a wiser choice.

What Is Fiberglass?

Fiberglass is a material made from fine strands of glass that are woven together and reinforced with plastic. It is commonly used in mattresses as a more flame resistant and retardant addition, such as in Nectar memory foam mattresses.

Fiberglass is a popular component of many mattress types, particularly in memory foam mattresses. But why is fiberglass included in such a mattress? The answer lies in its aforementioned fire-retardant qualities.

Many mattress brands and companies use fiberglass as a cheap way to make mattresses safer for consumers. Fiberglass naturally does not burn easily, so it can help protect against fires caused by house fires, smoking or other sources of ignition.

However, there are some drawbacks to using fiberglass in mattresses.

For example, the material can leak out and cause skin irritation or respiratory problems if not properly contained within the mattress layers. For this reason, many shoppers find it important to avoid mattresses that contain fiberglass, such as Nectar mattresses.

When buying a new mattress, it is important to look for one that uses a higher-quality flame retardant material such as sheep’s wool, flame-resistant plant fibers, graphite powder, etc., instead of relying on cheaper materials like fiberglass. This will help ensure that you get the best protection from your mattress without putting yourself at risk of health complications due to exposure to fiberglass particles.

See Also: Are Nectar Mattresses Made in the USA?

Fiberglass Controversy in Nectar Mattresses

The use of fiberglass in Nectar mattresses has sparked significant debate. While it plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with federal fire safety regulations, there are valid concerns about the potential health risks if the material is not handled properly.

For example, if the removable mattress cover is taken off or damaged, microscopic fiberglass particles could be released into the air, potentially spreading throughout the home. This issue has led to numerous customer complaints and has placed Nectar under scrutiny for its material choices.

Is The Nectar Mattress Safe To Use?

When it comes to fire safety, many consumers are asking if Nectar mattresses are safe. It is important to consider the flame retardant materials used in mattresses and if fiberglass contamination could be a concern.

Nectar mattresses do have fiberglass inside. This means that there is a potential risk of inhaling fiberglass particles from a Nectar mattress or getting it on your skin if the mattress cover wears away, as can happen with extended use.

You can use a mattress protector as an extra barrier against fiberglass exposure. However, this should be looked at as a stopgap measure rather than a true solution. It’s best to research all options carefully before making any decisions when it comes to buying a new mattress.

How Dangerous Is Fiberglass In A Mattress?

When it comes to buying mattresses, fiberglass is an important consideration. Many companies claim that their mattresses are made with the best quality materials, but if they contain fiberglass, it can pose a health hazard. As these tiny fibers can irritate the skin and cause rashes and even worse symptoms upon exposure, it’s important to exercise extreme caution when choosing a mattress.

The mattress industry has been using fiberglass in fire barriers for decades, as it is incredibly flame resistant and inexpensive. It’s been used in the home industry as insulation for similar reasons.

It should be noted that fiberglass isn’t the only potentially harmful ingredient mattress manufacturers use. The following are some of the more risky compounds utilized by manufacturers:

• Boric acid
• Oxide of decabromodiphenyl
• Diphenyl ethers polybrominated
• Melamine
• Trioxide of antimony
• Chloride of Vinylidene

Chemicals such as these are why many consumers wonder if memory foam mattresses are safe, and the answer usually boils down to “it depends on the manufacturer.”

However, this means that consumers need to be aware of what they are buying and make sure any mattress they choose doesn’t contain fiberglass. As such, it’s essential to check company claims against independent reviews from reputable sources before making a purchase of the right mattress. Ultimately, finding a quality mattress without fiberglass is the key to safety and comfort.

Health Risks of Fiberglass in Nectar Mattresses

Exposure to fiberglass in Nectar mattresses can have a significant impact on health and well-being.

The tiny fiberglass particles can become airborne, and when inhaled, they may cause respiratory issues such as asthma, along with irritation of the nasal passages, throat, and eyes. Moreover, direct skin contact with fiberglass can lead to discomfort, including itchiness and redness.

It’s essential to handle Nectar mattresses with great care to avoid any exposure to fiberglass. Prolonged or repeated contact with fiberglass fibers can present more serious health risks, making it important to take precautionary measures to protect oneself from potential long-term health issues.

By taking the appropriate precautions, you can reduce the risks associated with fiberglass exposure in these mattresses, ensuring a safer and healthier sleeping environment.

Signs of Fiberglass in a Mattress

If you’re wondering if your mattress has fiberglass, the best way to find out is to contact the manufacturer. However, not all manufacturers are reliable and honest, and you may encounter sellers who try to deceive or downplay that their mattresses contain fiberglass. Some typical signs your mattress may have fiberglass include.

Greenwashing terms: Greenwashing is1 when marketing uses misleading terms to make materials sound natural that are not.

Price: As low-cost mattresses tend to use fiberglass as a cheap flame retardant, you want to be careful when looking at budget mattresses, particularly mattresses under $500.

Made in China: Mattresses made in China and elsewhere overseas may also include fiberglass, for the same cost-cutting reasons. We should note that in 2018, Nectar settled with the Federal Trade Commission after falsely claiming its mattresses were assembled in the United States, when really they were made in China.

Check the Label: Sometimes, the label on your mattress will explicitly state that it contains fiberglass.

Look for Alternative Terms: Some brands may use different terminology to describe fiberglass, such as “glass wool,” “silica,” or “glass fiber” to avoid directly mentioning fiberglass.

Review the Website or Care Manual: The company’s website often lists the materials used as a flame barrier. If you’ve lost the care manual, you can still check the mattress label for the model name and product number. Use this information to search online for the care manual, which might indicate whether fiberglass is present.

Be Wary of Silence on Fiberglass: Although it may seem counterintuitive, brands that don’t use fiberglass, like Saatva and Bear Mattress, often emphasize this fact. If a company is vague about the materials they use as a flame retardant, it’s a good reason to be cautious.

Memory Foam Considerations: While not all memory foam mattresses contain fiberglass, they are more likely to. Some mattresses advertised as memory foam may actually use cheaper polyfoam, which could contain fiberglass.

Reminder, all Nectar mattresses are made with fiberglass. This means that the Nectar mattress is not safe from any potential health hazards that could arise from glass fibers. Other brands that have also come under question for using fiberglass include:

• Lucid Mattresses
• Zinus Mattresses

So when you’re looking for a mattress that offers both comfort and safety for a good night’s sleep without the use of fiberglass, Nectar memory foam mattresses may not be the best choice for you.

Can I Clean Fiberglass out of a Mattress?

Removing fiberglass from a mattress is all but an impossible task, as there’s no feasible way to open up a mattress cover and safely extract every single particle of fiberglass.

Even if you were to accomplish it, the gains would hardly be worth it as you would have removed the primary material used to create a flame-resistant mattress. And it’s a challenge to clean up fiberglass after it’s escaped the mattress.

If you’re ready to purchase a new mattress but want to make sure it’s free of any hazardous materials like fiberglass, then researching some of today’s best mattresses is a good idea. For those looking for an alternative, there are many other mattress brands, companies and manufacturers who offer mattresses with wool, plant fibers, silica, and flame-resistant textiles.

Doing so can help ensure that you buy an entire mattress that won’t put your health at risk later down the road. So don’t forget to check reviews and look for any warnings about potential hazards when looking for a new type of mattress.

What Should I Do If I Already Own a Nectar Mattress?

If you already own a Nectar mattress and later discover that it contains fiberglass, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and minimize the risk of fiberglass exposure:

Check the Mattress: Carefully examine the mattress cover for any holes or tears. If you find any, it’s important to handle the situation with care.

Seal and Remove the Mattress: If you notice any openings in the cover, immediately place the mattress inside a bag and remove it from your living space as soon as possible. This will help prevent fiberglass particles from becoming airborne.

Leave the Cover Intact: If the mattress cover is intact, do not attempt to remove it. Keeping the cover undisturbed will reduce the risk of fiberglass escaping from the mattress.

Use a Protective Mattress Cover: While searching for a replacement, consider using a mattress protector as a temporary measure. This protective layer can help minimize direct contact with the mattress and its potential fiberglass content.

Look for a Fiberglass-Free Mattress: Begin searching for a new mattress that clearly states it does not contain fiberglass. Many reputable brands prioritize customer safety and openly disclose the materials used in their products.

Handle Fiberglass Exposure: If you accidentally come into contact with fiberglass from the mattress, take immediate action by washing the affected area with running water and using alcohol or vinegar to dissolve any remaining fiberglass particles on your skin.

Dispose of the Mattress Safely: To protect others and the environment, dispose of the Nectar mattress following proper guidelines for products containing fiberglass.

Remember, fiberglass in a mattress can pose health risks, so it’s essential to take these precautions to protect yourself and others. Prioritize finding a safe, reliable mattress to ensure restful sleep and overall well-being.

Is It Time to Replace Your Mattress?

If your mattress is over eight years old, it might be time to replace it, as this is the typical lifespan of most mattresses. However, premium latex mattresses can last twice as long.

If your mattress is still relatively new, or you’re not in a position to buy a new one right now, there’s no need to panic.

Fiberglass only poses a health risk if the mattress cover is removed or damaged, so take care of the cover by keeping sharp objects and pets that might claw or chew away from it.

Should You Buy a Nectar Mattress?

Nectar mattresses are known for their affordability, but they do have a significant downside: they contain fiberglass throughout the entire mattress. If you’re considering a Nectar mattress, you have two options:

Purchase the mattress along with a mattress protector, and never remove the outer cover.

Invest in a higher-quality, fiberglass-free mattress, even if it costs more.

Low-cost mattresses often come with covers that wear out quickly, which can lead to holes or tears that expose you to fiberglass.

The choice is yours, but keep in mind that while fiberglass mattresses are cheaper, they don’t always offer the same build quality as some of the best mattresses available. You’ll need to decide whether it’s worth the potential hassle or if you’d prefer to opt for a mattress without fiberglass.

Opt for Organic

If you’re looking to avoid the hassle of checking for fiberglass, narrowing your mattress search to organic options might be a wise choice. Since memory foam is partially synthetic, this usually means exploring organic latex mattresses.

While not all memory foam beds contain fiberglass, finding one that doesn’t might require more research compared to seeking out a fiberglass-free latex mattress. For some shoppers, focusing on mattresses without memory foam is just simpler.

By choosing an organic mattress, you can rest assured that fiberglass isn’t in the mix. Instead, these mattresses often use natural materials like wool and cotton as fire retardants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do so many mattresses have fiberglass?

Mattress makers frequently use fiberglass to make cheap mattresses and satisfy fire safety regulations. When exposed to flame, the fiberglass melts and encases other flammable materials to ensure sleeper safety. However, when mattress coverings are unzipped or removed, these same sleepers can suffer from fiberglass exposure.

Is it safe to sleep on a mattress with fiberglass?

The bed should be secure as long as the fiberglass is kept inside the mattress. Still, it’s wise to weigh up the potential effects of fiberglass exposure if you’re debating replacing your mattress.

Exposure to fiberglass can cause coughing, a sore throat, red eyes, stomach problems, itchiness, and other irritation symptoms. There are no known long-term health risks associated with it, but more research may be required to state definitively that fiberglass is completely without long-term risks.

How do I know if my mattress has fiberglass?

Usually, your mattress label should clearly state this. If the label on your mattress reads “XX% glass fiber” or similar terms such as glass wool, that means fiberglass is present. Do not remove the cover as this is what causes the fiberglass fragments to be released into the air.

You can also inquire with a company about what materials they use to meet U.S. fire safety standards. Customer service should provide a straightforward explanation if you directly ask whether or not they use fiberglass inside their mattresses.

What are the symptoms of fiberglass exposure?

After being exposed to fiberglass, your eyes may become red and you have itchy skin. Inhaling fibers may also cause soreness in the nose and throat. Such fiberglass exposure can make asthma and bronchitis worse. If fibers are swallowed, a stomach ache and other digestive issues may result.

Fiberglass exposure symptoms can linger because of free-floating particles in the air. These particles can be difficult to clean up without specialty equipment like a HEPA vacuum cleaner, which is why it’s often best to minimize the chances of fiberglass exposure with a mattress free of fiberglass.

Do all memory foam mattresses have fiberglass?

No, not all memory foam mattresses have fiberglass. The type of flame-resistant barrier material used varies across memory foam, latex, and more traditional mattresses.

It’s not difficult to locate a good memory foam mattress made without fiberglass, but they can be expensive. Most foam mattresses created with this material come from low-cost manufacturers.

Conclusion

Nectar mattresses are a popular choice for those looking for a quality affordable mattress. However, it is important to be aware of the presence of fiberglass in a mattress before making a purchase, as it can be dangerous if exposed or inhaled.