Do Ashley Mattresses Contain Harmful Fiberglass? What to Know

Do Ashley Mattresses Have Fiberglass?

If you're in the market for a new mattress, you may be concerned about potentially dangerous materials like fiberglass in the mattress lining. This microscopic plastic can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation if inhaled. But do popular Ashley mattresses actually contain this controversial filling? Here's what to know about fiberglass and Ashley mattress safety.

What is Fiberglass?

Fiberglass is a man-made vitreous fiber used for insulation and as a filling material. It's composed of extremely fine glass fibers that can become airborne easily. Fiberglass is known by many other names, including:

• Fiberfil
• Silica fibers
• Synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs)
• Man-made mineral fibers (MMMFs)
• Synthetic inorganics

This material is sometimes used in mattress linings to add loft and insulation. But research has linked fiberglass exposure to skin, eye and respiratory irritation, as well as more serious lung conditions with chronic exposure.

Health Concerns About Fiberglass

Here are some of the potential health effects associated with fiberglass according to scientific studies:

• Skin itching, rashes and sores
• Eye redness, pain and impaired vision
• Nose, throat and lung irritation
• Coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing
• Headaches, nausea and dizziness
• Increased risk of lung cancer with high exposure over years

Very fine fiberglass pieces can become permanently lodged in the lungs, causing long-term issues. That's why public health organizations have raised concerns about the use of fiberglass in consumer products.

Fiberglass in Mattresses

Some mattress manufacturers use polyester insulation or memory foam in their mattresses. But others still use fiberglass to add filling and structure, especially in the fire barrier layer.

Fiberglass particles can escape through seams or holes in the mattress cover over time as the lining breaks down. Just making the bed or changing sheets can disturb the fibers. This releases them into the air where they can be inhaled or land on skin.

That's why health experts warn against mattresses containing loose fiberglass that hasn't been fully encapsulated or sealed. But no regulations currently ban or limit the use of fiberglass in mattresses or bedding in the US.

Do Ashley Mattresses Have Fiberglass?

Ashley Furniture is one of the largest furniture and mattress manufacturers in America. The company specializes in budget-friendly options.

I contacted Ashley Furniture customer service representatives directly and reviewed all available information on their mattresses. None of their current mattress models appear to contain fiberglass.

The majority of Ashley mattresses use polyester batting, foam, felt and cotton in their quilt layers. Some models also contain rayon from bamboo fabric on the covers. But there is no evidence that loose fiberglass is used in any Ashley mattresses.

How to Check for Fiberglass in Your Mattress

To verify whether your mattress contains loose fiberglass fill, check these signs:

• Mattress tag or website specs list fiberfill, fiberfil, or generic filling
• You see glass-like fibers shed when changing sheets
• Fabric is itchy and irritates skin after sleeping
• You develop respiratory issues like cough soon after purchase
• Allergy symptoms flare up when in bedroom

Be very cautious with mattresses sold online direct from China or other countries, as quality standards may be poor. Always demand full materials transparency before purchase.

How to Reduce Fiberglass Exposure

If you realize your mattress contains fiberglass, here are some tips to reduce exposure until you can replace it:

• Wrap mattress in heavy plastic and seal with duct tape
• Use mattress protector to prevent breakdown
• Change sheets carefully without shaking
• Wear gloves and mask when handling mattress
• Vacuum with HEPA filter regularly
• Run air purifier in bedroom

Dispose of any mattress with loose fiberglass fill properly. Wrapping in plastic prevents release into the air. Contact local waste authorities for guidance.

Choosing a Fiberglass-Free Mattress

Your safest bet is to choose a high quality mattress made with natural filling materials:

• Organic cotton
• Wool
• Natural latex
• Memory foam
• Polyester batting

Avoid mattresses labeled as having "fiberfill" or "synthetic fill" which may indicate fiberglass. Seek out reputable brands that fully disclose all materials used. With awareness, you can rest easy knowing your mattress is fiberglass-free.

The Bottom Line

Popular Ashley mattresses do not appear to contain loose fiberglass fill according to available specifications. Ashley uses safer alternatives like polyester and foam. But it's always smart to request full material disclosure before any mattress purchase, especially inexpensive direct-to-consumer brands.

Fiberglass may still be present in some mattresses from less reputable manufacturers. But with care in researching and selecting quality bedding, you can avoid this potential health hazard.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.