GhostBed sells middle-range priced memory foam and hybrid mattresses that were very popular a few years ago. However, most popular mattress brands started to come under scrutiny when getting a mattress without fiberglass became a focus for many mattress shoppers.
Is it Bad if GhostBed Uses Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is used as cheap a flame-resistant barrier in mattresses to pass federal flammability test regulations. However, fiberglass can cause all sorts of problems if it makes its way outside the mattress. Therefore, it’s definitely bad if GhostBed is using fiberglass in its mattresses instead of other flame barrier options that are much safer.
Fiberglass Can Leak From Mattresses
Fiberglass is usually used in mattresses in the form of an inner cover, known as a “firesock”, that surrounds the foam layers just beneath the outer mattress cover. Over time, the glass threads that make up the inner cover get broken and start to move around freely inside the mattress. Eventually, the small fiberglass particles can make their way outside the mattress by poking through the outer cover. Removing the outer cover for cleaning, or getting a hole in the outer cover, can speed up the glass particle releasing process.
Fiberglass Mattresses Contaminate Entire Homes
Once fiberglass particles start escaping mattresses, they are easily spread around the entire home. The glass particles are light enough to float when the air is stirred up, so just walking by them or opening a door can make them go airborne. Once airborne, fiberglass threads can make their way onto the walls, into closets, and even near the HVAC return vent. If fiberglass makes it into the HVAC air return, it will get dispersed throughout the entire home.
Fiberglass is a Danger to Health
Most people have heard about fiberglass being itchy if it’s touched, which is definitely true. However, if the skin is exposed to fiberglass for long periods of time the glass particles can be embedded into the skin, causing a nasty rash known as fiberglass dermatitis. Fiberglass particles are also mucous membrane irritants that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. People that suffer from asthma and bronchitis can also have increased amounts of respiratory irritation due to airborne fiberglass particles.
Does GhostBed Use Fiberglass?
There’s quite a bit of conflicting information presented on Google if you ask “does Ghostbed have fiberglass”. A few websites in the top results say GhostBed contains fiberglass, but few others also say GhostBed is fiberglass-free!
So, I figured the best way to find out if GhostBed has fiberglass is to just email them and ask!
Getting in Contact With GhostBed
I emailed GhostBed and asked them plainly if they use fiberglass. I also asked if they use some other materials of concern:
Do any of your latex and/or memory foam mattresses contain Fiberglass, Modacrylic, Polyester, Rayon, or Silica in the covers or any other part of the mattress? What about Fire Retardant sprays like Antimony, are any of them used on your mattresses? What countries are your mattresses made in?
GhostBed Admits the Use of Fiberglass
The GhostBed support team replied and admitted to using a “glass fiber scrim” in its mattresses.
“We use a glass fiber scrim on the inside of the mattress.” -GhostBed
Using deceptive wordplay is a common tactic with many mattress makers that don’t want to plainly say “yes, we use fiberglass”. Instead of just being honest, they say things like glass fiber fabric, and core-spun glass fiber, or even go as far as saying silica and polyester.
GhostBed Fiberglass Follow-Up
After 6 months had passed since I first emailed GhostBed, I decided to use their live chat to see if anything had changed regarding their use of fiberglass. The GhostBed live chat representative was adamant that fiberglass is no longer used in the mattresses.
However, when I asked what material the flame barrier was using instead of “glass fiber”, the chat rep put me on hold and eventually came back with no answers. If GhostBed says they are now fiberglass-free but can’t say what the fiberglass was replaced with, then I really don’t believe them.
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Last Updated on March 26, 2024
While shopping for his daughter’s first “big girl” bed in 2019, John learned about the hidden dangers of fiberglass in mattresses. Since then, he’s made it his mission to expose as much hidden fiberglass in mattresses as possible. His ultimate goal is federal regulations that ban fiberglass from being used in mattresses, or at least a law that requires it to be listed as a material on required tags.