No, IKEA mattresses do not have fiberglass.
There has been a lot of concern recently about the use of fiberglass in various brands of mattresses. At one point, it was one of the primary materials used in mattresses because of its flame-retardant properties.
However, it was found that fiberglass could cause several health risks, and the use of fiberglass in the US has been prohibited since. At least the manufacturers who are transparent about their manufacturing process are not very particular about not using fiberglass in any of their products.
IKEA is a reputed brand that is globally renowned for its home décor items and furnishings. Their mattresses are of high quality, and they, too, ensure that none of their mattresses contain fiberglass or any other toxic materials in them. They are one of the top-rated brands dedicated to bringing high-quality products to their consumers at affordable prices.
Many feel that the reason that IKEA can keep their products affordable is because they use substandard ingredients and toxic materials in their mattresses. However, that is a completely erroneous idea, and they are very stringent about maintaining industry standards when it comes to using fiberglass in their mattresses.
What is the Concern With the Use of Fiberglas in Mattresses?
Earlier, fiberglass was considered a favored component in mattresses because of its flame-retardant properties. Fiberglass prevents flames from spreading, and it creates a barrier.
The fiberglass layer was originally placed under the top layer of the mattress, and this prevented the flames from spreading to the inner core. Instead of the mattress bursting into flames, the mattress melts, and the flames are smothered.
The Ultimate Concern
However, the concern with fiberglass is that exposure to the substance can lead to a lot of irritation and allergies. Since the fiberglass layer was placed directly under the top layer, the risk of exposure increased manifold.
Anyone who spends about eight hours sleeping on such a mattress continuously could develop breathing problems, skin irritation, or issues of the eyes and ears.
The Cause of the Concern
This is because fiberglass is like a kind of glass that can easily enter the respiratory tract. If the top cover of the mattress is ever removed, the fine particles could also mix with the indoor air. Moreover, the wear and tear of the mattress could further increase the chances of fiberglass exposure.
Some brands claim that they do not use fiberglass but use silicone instead in their mattresses. However, glass is a component of silicon, and even that has a certain amount of health risk. IKEA does not use any of it in their mattresses.
Does IKEA Contain Fiberglass or Other Toxins?
No, IKEA has categorically stated that they do not use toxins, harmful chemicals, VOCs, or fiberglass in their mattresses. They want to keep their products as eco-friendly as possible, so they never use materials that can be termed toxic by industry standards.
Some users have stated that they often get a rubber-like smell from IKEA mattresses. That is because they use a kind of synthetic latex in their mattresses. The odor usually disappears once the mattress has been broken into and the mattress is used for a few weeks. However, it is not overtly toxic and causes no long-term health risk.
Does Lack of Fiberglass Mean IKEA Mattresses Are More Susceptible to Flames?
Since fiberglass is mostly used as a flame-retardant, and IKEA does not use it for their mattresses, does it mean your mattress is more prone to bursting into flames? After all, since mattresses are expensive, this is a valid concern for many consumers.
However, IKEA uses other forms of flame-retardants in their mattresses, which are non-toxic in nature. They use synthetic materials like rayon and polyester, which also melts in case of a fire.
Although they are synthetic materials, they do not leave toxic particles behind. They also use wool, recycled wood, and other eco-friendly materials as much as possible to make their mattresses fireproof.
While the areas like piping or stitching may have some chemicals, the trace amounts are too negligible to cause any harm. You can also check the labels and company website, as IKEA believes in providing consumer transparency.
However, overall, they have done away with the use of carcinogenic substances, including formaldehyde, in their mattresses. That is also a harmful substance that is mostly used in paints and varnishes. The smell you may get from a new mattress is mostly from the new rubber or polyurethane and is gone in some time.
How to Identify if IKEA Your Mattress Has Fiberglass?
Although you can be sure that IKEA does not have fiberglass, some consumers still try to check it for themselves. Both glass and fiberglass are harmful to humans and pets alike, so it is okay if you want to double-check yourself.
Usually, glass fiber or fiberglass is flattened like a sheet placed in between the mattress layers or woven into the fabric. Since it is available cheaply, many companies use it as a cost-effective way of making their mattresses fireproof, and this is how they use them.
However, by law, it is now necessary for brands to reveal the components of their mattresses. So you can check the mattress label to ensure that there is no glass and fiberglass. IKEA does not list any such components on its label.
Additionally, if a brand tells you not to remove the top cover of your mattress, it could indicate that it has fiberglass. The reason they don’t want you to remove the top cover is to prevent fiberglass particles from escaping and mingling with the indoor air.
Do I have to Use a Mattress Cover for IKEA Mattresses?
Mattress covers are a good way of keeping your mattress clean and preventing exposure to any substance used in the mattress.
Technically, you do not need a mattress cover for your IKEA mattresses as they do not use any VOCs or fiberglass in their mattress.
However, just in case you have sensitive skin, have asthma, or are prone to allergies, then you may be susceptible to some of the trace amounts of minor chemicals used in the mattress. They are not harmful, but you may use a mattress cover just to avoid any exposure whatsoever for your sensitivity. Plus, it will also keep your mattress clean and dry in case of any accidental spills.
Are IKEA Mattresses Certified?
No, IKEA mattresses are not certified by Certipur or Greenguard. They are affordable mattresses, and certification is not possible at the price point at which they are available.
However, IKEA is very strict about following industry norms, and their mattresses undergo testing to ensure they are free from all toxins and fiberglass. In addition, their two most popular mattresses, Sultan Heggedal and Morgongava, are made using eco-friendly methods as much as possible.
Besides, IKEA had also stopped using any kind of brominated flame retardants or PBDE a long time back, since the 1990s. Hence, even without certification, IKEA’s policies ensure that their mattresses are 100% safe for use.
Conclusion
So the final verdict is that if you want to try out IKEA mattresses, you can go ahead and do so without worries. They do not use fiberglass or any other harmful substances in their mattress.
If you want to try out an affordable, high-quality mattress, then this is one of the best options for you. You can check the label for additional detail about the components, but by and large, it is an excellent option for your family.
