Why we chose the Bear Elite Hybrid as the Best Overall Mattress Without Fiberglass

We chose the Bear Elite Hybrid as our Best Overall because it provides strong, balanced support using quality, fiberglass-free materials. Even the U.S. factory where Bear constructs its mattresses is fiberglass-free. Bear also stands out for its transparency. Its website lists every layer of the mattress, including the materials and certifications such as CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold. These certifications indicate that an independent lab verified that the foam and other materials used in this mattress meet strict standards for low chemical emissions and are free of certain harmful chemicals.

The Bear Elite Hybrid is also a supportive mattress, no matter your sleep position, which is why we named it the best mattress for combination sleepers in other roundups. Whether you sleep on your back, side, stomach, or a combination, this hybrid mattress has responsive support that adjusts to relieve pressure under your spine and joints. It excelled in our temperature tests, earning a 4/5 for its cooling properties. Bear uses foam infused with copper, a material known for its temperature-regulating and antimicrobial properties.²

Our testing experience with the Bear Elite Hybrid

Bear makes the only mattresses we tested that are made in the United States in a fiberglass-free factory, so there is no risk of cross-contamination. That’s one reason two of its mattresses made our list for the best mattresses without fiberglass. 

The Bear Elite Hybrid is the company’s most popular mattress. It is made with several layers of foam and a bed of individually wrapped steel coils with zoned support for the lower back and a strong perimeter. All of Bear’s foams are certified by independent labs to be made without chemicals known to be harmful to health or the environment, including formaldehyde and heavy metals. And Bear’s mattresses are made without fiberglass, which is sometimes used inside mattresses as protection against fire.

Right away, our testers could tell that the Bear Elite is constructed of quality materials. “This one has more texture to it,” said Sheila, a 70-year-old average weight combination sleeper. “You can feel the quilting on it more. The fabric has waves and feels woven.” She could also feel how sturdy and supportive the Bear Elite was. No matter what position she tried, Sheila said, “My body feels equally supported. I sink in just enough without feeling pressure. It feels balanced on my side. My spine feels neutral.” Even testers who don’t usually sleep on their stomach said they felt comfortable in that position on this mattress.

The Bear Elite has above-average bounce (4/5), which can make it easier to change positions and get in and out of bed. Sheila noted that it felt “firm and quick to spring back,” and “It hugs my body gently but doesn’t trap me.” That kind of responsive support can make this a good mattress for restless or combination sleepers who want both cushioning and freedom of movement. Strong edge support can also be helpful for mobility. A mattress with edges that don’t sink too much under weight can reduce the risk of falls. Our testers rated the edges of the Bear Elite 3.5/5, saying they felt stable while sitting or lying near the sides. “I don’t feel like I’ll roll off,” one tester said. 

A standout feature of the Bear Elite was its excellent temperature control. Bear uses copper-infused foam to transfer heat away from the surface. When we used a heat gun to measure the mattress's temperature increase after our testers used it, this mattress had one of the smallest increases of any we tested, just 3.5 degrees. “It only warmed up a little after a few minutes,” said one tester. 

The Bear Elite didn’t perform as strongly when it came to motion isolation. We tested this by having people get into bed and move around the opposite side while our tester was lying still. Testers could feel some movement when their partner changed positions. One said, “I felt a little bounce when the other person moved.” While this likely won’t bother heavy sleepers, light sleepers may notice the motion.

For those looking for a fiberglass-free mattress that balances safety, comfort, and temperature control, the Bear Elite is a reliable choice.

Who is the Bear Elite Hybrid right for?

The Bear Elite Hybrid is a good choice for people who want a fiberglass-free, safe, and cool-sleeping mattress. It works well for combination sleepers who move between positions during the night, and its three firmness options help to find the right comfort level. If you tend to sleep hot, its copper-infused foam offers excellent cooling and antimicrobial properties. It is not the best for couples who are light sleepers due to its low motion isolation scores. For better motion isolation, consider the Bear Original memory foam mattress, which scored a 4/5 for motion isolation in our testing. 

The Bear customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free, white glove delivery $175
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can reach Bear customer service by:

• Phone: Call 844-311-0035, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Email: support@bearmattress.com
• Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

Payment options

• Ways to pay:
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Google Pay 

Discounts? The brand currently offers a 40% discount for military members, first responders, law enforcement, health care workers, and teachers. This discount can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Financing: Yes, through Affirm and ShopPay

Why we chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the Best Hybrid Mattress Without Fiberglass

We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the Best Hybrid Mattress Without Fiberglass because it combines supportive coils and plush foams to create balanced comfort across all sleep positions. Instead of using fiberglass to make its mattresses fire-safe, Helix uses a rayon-based barrier that meets flammability standards. Helix lists all mattress materials on its website and uses foams that are independently certified as free of harmful emissions and volatile organic compounds. All Helix mattresses are also Greenguard Gold certified. 

The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress that combines memory foam and individually wrapped steel coils, offering a medium-firm feel that supports your body in every position. Testers said they felt equally supported on their backs, sides, and stomachs and gave the Helix high marks (4/5) for stability, pressure relief, and cooling. This mattress also has several optional upgrades: ErgoAlign for extra back support or the GlacioTex Cooling Cover for even better temperature control. 

While its trial period is shorter than some brands, the Midnight Luxe costs less than many competitors with similar features and quality. For people looking for a fiberglass-free hybrid mattress that offers long-term durability, cooling, and pressure relief, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent option.

Our testing experience with the Helix Midnight Luxe

The Helix Midnight Luxe features three layers of fiberglass-free foam atop a coil base. Testers found it firmer than expected (they rated it 8/10 compared to the brand’s medium-firm rating of 6/10), but still soft and comfortable on top. “It feels firm, but not hard,” said Chris, a 66-year-old tester with a higher body weight. “The top layer is plush, and it’s easy to move around.”

When we tested pressure relief, the Helix performed well, especially for back support, earning a 4/5 rating. Testers said it eased pressure on their backs and kept their spines straight. “My body feels supported all over,” said Chris, who has pain from spinal stenosis. “My spine feels straight, and my lower back doesn’t ache.” Pressure-mapping confirmed his experience—the Helix showed almost all blue areas, indicating very little pressure on the body.

The Helix also did a great job staying cool. In our cooling test, it warmed up less than the average mattress —only 8 degrees —while the average temperature increase is slightly higher at 8.5 degrees, earning a 4/5 score. The optional GlacioTex cover made it feel even cooler to the touch. For hot sleepers, the Helix Midnight Luxe delivers above-average cooling.

The only area where the Helix didn’t stand out was edge support. Sitting on the edge, testers felt it sag slightly over time. “It’s not unstable,” said Chris, “but it doesn’t spring back as fast when I sit up.” Motion isolation was also average. If your partner tosses and turns, you may feel some movement.

Overall, testers agreed that the Helix Midnight Luxe feels sturdy, comfortable, and cool—without the safety concerns that come with fiberglass-filled mattresses. You can learn more in our Helix mattress review.

Who is the Helix Midnight Luxe right for?

The Helix Midnight Luxe is great for sleepers who want a fiberglass-free hybrid mattress that delivers consistent support, moderate bounce, and dependable cooling. It’s a good option for back and side sleepers who need gentle pressure relief, or for anyone who values comfort and quality. If you’re a light sleeper sharing the bed with a partner, you might notice some movement, but for most people, this mattress offers excellent comfort and value.

The Helix customer experience

• Trial period: 100 nights
• Shipping: Free
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can reach Helix customer service by:

• Phone: Call 831-777-5976, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Text: Texting HELIX to 67069, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
• Email: help@helixsleep.com
• Website: Submit a contact form

Payment options

• Ways to pay:
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • DiscoverPaypal
  • Google Pay
  • Shop Pay
  • Amazon Pay

Discounts? Yes, find more information here

Financing: Yes, Affirm

Why we chose the Bear Original as the Best Affordable Mattress Without Fiberglass

We chose the Bear Original as the Best Affordable Mattress Without Fiberglass because it’s one of the few fiberglass-free memory foam mattresses that perform well across every test category while staying under $1,000. It’s made in the U.S. using certified-safe materials and doesn’t rely on fiberglass for fire protection. 

Many affordable foam mattresses trap heat, but the Bear Original stayed cooler than any mattress we tested. Our heat gun test showed a temperature increase of just 3 degrees, earning it a perfect 5/5 score for cooling. That means you can enjoy the cozy feel of memory foam without waking up hot.

​​We also found that the Bear Original provides excellent spinal alignment and pressure relief through foam layers that contour to the body while maintaining firm support. In fact, testers rated the mattress firmer than the brand’s description (9/10 vs. 7.1/10). It also excels at motion isolation, helping couples sleep undisturbed. The Bear Original scored 4/5 for motion isolation in our tests.

Our testing experience with the Bear Original

This memory foam mattress has three layers: a dense foam foundation, a middle support layer, and a top layer of cooling gel memory foam. All are made without fiberglass, and the foams are Greenguard Gold certified to be free from chemical pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and phthalates.

Our testers immediately noticed that the Bear Original felt cooler than other mattresses they tried. “It’s slightly cool to the touch—it feels soft and has some texture to it,” said Chris, a 66-year-old higher-weight back sleeper. The cover is made with breathable fabric and can be upgraded with an extra cooling layer for $100. Bear’s optional cooling cover uses a special technology called Celliant to help disperse body heat.

Memory foam mattresses tend to trap heat, but the Bear Original is a notable exception. Its open-cell foam increases airflow and, combined with a cooling gel foam layer, keeps the surface cool. In our lab tests, the Bear Original showed the least heat retention of any mattress we tested, rising only 3 degrees, compared to the average of 8.5 degrees. A tester described it as feeling “cool and light.”

The Bear Original also stands out from other memory foam mattresses in its firmness. The brand calls it a 7.1, on the high end of medium-firm. But our testers said it felt more like a 9/10. This added firmness can be a plus for people with back pain. Chris, who has spinal stenosis, said, “It feels firm but forgiving. I feel supported all over, and there’s no pressure on my lower back or hips.” 

That firmness also makes it easier to move on than many memory foam mattresses, which can make sleepers feel “stuck.” “It’s not hard to change positions,” Chris said. “I feel more on the mattress than in it—it’s firm but still comfortable.” That balance makes it a good option for people who toss and turn or have mild mobility concerns, although lighter-weight sleepers may find it too firm.

Edge support was slightly above average, which is impressive for memory foam, particularly at this price. “I feel really stable when lying near the edge,” said Chris. “The top layer gives comfort, and the bottom layer is firmer. It’s a nice combination.” He added, “I don’t feel like I’m going to slide off. The edge feels stable and solid.” “However,” he noted, “There’s no bounce helping me get up. For someone with balance issues, that could be challenging.”

Who is the Bear Original right for?

For people looking for an affordable, fiberglass-free memory foam mattress that stays cool and supportive, the Bear Original offers strong performance at an excellent value. If you like the contouring support of memory foam, or sleep with a partner and don’t want to feel them move around at night, this could be a great fit. If you want extra-firm edge support or have mobility issues, you may want to consider another mattress, like the Birch Natural.  

The Bear customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free, white glove delivery $175
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can reach Bear customer service by:

• Phone: Call 844-311-0035, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Email: support@bearmattress.com
• Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

Payment options

• Ways to pay:
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Google Pay 

Discounts? The brand currently offers a 40% discount for military members, first responders, law enforcement, health care workers, and teachers. This discount can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Financing: Yes, through Affirm and ShopPay

Why we chose the Nolah Evolution as the Best Mattress Without Fiberglass for Couples

We chose the Nolah Evolution as the Best Mattress Without Fiberglass for Couples because it delivers reliable motion isolation and all-around comfort for two sleepers. The Nolah Evolution mattress checks all the boxes. It’s made of certified-safe materials and did exceptionally well in our tests for support and motion isolation. That makes it a great choice for couples who want a high-quality, fiberglass-free mattress that can comfortably fit two people.

The Nolah brand is known for quality and is made in the United States. The Evolution features an organic cotton cover, CertiPUR-US certified foam, and zero fiberglass construction, meeting strict Greenguard Gold standards for low chemical emissions. It’s also one of Nolah’s best-selling models. 

The Nolah Evolution was one of the only hybrid mattresses we tested to earn a 4/5 score for motion isolation. Hybrid mattresses tend to be bouncy, which means one partner might easily feel the other moving at night. But that wasn’t the case with the Nolah, which kept the movement to a minimum. The Evolution also scored around average for cooling, which can be especially important for couples, since two bodies generate more heat during sleep. With its breathable organic cotton cover and fiberglass-free cooling foams, the Nolah Evolution earned a 3/5 for temperature control in our tests.

Our testing experience with the Nolah Evolution

Nolah offers the Evolution in three firmness options so couples can choose the level of support that best fits their sleep style. We tested the medium-firm version, which provided a great balance of comfort and support for most body types and sleeping positions.

Our testers immediately noticed how well-built and comfortable the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm felt. The organic cotton cover stood out for its smooth texture. Sheila, a 70-year-old average-weight tester, called it “soft and silky—one of the best mattress fabrics I’ve ever felt.” The cover helps keep the surface cool and breathable throughout the night.

The Nolah Evolution’s foundation combines specialized foam layers and 8-inch individually wrapped coils with zoned support. Instead of fiberglass, the mattress uses certified-safe fire barriers that meet federal safety standards. The coils and foam layers work together to create excellent pressure relief and minimize motion transfer.

“I don’t feel any pressure around my body,” said Sheila. “My spine feels aligned. The topper hugs my body enough, while the layers underneath offer good support.” It’s rare for a mattress to score highly on both bounce and motion isolation, but the Nolah Evolution earned a 4/5 in both categories. Bounce can be important for changing positions or getting in and out of bed unassisted. 

The Nolah Evolution’s motion isolation really impressed us. When one partner shifted or got up, the other barely noticed. “I didn’t really feel my partner move at all,” Sheila said. “I don’t think this would wake me up.” The data confirmed this, showing minimal peaks in our motion tests. This makes the Nolah Evolution one of the best fiberglass-free mattresses for light sleepers sharing a bed.

While the Nolah scored high in many categories, it could improve on edge support. Testers said that while the Evolution felt soft and plush, it lacked strong edge reinforcement. When lying near the edge, Sheila said, “I don’t feel like I would roll off, but I don’t feel fully supported either.” When seated, she added, “The edge takes a minute to spring back. Once you sink down, I can feel a hard perimeter, but the upper layers don’t hold firm right away.” For stronger edge support, consider the Helix Midnight Luxe or Birch Natural, both of which performed better in that category. 

Who is the Nolah Evolution right for?

The Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm is best for couples who want a fiberglass-free mattress with excellent motion isolation and balanced support. It’s a good fit for light sleepers who are easily disturbed by movement and for people who prefer a soft, responsive surface. It may also work well for hot sleepers who share a bed, due to its breathable design and cooling components. 

Nolah customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free shipping, and in-home delivery is available starting at $150
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Nolah customer service by:

• Phone: 866-403-6615, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT
• Email: support@nolahmattress.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT

Payment options 

• Ways to pay:
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Shop Pay
  • PayPal

Discounts? Yes, find more information here. Military members, first responders, teachers, and health care workers can get an additional 5% off.

Financing: Yes, Affirm

Why we chose the Birch Natural as the Best Mattress Without Fiberglass for Side Sleepers

We chose Birch Natural as the best mattress without fiberglass for side sleepers because of its certified-safe materials and its exceptional ability to relieve pressure on the shoulders, hips, and knees. The Birch is one of the only mattresses we tested that not only avoids fiberglass but is made primarily of sustainable, organic materials.

Other mattresses have organic cotton covers, but the Birch also includes an organic latex core and an organic wool layer. These natural materials make the Birch mattress environmentally responsible, meeting strict Greenguard Gold and GOLS standards for low chemical emissions. That combination of pressure relief and eco-conscious design makes it a strong choice for side sleepers who value natural comfort.

Our testers found that the Birch Natural was both supportive and comfortable, especially for side sleeping. They gave it a 4.5/5 for pressure relief. Side sleepers often need more cushioning below their shoulders and hips, and the Birch provided that.

This mattress also offered strong, stable edges and high accessibility for people with mobility concerns. It earned a 4.6/5 for pain relief and a 4.7/5 for edge support. Its use of natural materials makes it a good option for people sensitive to chemicals or synthetic materials. While this latex hybrid wasn’t the quietest or coolest option, it was one of the most supportive we tested.

Our testing experience with the Birch Natural

Our testers felt well-supported by the Birch Natural mattress. They rated it firmer than the brand’s label (8/10 vs. 6.5/10) because it felt more stable. This included testers with higher body weights, who often find mattresses less firm. They also praised the pressure relief when lying on their sides. “I don’t feel like I need more support anywhere,” said Chris, a 66-year-old higher-weight sleeper who usually prefers sleeping on his back.

The Birch Natural is the only latex mattress on our list. The combination of natural latex and steel coils makes it soft yet springy. Testers found it easier to move on compared with other types, especially memory foam. “Rolling over takes hardly any effort—you’re not fighting the material,” said Chris.

Several testers mentioned that the mattress felt stable and supportive without being too hard. “You stay up high on this mattress and don’t sink too deeply,” said Chris. “My shoulders sink in just enough for comfort, but I still feel supported.” This balance of cushioning and firmness works well for side sleepers who need support for the shoulders and hips. Chris also noted that the mattress edges bounced back quickly when he stood up.

The Birch’s strong edge support (4.7/5) allowed testers to get in and out of bed unassisted and stay balanced near the edge.

Still, the Birch Natural’s springy latex and coils don’t absorb motion as effectively as foam. If your partner tosses and turns, you may feel some movement. “I could feel every shift,” one tester said. “The bounce helps when getting up, but not for blocking motion.”

The mattress was also average for cooling. It didn’t trap heat, but it wasn’t as cool as some other hybrids. Still, its natural wool layer helped wick away moisture and regulate temperature throughout the night.

Who is Birch Natural right for?

The Birch Natural is best for side sleepers who want a natural, fiberglass-free mattress made from organic, sustainable materials. It’s also a good choice for people who need firm edges, easier mobility, and strong pressure relief for the hips and shoulders. If you’re sensitive to your partner’s movements, consider a foam-based model with better motion isolation, such as the Bear Original.

The Birch customer experience

• Trial period: 100 nights
• Shipping: Free
• In-home setup and mattress removal: $100–$400
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Birch customer service by:

• Phone: 917-540-5525, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Email: info@birchliving.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
• Online contact form 
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Paypal
  • Google Pay
  • Amazon Pay
  • Shop Pay

Discounts? Yes, find more information here

Financing: Yes, Affirm