Hi there. I purchased a memory foam that had a zipper, removed and washed the outside but wasn’t supposed to. I have fiberglass everywhere. I learned that there was a thin batting on the inside cover made of silica and rayon. Do you know what happens with that stuff when it’s gone through the washer and dryer? I’m quite certain I inhaled a ton when cleaning and I have had breathing issues ever since.
Hi Jamalcore2023.
I’ve moved my response from the Personal Message you sent yesterday into this specific forum topic discussing ‘Silica Safety’ in mattresses. This subject has garnered considerable interest over time, and thanks to all the above contributors, we can slowly add and deepen the knowledge in the matter.
In it’s amorphous form silica used for inherent Fire Retardant applications in textiles is relatively harmless, although the break down in smaller particles can irritate the contact areas and lungs. The real problems arise with silica in crystalline form.
You may want to have a look at this article about fiberglass in mattresses. Even though it does not list any solutions for detoxifying once the airborne particles were inhaled, it can give a few clues to watch for and if you should get alarmed. Fiberglass and Other Flame-Resistant Fibers in Mattress Covers - PMC .
As some of the links in my previous posts where retired I’ll provide some alternative sources of information.
Amorphous or inherent fire retardant materials such as Visil (which uses sandoflam 5060) and Milliken’s Paladin Fire Retardants ~ PALADIN nonwovens sep 2011.pdf (1.1 MB) (trade names) uses silicic acid (or polysilicic acid) which is actually mixed in with the viscose and its precipitate becomes an integral part of the fiber itself rather than a “powder” that is added to it. This is why it is called inherent and it is actually a cellulose-polysilicic acid hybrid fiber.
If you are wondering, as I did, if the amorphous form of silica can be turned into the more harmful crystalline form, here is a quote on Researchgate
You can convert amorphous silica to crystalline silica by heating to about 1000°C in air. What you may find is that you form a type of cristobalite that can be referenced in some X-ray Diffraction references, but the literature on this topic is limited.
In practical terms, as your cover & FR seems to be Visil, where silica is mixed with the viscose or rayon and in its amorphous form. The material break down process already started through washing it drying and the process will continue resulting in smaller particulates that through contact and exposure can certainly produce irritation to lungs, skin, and eyes.
All in all I’d remove and replace the cover and thoroughly vacuum with a HEPA filter and ventilate the affected area . HEPA Air Purifiers will certainly help as well with the smaller airborne particles. If you are still experiencing issues breathing I’d certainly get in touch with a medical practitioner and perhaps have a few Oxygen therapy sessions.
Phoenix