Exposure to the fiberglass in a mattresses can cause severe dermatitis

When dermatitis is caused by exposure to fiberglass, it is referred to as fiberglass dermatitis. It is a form of irritant contact dermatitis that occurs due to the penetration of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, by small fragments or spicules of fiberglass. However, one can also develop allergic contact dermatitis due to exposure to the fiberglass in an Ashley or Nectar mattress.

Usually, fiberglass dermatitis is acute, with the patient experiencing serious and bothersome symptoms. The condition affects the face, the forearms, the neck, and the hands. The wrists may be particularly affected by fiberglass dermatitis, as there is increased fiber accumulation in this area and sweat and friction, which leads to severe irritation.

It is worth noting that the family members of people who have fiberglass dermatitis can contract it by coming in contact with them or their clothes, which are often contaminated with glass fibers. The most common symptoms of fiberglass dermatitis include the following:

• papules, vesicles, and excoriations
• follicular rash
• redness of the skin
• scale, lichenification, and desquamation
• itching
• ulcerations, fissures, and a burning sensation

The extent to which dermatitis occurs following exposure to fiberglass depends on numerous aspects, such as how deeply the fibers have penetrated the skin, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, the diameter of the fiber, as thick fibers produce more irritation, and the length of the fiber.

Diagnosing fiberglass dermatitis is usually a straightforward process, as it can be carried out by using adhesive tape that will be placed on the affected skin and subsequently examined under the microscope for the presence of fiberglass. In many cases, people who have fiberglass dermatitis will also have the skin around their nails affected. They may also experience a sore throat, burning eyes, and cough if exposed to high concentrations of fiberglass. The treatment of fiberglass dermatitis typically entails topical corticosteroids, emollients, and antimicrobials for secondary bacterial infection.

Mattresses and fiberglass dermatitis

If you are unaware that your Ashley or Nectar mattress contains fiberglass, you may develop fiberglass dermatitis. This is because once you remove the outer cover, the mattress layer with fiberglass is exposed, which inevitably releases fiberglass in the air if it is disturbed by sitting on it or jumping on it. However, even if you do not remove the outer cover of the mattress for washing, over the years, the inner layer that contains fiberglass will come closer and closer to the outer cover due to friction and pressure, which may lead to fiberglass penetrating your skin while you are sitting or laying on the bed.

If this occurs, you may notice a skin rash that worsens with each passing week. For this reason, it is crucial to be aware of whether there is fiberglass in your mattress and, if there is, you should replace it as soon as possible to avoid injury. Fiberglass dermatitis is temporary, and it will not cause severe damage to your skin if you get the right treatment as soon as you notice symptoms. If you avoid the signs, do not get quick and proper medical care, and your exposure is uninterrupted, the symptoms will continue to develop, and the condition may become more durable.

Nevertheless, you should document your injury if you intend to file a claim with Ashley or Nectar. You will have to present your attorney with your medical records stating that you have had fiberglass dermatitis or another type of dermatitis caused by fiberglass to become eligible for compensation.

As for what to do with your mattress, you should hire a certified team of professionals to remove fiberglass from your home along with it, as this is a process that you cannot complete on your own since it is very challenging and demanding. Fiberglass is made of microscopic particles that make it nearly impossible to remove. For this reason, you need to hire a team of professionals who have training in this regard.

Take legal action with the help of our resourceful lawyers if you were injured by fiberglass

If you came to struggle with fiberglass dermatitis or another type of dermatitis due to using an Ashley or Nectar mattress, you might be entitled to financial compensation, which our skillful attorneys can help you recover from the liable manufacturer by filing a claim on your behalf.

We will make the legal process as easy as possible for you, as you will only have to provide us with basic information about how your injury occurred, as well as with evidence of you owning a mattress with fiberglass and proof of related injury. Eventually, you will obtain the most favorable outcome for your case if you choose to work with our skilled legal team, free of charge unless we recover money for you.