This invention relates to a high loft flame resistant batting, and an article such as a mattress containing such batting; the batting comprising a base layer and a resilient layer, the base layer comprising 10 to 30 parts by weight heat resistant fibers, 35 to 55 parts by weight of a cellulose fiber that retains at least 10 percent of its fiber weight when heated in air to 700 C at a rate of 20 degrees C. per minute, and 15 to 25 parts by weight binder material; the resilient layer comprising 0 to 50 parts by weight modacrylic fibers, 50 to 85 parts by weight polyester fiber, and 15 to 25 parts by weight binder material. The base layer comprises 20 to 70 parts by weight and the resilient layer comprises 80 to 30 parts by weight of the batting, based on the total weight of those two layers, and the batting has a total thickness of 1.25 centimeters (0.5 inches) or greater.