As we know in the South, in particular to Alabama, allergy season takes our state by storm. Your mattress can be one of the worst things in your house, especially if it is well past it's prime, to collect all of the dust particles and even dust mites. You should change your mattress every 8-10 years to mitigate the collection of harmful dust particles, but there are other things you can look for to reduce your mattresses collection of dust particle properties.
The three words to look for in a brand’s product description are:
- Hypoallergenic
- Antimicrobial
- Dust mite resistant
We’ve found that beds made of either memory foam or latex usually fit these requirements. However, you may consider avoiding innerspring or coil mattresses. This type of bed can be problematic for a variety of reasons.
First, there’s plenty of open air inside the mattress around the coils for dust mites to live and breed. Also, the metal coils can trap heat, making it an extra amenable environment for those critters to wreak havoc on your sleeping routine. And finally, this type of bed also traps moisture, leading to mold and mildew.
It’s also recommended to avoid a pillow top mattress. Even though they may seem luxuriously comfortable, the airy fibers create an ideal environment for these pests.
The reason that memory foam and latex are ideal is that it’s a denser material with no room for the mites to “burrow.” Also, dust mites are known to nibble on fibrous materials deep inside the mattress, but latex and memory foam lack this material.
You may have come across hybrid beds during your research. A hybrid mattress combines both innerspring coils with either latex or foam. Although these beds get top marks for comfort, they are susceptible to attracting dust mites, and mold and mildew can easily grow in the interior if the conditions are right. Therefore, if you’re susceptible to allergies, you will probably want to steer clear.
Bed Sheets
There are a few options that work best. Look for sheets that can be washed in hot water. Many labels caution against that and suggest warm water. However, hot water is best for sterilization and eliminating critters.
Also look for tightly woven fabrics like microfiber. Again, this prevents any unwanted pests from burrowing.
Pillows
The most important factor to consider with your pillows is moisture avoidance. Also, seek out natural fabrics like wool, cotton, and latex. Not only are they naturally hypoallergenic, but they also wick away moisture. You can take a look at our pillows HERE.
What materials is asthma friendly?
Natural materials are best for asthma. Chemicals and dyes can trigger an attack, while also making every day breathing more difficult. Materials that work well are:
- Bamboo: it naturally resists dust mites, mold, and mildew
- Silk: it has the same properties as bamboo, but it’s softer
- Cotton: the breathable fabric resists moisture buildup
- Wool: wicks away moisture and resists dust mites
Do you recommend a mattress protector?
Yes, 100%. This could be the most beneficial way to stop dust mites, and therefore allergies, in their tracks. A mattress cover creates a barrier between you and the mites in the mattress. Without access to their food source, they’ll die.
Another benefit of a hypoallergenic mattress cover is that it if you’re allergic to any part of your mattress (latex for example), the cover shields you from the material that could cause a reaction.
You can shop our certified mattress protectors HERE
This blog is compiled of information from: https://www.sleepadvisor.org/best-mattress-for-allergies/
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