How to Create a Hypoallergenic Bedroom for Allergy Sufferers

 

How can your bed affect allergies or asthma?

Bedtime allergies are more common than you may think. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic condition that affects a significant portion of the Australian population. According to available statistics, approximately 15 to 20% of Australians experience hay fever symptoms at some point in their lives, and it’s not just pollen that triggers it. Many sufferers are affected by dust mites, mold spores, pet dander. These allergens can inflame the nasal passages, and cause sneezing, watery eyes, runny noses, or trigger asthma in sufferers.

Dust mites are microscopic pests that are basically invisible to us as humans, however, you may have millions of them in your bed. These creatures are drawn to beds because they feed off our dead skin cells, and beds are full of them. Up to 10% of the weight of a 2-year-old pillow can be made up of dead dust mites and their droppings. While the dust mites themselves don’t really pose a threat, the droppings can set off allergies.

 

What can I do to avoid bedtime allergies?

There are several things you can do to help prevent allergies at night. These include:

• Showering before you go to bed
• Changing and washing your sheets regularly (and properly)
• Using suitable, hypoallergenic, dust-proof bedding and bed casings 

Selecting suitable bedding is essential for reducing asthma and allergy triggers in your bedroom. By choosing hypoallergenic materials and implementing a regular cleaning routine, you can significantly minimize the presence of dust mites and allergens in your sleeping area. We recommend investing in dust mite-proof mattresses and pillowcases, pillow protectors, and mattress protectors, as well as high-quality, allergen-resistant bedding materials, such as pillows and quilts. Quilt protectors are also another product you may not have heard of, and they are a great way to make your existing doona or quilt more allergy-friendly without having to replace it.

 

What is the best bedding for allergy sufferers?

One of the most common questions we are asked by those who suffer from asthma or allergies is what fabric is best for allergies. We advise that you look for tightly woven fabric with a pore size of fewer than 10 microns so that allergens can’t penetrate through. Fabrics like linens are the worst for dust mites, whereas tightly woven fabrics like silk can provide a great barrier. Silk bedding is great for allergies because it is tightly woven yet because it is a natural fibre it is still breathable. Silk pillowcases also have the benefit of being great for your hair and skin, whether you have allergies or not.

We recommend:

• Silk pillowcases
• Cotton sateen sheets & high thread count sheets
• Bamboo cotton sheets (which are naturally bacteria-resistant)
• Bamboo fill products, like bamboo quilts and pillows
• Any products certified with Sensitive Choice

 

Our best products for allergy-free nights

We stock a range of the best bedding for allergies that are designed especially for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. Here are some of our top choices to help you sleep and breathe easily.

 

1. Best Pillow

The Herington Gusset pillow range offer some of the best pillows for asthma sufferers. There are four pillows available in this range: High & Soft, Low & Soft, High & Firm, and Low & Firm. There is also the Grow pillow, specifically designed for children. Each of those pillows is tailored to a different type of sleeper (side sleeper, back sleeper etc). They are filled with low allergy Excel fibre, combined with a treated polyurethane foam core to add firmness and support. These pillows have an anti-allergy treatment and are approved by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation.

 

 

2. Best Pillowcases and sheets

The Linen House Lifestyle Hotel Augusta 500 THC Cotton Sateen range. This range comes in six colourways and is available as pillowcases, fitted sheets, flat sheets, sheet sets, U-shaped pillowcases, king-sized pillowcases, body pillowcases and European pillowcases. The fitted sheets also come in mega sizes (50cm depth in the wall of the sheet to suit most pillow top and bottom mattresses). All sizes and shapes of pillowcases and sheets in this range are made from high-quality cotton sateen fabric for a silky smooth and luxurious feel and are easy to care for.

 

3. Best Pillow Protector

The Bambury Mite Guard pillow protector range. These pillow protectors close totally around your pillow and zip shut, as an ideal barrier between you and dust mites. Mite Guard pillow protectors feature a micron dust filter membrane that is sandwiched between two layers of inner fabric, offering premium protection for your pillows. They are made from soft and lightweight, durable and air permeable fabric, allowing body moisture and heat to pass through the fabric. This keeps you comfortable all night long.

Bambury pillow protectors can also overcome the need for regular hot washing of your pillows. This allows you to select and use natural fibre fillings such as feathers which are not washable.

 

4. Best Quilt Protector

The Bambury Mite Guard quilt protector range. Quilt protectors are a specialist product that not a lot of people know about, but they are a great idea for anyone with allergies or asthma. You can put your whole quilt or doona inside the protector and zip it closed, and put that inside your quilt cover, completely protecting your doona from dust mites.

  

5. Best Mattress Protectors

The Bambury Mite Guard mattress protector range. This is an envelope-style mattress protector, meaning the whole mattress is encased in the protector which is then closed with a zipper at the end. The entire Bambury Mite Guard collection is among the best bedding for dust-mite allergies.

The best waterproof mattress protector for allergy sufferers is the Hilton Deluxe waterproof fitted mattress protector range. It offers dust mite control and heavy-duty protection, thanks to its waterproof PVC backing and heavy-duty construction. Despite being waterproof, it is whisper-quiet, with no crinkling or crackling.

 

 

6. Best Quilt - For Summer

The Hilton Deluxe Bamboo Breathe Easy 350GSM Quilt range. This bamboo quilt is the best quilt for allergy sufferers, as it features a premium cotton cover with a bamboo cotton fill. These are hypoallergenic natural fibres which are antibacterial and odour resistant, the ideal quilt material for avoiding allergens. The bamboo doona also wicks away moisture from the body to regulate your body temperature and keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep.

 

7. Best Quilt - For All-Year-Round

The Jaspa Infinity quilt range. This quilt features a 350GSM Micropol blend of microfibre and polyester. These are man-made, synthetic fibres, which offer superior loft and support for a sumptuous feel. The quilt is encased in a soft cotton Japara cover and finished with stylish silver braid piping. It has been treated with an Ultrafresh treatment and endorsed and approved by the Sensible Choice program of the National Asthma Council in Australia, certifying that it is free from any harmful substances and poses no health risks.

 

8. Best Quilt Cover

The Linen House Lifestyle Nara 400THC Bamboo Cotton Quilt Cover Set Range Set. This quilt cover set comes in eight colourways. It is super luxurious, with a cool, silky soft feel. It features plain-dye colour for a minimalist and timeless look. Bamboo Cotton is a natural, breathable fabric that is ideal for people with allergies.

 

9. Best Comforter

The MM Linen Meeka comforter set range. If you’re looking for an all-in-one comforter or coverlet, this is the ideal choice. It is made from lush quilted faux velvet with heavily detailed stitching in a geometric block design. It is available in eight different colours with matching pillowcases, so is sure to complement any aesthetic.

 

10. Best Blanket

The Ardor Boudoir Ultra Soft Velvet Fleece blanket range. This blanket is 350GSM, 100% polyester velvet. It is machine washable, easy-care, with stitching on all four sides. It is available in four colours.

If you prefer a natural fibre however, we recommend the Bianca Gosford Blanket range, which is made from 100% cotton and features a woven diamond pattern. This blanket range is also machine washable and comes in four colourways.

 

FAQs:

Does anti-allergy bedding work?

Anti-allergy bedding does work for many people, by minimising allergens in your bed. How well it works for you will depend on the nature of your allergies.

What does hypoallergenic bedding mean?

‘Hypoallergenic’ means it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Hypoallergenic bedding is typically made from materials that rarely cause allergies and are resistant to common allergens like dust mites and mould.

How else can I optimise my bedroom for allergies?

There are a number of other ways you can keep your bedroom trigger-free and lower the risk of allergens.

Flooring and Window Treatments
The right flooring and window treatments can make a remarkable difference in maintaining an asthma and allergy-friendly bedroom. Opt for hard flooring options such as hardwood or laminate, as these surfaces are easier to clean and do not trap allergens as carpets do. If you prefer the cosiness of carpets, consider low-pile or washable rugs that can be regularly cleaned. Additionally, installing blinds or washable curtains will help control dust accumulation and allergen exposure.

Efficient Air Filtration
Proper air filtration is crucial for individuals with asthma and allergies, as it helps remove airborne particles that can trigger symptoms. Consider using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your bedroom to effectively capture allergens and other microscopic irritants. Regularly clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure optimal air quality.

Minimizing Clutter and Dust Accumulation
Maintaining a clutter-free environment not only promotes better sleep but also helps reduce allergens and dust build up. Keep your bedroom well-organized and minimize unnecessary items that tend to collect dust. Regularly dust surfaces and vacuum your bedroom, paying special attention to hard-to-reach areas such as behind furniture and under the bed.

Choosing Asthma and Allergy-Friendly Paint
When selecting paint for your bedroom, opt for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or VOC-free options. These paints emit fewer chemicals into the air, minimizing the risk of triggering respiratory symptoms. It's advisable to choose a satin or semi-gloss finish, as these are easier to clean and less likely to harbour dust.

Bedtime Practices for Asthma and Allergy Relief
In addition to designing an asthma and allergy-friendly bedroom, adopting healthy bedtime practices can further enhance your sleep quality. Avoid smoking or using scented products in the bedroom, as these can irritate the respiratory system. Keep pets out of the bedroom to minimize exposure to pet dander, and wash your bedding regularly in hot water to eliminate allergens.

 

To Conclude

By implementing the recommendations & products outlined in this guide, you can create a soothing and low-allergen environment in your bedroom, specifically tailored for the needs of those that suffer from asthma and allergies. We hope that these tips help you achieve a restful and refreshing sleep while managing your respiratory symptoms effectively. Remember, a well-designed bedroom and the right bedding can transform your sleep, and thus significantly contribute to your overall well-being.

Simply making the right choice of bedding can make all the difference for allergy sufferers, so use this guide and you can make your bed a comfortable and relaxing sanctuary rather than a trigger for your symptoms.