Best Mattress For Allergies

Various factors in the environment can cause allergies. Some of the most common causes of allergies, especially in bed, are dust mites, pet dander and mould spores. 

A. Dust Mites 
Dust mites are small creatures that feed on human skin flakes. Therefore, they can be commonly seen anywhere there is human presence. Since we tend to shed quite a lot of dead skin when we sleep, dust mites can be quite prominent in bedding. 

Dust mites generally prefer higher humidity levels, and human perspiration provides warmth and moisture for them. Though dust mites are quite unappealing, they do not bite or spread diseases.

However, if someone is allergic to dust mites, they can pose a major threat to safety. 

Typically, a dust mite allergy forms when the human body reacts to the proteins and faecal matter of the dust mites. The dust mite allergy symptoms can vary from person to person but usually includes a runny nose and severe sneezing.

If the allergy symptoms are present in severe conditions, it can even result in asthma. 
To prevent dust mites, investing in a latex mattress is essential. Since latex is made up of rubber tree sap, it is naturally dust-mite resistant. On the contrary, a coil mattress with several layers and padding can be a possible dust mite breeding ground. 

B. Pet Dander 
Pet dander is the flakes of dead skin from your pets, usually cats or dogs. This can cause reactions in allergy sufferers with symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, itchy eyes and sneezing. 

Pet dander can travel around the home, even to places your pet hasn’t been to. For instance, guests who enter your home may carry pet dander from their pets, either on their clothes or their luggage. Pet dander is known to unintentionally spread around the place. 

In scenarios such as these, the best possible solution is to not allow your pets in your bedding or bedroom, especially if you have allergies while sleeping. 

C. Mould Spores 
Mould spores are a common but often overlooked cause of allergies. If you experience allergy symptoms that tend to worsen during damp weather, it could be a mould spores allergy. Mould is a fungus that will be present inside or outside your home, even if it is not visible to you. Moist and still environments are particularly responsible for thriving mould growth. 

A mould allergy usually occurs when the human body reacts to the chemical compounds released by the mould spores. Some common symptoms of mould allergy include: 

a. Upper respiratory problems 
b. Coughing 
c. Sinus drainage 

The more effort you put into decreasing the growth of mould spores, the faster the decrease in mould-related allergies. Keeping your home cool and dry is the best way to ensure no mould growth. However, certain inaccessible areas, such as the underside of the mattress, can cause mould growth. 

When selecting a mattress, a mould-resistant material is recommended for people with allergic reactions. Latex mattresses are naturally mould-resistant, which makes them ideal for preventing mould-related allergies. If you have latex allergies, it is best to opt for another alternative, such as wool. 

Often, allergies that flare up at night are related to the mattress used. Replacing the mattress can solve the issue. However, there are other things you can do to control pests and keep your room allergen-free. Let’s take a look. 

A. Opting For A Hypoallergenic Mattress
A hypoallergenic mattress contains allergen-resistant materials like latex, memory foam, or dust-resistant covers that keeps away any microorganisms that cause allergy. Keeping the microorganisms like pollen, bed bugs, dust and dust mites away can make the beds safer for people with allergies or asthma. 

Various types of mattresses are hypoallergenic. Memory foam and latex are the most commonly used hypoallergenic materials for mattresses. This is because these organic materials are dense, leaving minimal room for bacteria growth. Latex beds can also feature wool, an antimicrobial and a natural flame barrier against bacteria. Unless you have latex allergies, latex can be a great hypoallergenic material.  

Most coil mattresses have good airflow, which can result in them being a breeding ground for dust mites, mould and bacteria. If you prefer a coil mattress, opting for a hybrid mattress with an allergy-resistant cover is recommended. 

B. Looking For Health And Safety Certifications 
Besides choosing the right material for a hypoallergenic bed, the certifications that deem the bed safe to use are also important. Even the best hypoallergenic mattress usually contains harsh chemicals like flame retardants, phthalates, and formaldehyde. 

Though these chemicals can keep the natural allergens away from your bed, they can also cause some allergic reactions such as rashes, sore throats, breathing difficulties and headaches. Some common certifications you should keep an eye out for are: 

a. CertiPUR
b. GREENGUARD Gold 
c. MADE SAFE 
d. Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) 

Ensuring the mattress you choose falls under the above-mentioned certifications can ensure you can have a good night’s sleep without worrying about allergic reactions. However, a regular hypoallergenic bed will be just as good if you do not have any allergies that flare up due to the chemicals used. 

C. Opting For High-quality Bed Sheets
Not only is a clean mattress necessary for good sleep quality, but bed sheets also play a significant role in eliminating allergy and asthma symptoms. Often, allergens can get stuck between the fibres of your sheet, so finding a bed sheet with a high thread count is essential. The higher the thread count, the less space for microorganisms to accumulate. 

Typically, organic cotton sheets are recommended as they’re cool and dust-mite resistant. Be sure to opt for a sheet that can be washed in hot water, as a hot water wash is the best way to sterilise the bedsheet. 

Another alternative is silk bed sheets. However, they are expensive and require dry cleaning rather than machine washing. If you depend on a dry cleaning service, their cleaning agents may make matters worse for allergy sufferers.

D. Using A Protective Mattress Cover
Another great way to protect your mattress from allergens or bacteria is to use a waterproof mattress protector. Since mattress covers stay on the bed as fitted bed sheets do, they can keep your mattress clean and dry. 

They protect you from trapping sweat, dust and other microbes, which can potentially cause mould or fungus growth. Most mattress covers are waterproof, which keeps your mattress from getting stained or accumulating moisture. 

Since they keep your mattress clean, they can ultimately lead to an increased life span of your mattress. 

E. Washing The Bedding Regularly 
Clean bedding can help eliminate the majority of allergic reactions. Though cleaning the bedding and the bed may seem like a challenging task, it is an absolute necessity. 

For people who are allergic, it is recommended to wash the bed sheets, mattress covers, and pillowcases every week. The comforter used can be washed either two to three times a year or every four to six months. 

Any type of bedding can be washed using a gentle detergent that will not damage its interior or exterior. However, different beddings have different washing instructions, which you will have to follow depending on your bed type. Apart from washing the sheets, the mattress should also be cleaned thoroughly. 

Since it cannot be thrown in a washing machine, using a gentle stain remover and letting it sit for 30 to 60 mins can help clean it well. To clean it further, sprinkling baking soda over the stain remover and letting it sit for another 30 to 60 minutes can help. Vacuuming the sides and underside of the mattress is also recommended. 

Keep in mind to dry your mattress well once you’ve cleaned it. You can do this by setting the mattress outside in the sun for a couple of hours or placing it next to a window with direct sunlight. If the mattress is not fully dry, the remaining moisture can be a breeding ground for mould and bacteria.