Allergy sufferers often complain that their symptoms are worse when they sleep and/or first thing in the morning. The theory is that congestion builds up while your body is lying horizontally for hours during the night. While this may be a contributing factor, an even bigger factor may be your bed and its coverings. Creating an allergy-free bed might be just what you need to set up the proper environment to induce a peaceful and restful night of sleep.
Sleeping in an allergy-free bed is essential to winning the war against your allergies. WebMD lists evening allergies as a source for headaches and difficulty breathing. Your bed and bedding harbor dust, dust mites, pet dander (if you allow dogs/cats to sleep with you) and countless other irritants that should be kept under control if you hope to get restful and rejuvenating rest.
Allergy-Free Bedding Options
One of the most important aspects of an allergy-free bed is choosing the right comforter. There are several options out there that fall in the hypoallergenic category of bedding; they are specifically designed to extremely limit your exposure to allergens that originate from dust mites and other particles that can wreak havoc on nasal passageways. There are many options available, including allergy-free down comforters, wool comforters, and silk comforters.
Good Housekeeping offers good advice for selecting hypoallergenic bedding, specifically mentioning that non-porous materials often provide the best protection against allergens. They warn, however, that — while this kind of fabric may be cheaper than other options — it also can make your bed too warm for sleeping. Finely threaded bedding is what most allergy sufferers find most comfortable and also helpful. Blankets that earned high marks from Good Housekeeping included water-repellant, breathable (usually good-quality cotton) and shrink/fade resistant.
A great example of first-rate, allergy-free down comforters is the Pacific Coast collection. Down comforters outperform other stuffed bedding because down is naturally lightweight, but still quite warm. (There are many different weights to choose from as well, to accommodate your needs through the four seasons.) For added layers, Pacific Coast also manufactures allergy-free blankets. Both the comforter and blanket lines use Hyperclean™ technology, which removes dust, dirt, and other allergens from the down in an environmentally friendly and thorough fashion. Pacific Coast also uses a Barrier Weave™ fabric, which provides twice the recommended air permeability in order to keep the down from escaping. Ordinary down comforters are notorious for leaving small feathers behind wherever they are used, but the Barrier Weave fabric will keep the feathers in their place.
Mattress Covers That Keep Allergens at Bay
Good Housekeeping recommends surrounding your mattress with an allergy-free encasement. This will keep the irritants that may come from an older mattress to a minimum. Look for mattress covers that are easily removed and washed, and that encompass the entire mattress and box springs. The samples tested by Good Housekeeping that earned high marks were durable and included zippers that were easy to operate.
Mattress Pads Add Comfort With an Allergy-Free Barrier
To guard your mattress against soiling and staining — while also adding an extra layer of allergy protection — choose a luxurious allergy-free mattress pad. Pacific Coast offers pads with 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton tops that are double filled and quilted for plush comfort.
Allergy-Free Pillows Help You Breathe Easier
As you lie in bed each night, you inhale and exhale directly into your pillow. This can cause a serious problem for those with allergies. Breathing in dust, dander, dust mites, pollen and other irritants for hours as you sleep can mean tossing and turning, and miserable mornings.
Comfort and the ability to protect you from allergens are priorities when choosing pillows for allergy sufferers. Whether you prefer to use allergy-free covers or have an entire pillow (filling, cover and all) that is allergy-free, Pacific Coast has exceptional options. Combine the two for even more protection.
The trick is to tackle your entire bed. Adding a mattress pad or a pillow cover won't help counteract the effect of allergens in your mattress or your blanket. As you consider your sleeping arrangement, make plans to upgrade to allergy-free:
• pillows and/or pillow covers
• mattress pad and/or encasement
• blankets
• comforters.
Designing an allergy-free bed is a certain step in the right direction. After you gain some control over the elements that cause your allergies to flare, you'll begin to notice a deeper and more peaceful sleep.
