Pros of Anti-Allergy Mattresses, Beds & Carpets

The use of anti allergy products in the home, such as mattresses, covers and carpeting, has rocketed in recent years. This is because the number of people who are affected by allergies has also risen.

Figures suggest that a third of us will be affected by allergies at some point in our life, and one of the worst sources of allergens is the home.

Dust Mites in the Home

One of the biggest contributors to allergies in the home is exposure to dust mites. There is little you can do to eradicate dust mites, they are present even in the cleanest of homes. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid places such as:

• beds,
• pillows,
• mattresses,
• duvet covers,
• soft furnishings and
• carpets.

Research suggests that in the average bed there may be around 10,000 dust mites in residence.

Dust mites are not visible, so we are mostly unaware that they exist. However, their presence may be felt by many people who experience a range of bothersome symptoms. Dust mites live off human skin, and it is actually proteins found in their droppings that form particles of dust, which are thought to be the primary source of allergic reactions.

How Do You Know If You Are Allergic to Mites?

Dust mite allergy produces a range of symptoms, such as a runny or itchy nose, sneezing, red, itchy and watery eyes and asthma. Many sufferers may assume that they are allergic to pollen, as the symptoms are quite similar. Symptoms may also flare up in the hotter months of the year, when dust mite populations flourish. This also coincides with high-pollen season. Some sufferers may just have a general feeling of not being well but may never be able to blame it on anything in particular — they will certainly never imagine that dust mite droppings may be to blame.

Bedroom Protection

It is impossible to get rid of dust mites completely in the home, but you can reduce exposure.

Since dust mites love the bedroom, one of the best options is to consider getting anti allergy beds. There are now mattresses, covers, duvets and pillows available that offer anti allergy protection. These products work by containing a fabric, micro weave or special membrane that does not allow dust mites to thrive in. Anti allergy beds also have the advantage that they also repel other bugs and allergen-causing agents. There is no compromise on comfort and quality in these products, and they can be washed and cleaned as easily as standard bedding. They are particularly beneficial to children, whose immune systems are still developing and may be more affected by allergens from a younger age. The bedroom should also be kept as clean and tidy as possible and the carpet or floor vacuumed or swept to get rid of any dust. Bedding should be washed at 60 degrees to kill any dust mites. Don’t make the bed straight after changing sheets as this will prevent any moisture from evaporating. These actions can all help to reduce allergy-causing populations of dust mites.

Carpet Protection

Dust mites and other allergens are also known to reside in household carpets. When choosing flooring for your home, many people argue that having no carpet is one of the best options for allergy sufferers. However, this is not necessarily the case, and there is a wide range of anti allergy carpets available. Choose short-pile carpets made from synthetic fibres. These synthetic fibres repel allergens and do not provide a hospitable environment for bugs to live in. Nylon carpets are said to be among the best for controlling allergens. Wool, on the other hand, should be avoided. Whatever type of carpet you choose, it will only be effective if you keep it regularly cleaned. This is especially important for carpets in a bedroom, which is a dust mite hot spot. Dust settles on a carpet, so a regular vacuum wash is also advisable.

Also a rug can act as a compromise if you do not have carpets or prefer other flooring options. However they will still require regular cleaning and washing to keep dust mite problems at bay.

How can we help you

Visit one of our showrooms in Newbury, Winchester or Woking to find out more about the anti-allergy products we have available. Or alternatively get in touch with one of our experts.