Hypoallergenic Bedding and Allergies

If you have allergies, then you’ve probably also had many sleepless nights wrestling in your bed, wishing you could find relief and rest. Unfortunately, crawling into your bed for some allergy downtime may be the wrong move—if you don’t have hypoallergenic bedding. Unlike ordinary bedding, hypoallergenic bedding is specially designed (generally with a tighter fabric weave) to be allergen resistant, particularly to dust mites. Dust mites rank at the top of the list for allergen triggers in bedrooms.

The Low Down on Dust Mites
For those who do not know about dust mites, here is the simple breakdown. Dust mites are tiny cream colored microorganisms that enjoy a warm, moist climate and make their homes in fibrous materials in our homes, such as rugs, carpets, drapes, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. These minuscule animals live off of dead skin cells, saliva, and dust. Dust mites, which can be present in the millions, cause allergic reactions because of the proteins in their excretions. When dust mites secrete waste products, it dries out and becomes easily airborne. Because the waste products, like the organisms, are so small, it can easily be breathed in, and if you are allergic, the results are immediate. Dust mites are particularly harmful for individuals who have allergies or who suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma. It is estimated that about 20 million Americans are allergic to dust mites.

Are You Allergic to Dust Mites?
At-home testing kits are available to test if dust mites are present in your home, though this doesn’t necessarily mean you are allergic to them. However, many people who have multiple allergies find themselves allergic to dust mites as well; an estimated 40% of people who have one or more allergies are also allergic to dust mites. For positive confirmation of dust mite allergies, an allergist is your first resource—but under the “common sense approach,” if you find yourself unable to sleep restfully in your own bed because you wake up during the night with a stuffy or runny nose…chances are that dust mites are behind it. The most common symptoms of dust mite allergies are:

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Difficulty Breathing

The Benefits of Allergy Bedding
People who are allergic to dust mites will greatly benefit from hypoallergenic bedding because it offers an environment free of dust mites. Allergy bedding, which encompasses sheets, pillow cases, duvet covers, mattress covers and pads, mattresses, and box springs, can help to control the existing dust mites in your home and create the healthy environment that won’t allow them to hide away or multiply exponentially.

Additionally, hypoallergenic bedding offers multiple benefits for allergy suffers. Though the material is tightly woven to eliminate dust mites specifically, it also offers benefits from other allergy triggers. It is rare that allergies come as a single unit, with most people suffering from two or more allergies at a time. So regardless of if you know you have dust mites, or if you simply know you have allergies, investing in high-quality bedding provides overall improved bedtime hygiene, as it is resistant to saliva and perspiration, is made of natural fibers, is chemical free, and can be washed at high temperatures.

The Choices in Hypoallergenic Bedding
Allergy bedding is made of a variety of fabrics so there are many options to fit your needs.

• Silk: The most luxurious in this line is silk. Many people do not know the benefits of silk for allergy sufferers. Silk is completely dust mite resistant, while offering the softest of materials to sleep in.
  
• Wool: Blends of alpaca and sheep wool create unparalleled bedding that is both warm and dust mite repellant.
  
• Cotton: Specialized cotton blends are another alternative in hypoallergenic bedding. They are created from 100% cotton and are tested for effectiveness. These cotton fabrics are as nice to the touch as silk and equally as effective.

Additionally, dehumidifiers and steam cleaners are also excellent defenses against dust mites and allergens in general. For more information on allergies, dehumidifiers, steam cleaners and much more, see our list of specific articles devoted exclusively to those subjects.

• Kumi Kookoon Baby Comforter
• Kumi Kookoon Baby Fitted Sheet
• Kumi Kookoon Baby Pillow Cover
• Kumi Kookoon Silk Velvet Duvet Cover
• Kumi Kookoon Silk Velvet Throw Blanket
• Kumi Kookoon Classic Collection Silk Bed Skirt
• Royal Pedic All Cotton Bed Set
• Royal Pedic Latex Quilt-Top Bedset
• CottonFresh Mattress Covers
• CottonFresh Duvet Cover
• CottonFresh Pillow Covers
• Crescent Moon Alpaca Wool Mattress Pad
• Crescent Moon Alpaca Wool Pillow

Still Got Questions?
For more information on specific products and ways to improve your indoor environment, review our extensive product listings and other educational materials. Not sure what’s best for you—we can take the guess work out of decision making, contact our product experts toll free at 1 (800) 934-9194. Our goal is to make your indoor environment a healthy one.

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