If you are on the hunt for a new mattress, consider whether a hypoallergenic mattress would make your nights more comfortable. If you are prone to allergies and respiratory discomfort, an allergen-resistant hypoallergenic mattress could be just the thing you need to get a good night’s sleep.
If you are already considering a mattress for allergies, but are unclear about whether or not it will be a good investment, you will want to continue reading. Below you will learn more about what a hypoallergenic mattress is, some benefits of having one, and the different types to look for.
What Is a Hypoallergenic Mattress?
Hypoallergenic mattresses are mattresses that are ideal and safe for people with asthma and allergy sufferers. They are constructed with anti-allergen and dust-resistant materials that can ease or prevent excessive symptoms of allergies.
A hypoallergenic mattress can help alleviate symptoms of allergy sufferers—like coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes, as well as help you avoid allergic reactions when you lie down to rest or go to sleep. A mattress for allergies is often crafted with a covering of naturally allergen-resistant materials, such as cotton, that helps prevent allergen buildup inside your mattress.
Common Allergens in the Bedroom
If you frequently get allergies, you know how frustrating they can be. Sometimes it seems like anything and everything can trigger allergies. However, most bedroom allergies are triggered by the following common allergens:
- Pollen
- Dust
- Mold and mildew
- Pet dander
During the spring months, pollen seems to explode all over town. Somehow, it usually makes its way indoors, and even into the bedroom. For allergy sufferers, pollen is a major cause of allergy attacks.
Allergic reactions to dust, mold, mildew, and pet dander are also common. Hypoallergenic mattresses can help eliminate all of these common allergens from the bedroom.
Benefits of Hypoallergenic Mattresses
A hypoallergenic mattress is a perfect choice if you are wanting to sleep in a healthy and clean environment. A mattress for allergies can offer you a whole host of benefits that will keep you safe and healthy while you sleep.
Decrease Allergies
As a type of mattress, anti-allergy mattresses keep dust mites from being able to penetrate the surface, and settle inside. And, this helps you avoid experiencing allergic symptoms.
Great for Pet Owners
Pet dander has a way of getting everywhere. And animal lovers learn to deal with it because they love their pets. However, hypoallergenic mattresses can decrease the number of allergic reactions from pet dander because the dander is unable to penetrate the mattress’s surface.
Safer for Children and Babies
A clean bedroom is essential for the health of your children. Hypoallergenic mattresses can help ease your child's asthma and allergies.
Fight Bacterial Growth
A hypoallergenic mattress is typically treated with a type of antibacterial cover technology, helping you maintain an allergen-resistant fresh and clean mattress.
Antimicrobial Properties
Mold is a fungus. No one likes to think of mold and mildew in their homes, but it thrives in humid places—the same humid places that dust mites and bacteria love. Luckily, a good mattress for allergies is defended against microbes like mold and mildew, so you can sleep soundly.
Prevents Dust Mites
You shed skin throughout the year, and you lose moisture each night. These conditions attract dust mites, and they thrive on them. In fact, the average bed hosts more than 10,000 dust mites. However, hypoallergenic mattresses are resistant to dust mites.
How a Hypoallergenic Mattress Helps Decrease Allergies
There are various ways how hypoallergenic mattresses help reduce allergies. For allergy sufferers, the best way to prevent allergies is to avoid the debris that accumulates to trigger allergies in the first place.
Hypoallergenic mattresses made of memory foam, natural materials, or a blend of each are designed to prevent an allergy attack before it occurs, by keeping allergy sufferers protected from allergens. Read on to find why a hypoallergenic mattress is the best mattress for allergies.
The Role of Hypoallergenic Mattresses in Asthma Management
Hypoallergenic mattresses not only benefit allergy sufferers, but can also play a crucial role in managing asthma. Research indicates that a clean sleep environment significantly reduces asthma attacks. By utilizing materials that resist allergens like dust mites and mold, hypoallergenic mattresses help minimize the triggers for asthma patients, leading to a more restful night. Furthermore, opting for mattresses with breathable covers can enhance airflow and reduce moisture buildup, which is essential in controlling asthma symptoms.
They Decrease Dust Mites on the Bed
Dust mites are the leading nuisance of allergy sufferers. Dust mites feed off your dead skin cells, and thrive in your bedding. They are barely noticeable to the human eye, and because of their extremely tiny size, they indulge in living in pores of foam mattresses and pillows.
Hypoallergenic mattresses typically use memory foam as their primary material because memory foam has closed pores, so dust mites do not have the opportunity to easily squeeze in. Alongside memory foam, natural latex is also difficult for dust mites to attach to.
Using a hypoallergenic mattress that is resistant to dust mites will not only decrease how many end up on your sleeping surface, but will also decrease allergy attacks people with allergies suffer due to the pests.
They Inhibit Mold and Mildew Growth
The accumulation and build-up of mold and mildew on the surface of your mattress is another trigger for allergy sufferers that some mattresses pose. Mold likes to grow wherever there is moisture. The fluids and sweat that come from your body contribute to moisture in your mattress and bedding, creating a thriving atmosphere for mold.
Certain memory foam mattresses also combine natural latex, which helps to resist mold buildup as well as other microorganisms.
Mold exposure can be bad for your health, and certain symptoms of mold exposure are similar to symptoms of allergies. People with allergies might not know whether they are having an allergy attack or mold exposure.
They Possess Antibacterial Properties
Both your bedding and mattress should be crafted with hypoallergenic materials. Bamboo fiber is a popular hypoallergenic bedding material. Bamboo possesses natural antibacterial properties that do a splendid job, and resist the growth of bacteria.
Bamboo fiber is also very breathable, and stops the settling in of anaerobic bacteria. Also, bamboo fiber is effective in the absorption and evaporation of moisture that comes from human skin. And, the less moisture the surface of your bed has, the less of an ideal breeding ground it will be for bacteria.
Types of Hypoallergenic Mattresses
When it comes to choosing the perfect mattress, the mattress type is important. Many mattresses these days are constructed with advanced hypoallergenic features to make sure you can obtain the sneeze-free, deep sleep that is beneficial for your body. Both memory foam and natural materials can be hypoallergenic, provided you purchase a mattress that is constructed with health and safety in mind.
Memory Foam Mattresses
This is a very popular choice for many people, since memory foam is great at decreasing soothing the pressure points that leave you tossing and turning all night long. However, those suffering from allergies will be particularly pleased to hear memory foam is also a good mattress for allergies, and is naturally antimicrobial.
The memory foam can help decrease your symptoms of allergies, and enhance your comfort at the same time. You will find memory foam in both hybrids (these incorporate memory foam layers on top of innerspring), and foam-core mattresses.
How to Choose a Good Memory Foam Mattress
When choosing a memory foam mattress, be sure you choose a mattress that is certified as healthy and safe. Memory foam contains polyurethane. A low-quality mattress type can emit strong odorous gasses when you first get it home, causing respiratory symptoms to get worse rather than better.
Natural Latex Mattresses
Latex is naturally hypoallergenic. It goes a long way in preventing the growth of mildew, mold, and dust mites. Latex mattresses are ideal for those sensitive to synthetic materials and chemicals, those who are eco-conscious, and those with dust mite allergies.
How to Choose a Good Latex Mattress
Synthetic latex is not as ideal for those looking for a hypoallergenic mattress as natural latex. When looking for a latex mattress, stick with 100 percent natural rubber latex whenever possible. Synthetic latex is created with chemicals in a lab, and those chemicals can cause issues that purely organic latex will not.
Latex Allergy
Unfortunately, latex is a mattress type that some people are inherently allergic to. If you or your family members have a latex allergy, it is best to steer clear of a latex mattress. A latex mattress can cause allergic reactions in those with latex allergies.
Fortunately, there are other options for hypoallergenic mattresses on the market.
Important Mattress Health Certifications
When choosing a mattress to improve your health, know what labels to look out for. Certain mattresses can actually exacerbate allergy symptoms, and respiratory distress. That is because not all mattresses are created with the same materials or standards.
Below are three important health and safety certifications to keep in mind when searching for your next mattress. Always check for them on specific labels on your mattresses.
CertiPUR-US
CertiPUR-US certified foams are free of several dangerous chemicals that can exacerbate allergies, and cause negative side effects in humans.
CertiPUR-US certification is given to foams by a non-profit third-party concerned with public health.
Companies with this certification manufacture foams that have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and are free of phthalates, formaldehyde, ozone depleters, heavy metals, and certain flame retardants.
OEKO-TEX
STANDARD 100 certification by OEKO-TEX is a certification for textiles that signifies an item and all of its components have been independently tested and deemed harmless to humans.
Items with the STANDARD 100 certification must pass strict criteria. More often than not, STANDARD 100 testing is more rigorous than what national and international regulatory bodies require.
GREENGUARD
UL’s GREENGUARD certification is given to products of all kinds that have been proven to meet low chemical emissions standards. That means that GREENGUARD Gold-certified mattresses emit few VOCs, and have passed human health standards.
Nearly everything produced with chemicals emits VOCs. UL’s goal is to reduce indoor air pollution, and improve the household air quality humans breathe in their day-to-day lives.
The Science Behind Hypoallergenic Materials
Understanding the science behind hypoallergenic materials can help you make an informed decision when selecting a mattress. Many hypoallergenic mattresses utilize advanced textile technology that incorporates natural fibers, such as organic cotton or bamboo, which are less likely to harbor allergens. Additionally, some mattresses feature innovative treatments that provide antimicrobial properties, effectively reducing the growth of bacteria and fungi. Choosing mattresses made with such materials not only contributes to a healthier sleep environment, but also supports overall wellness.
How Bedroom Allergies Affect Sleep
If you suffer from severe allergies at night, you probably do not sleep very well. This is likely due to stuffy noses that make it difficult to fall asleep, and stay asleep.
Additionally, when you do wake up in the morning, nighttime allergies leave you feeling sluggish and stuffy.
Nighttime allergies can affect your work or school, as well as your mood and behaviors during the day.
Symptoms of Bedroom Allergens
Symptoms of bedroom allergies mimic symptoms of other allergies.
- Sinus pressure
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Sniffling
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Itchy skin
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Sore, scratchy throat
Respiratory symptoms can be worse for allergy sufferers who already have a respiratory illness like asthma.
Other Ways to Reduce Bedroom Allergens
Choosing a hypoallergenic bed and bed set is a great move if you have allergies and want to find a more comfortable way to sleep and relieve pressure points, regardless of your sleeping position. However, there are other ways you can lessen the number of allergens in your bedroom.
You would be surprised at how many dust mites, microbes, and bacteria live in your bedroom. Follow these steps to clean your bedroom and free yourself from nightly allergy attacks, including to prevent dust mites.
Use an Air Purifier
As the name would suggest, air purifiers purify the air in your bedroom. Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter for maximum purification properties. While air purifiers cannot pull every single particle out of the air, they can clean up the air you breathe, and soothe your sinuses amidst household allergies.
Use a Dehumidifier
Allergens like dust mites, mold, and mildew thrive in a moist environment. A dehumidifier can bring down the humidity in your room to more suitable levels, especially during hot months.
Use a Mattress Protector
Always use a mattress protector on your mattress as soon as you buy it, and set it up in your room. Mattress protectors keep your mattress safe from spilled liquids, bodily fluids, crumbs, dust mites, dead skin cells, and more.
Mattress protectors extend the lifespans of your mattresses by a great deal. However, you have to clean your mattress protector regularly, as well.
Use Hypoallergenic Bedding
If you buy a hypoallergenic mattress, you should make sure to dress it with hypoallergenic bedding and pillows.
To decrease allergens and allergy symptoms in your bedroom, you want to overhaul the entire bedroom.
Natural Bedding Materials
Natural bedding materials decrease the number of allergens that can make their home inside your bedding. Sheets and blankets made of tightly woven materials make it difficult for irritants and allergens like dust mites to attach to your blankets.
These include:
- Bamboo
- Linen
- Cotton
- Wool
- Silk
When choosing a hypoallergenic mattress, do not forget to add hypoallergenic bedding as well.
Allergen-Resistant Pillow Materials
When creating an allergy-resistant bedroom, you cannot forget to get a good pillow. Your pillow should be made from a hypoallergenic material, just like your mattress:
Additionally, you should always use high-quality, natural materials for your pillow case. You sleep on your pillow every night. In fact, your pillow has closer contact with your face than your mattress does, so if you are prone to allergies, your pillow is a very important factor in the equation.
Use a Bed Bug Mattress Encasement
Bed bugs are a mattress’s greatest enemy. To give your mattress the best shot against bed bugs, use a thick, waterproof bed bug encasement around your mattress. An encasement is different from a mattress cover.
Bed bug encasements prevent bed bugs from getting inside your mattress, and infesting it.
Frequent Clean and Vacuum Bedroom
No matter how tidy you are, your bedroom will accumulate dust and debris. Be diligent about cleaning to keep your allergies from going out of control.
- Dust the ceiling fan
- Vacuum the floors
- Wipe down all surfaces
If you can stay on top of frequent cleaning, you can avoid major allergy attacks. If you are very sensitive to dust, wear a face mask while you clean, so dust does not send you into a sneezing attack.
Tips for Maintaining Your Hypoallergenic Mattress
To ensure your hypoallergenic mattress continues to provide maximum protection against allergens, it’s essential to maintain it properly. Regular cleaning is key—consider vacuuming your mattress with a HEPA-filter vacuum to remove dust and allergens effectively. Additionally, washing your bedding in hot water every week can help eliminate dust mites and other allergens. It's also wise to replace your mattress every 7 to 10 years to ensure its hypoallergenic properties remain intact and effective against allergens.
Bathe Your Pets
The best way to keep pet dander out of your room is to ban your pets from your bedroom. At the very least, experts say to give your pets a separate bed to sleep in on the floor, so they are not shedding directly in your bed.
However, this can be hard to do, especially for those who love their pets dearly. Pet lovers share their beds with their pets nightly.
If you do not expect to keep your pets out of your bedroom, give your pets regular baths and brushings. This will keep their shedding hair and dander at bay.
Wash Bedding Regularly
Dust mites actually feed on the dead skin cells you shed daily as you sleep in your bed. In fact, the dead skin cells you shed in just one day can feed one million dust mites. That is a horrifying figure for someone with allergies.
The recommended washing frequency is once a week, so strip your bedding and wash it about once a week to keep it clean, and remove all the dead skin cells, dust, dirt, sweat, body oils, and all the other debris that accumulates throughout the week.
It is best to have at least two sets of bedding that you can switch between. It also prolongs the life of your bedding, since it extends the time between washes.
Frequently-Asked Questions About Hypoallergenic Mattresses
What is a hypoallergenic mattress?
A hypoallergenic mattress is designed to reduce the risk of allergic reactions by minimizing allergens such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander. These mattresses often use materials that resist these allergens, such as latex or specific synthetic fibers.
Who should consider a hypoallergenic mattress?
Individuals with allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin may benefit from hypoallergenic mattresses. They can also be a good choice for anyone looking to create a healthier sleeping environment.
Are all latex mattresses hypoallergenic?
While many latex mattresses are hypoallergenic, it's essential to choose natural latex, which is more resistant to allergens than synthetic latex. Always check the product specifications for hypoallergenic certifications.
How can a mattress affect my allergies?
Conventional mattresses can harbor dust mites, mold, and other allergens, which can trigger allergy symptoms. A hypoallergenic mattress is designed to minimize these allergens, promoting a healthier sleep environment.
Do hypoallergenic mattresses need special care?
Yes, hypoallergenic mattresses may require specific cleaning methods, such as using allergen-proof covers and regular washing of bedding. It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to maintain their hypoallergenic properties.
Can hypoallergenic mattresses help with asthma?
Yes, hypoallergenic mattresses can help reduce exposure to allergens, which may alleviate asthma symptoms for some individuals. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive approach to asthma management.
Are there any chemical treatments in hypoallergenic mattresses?
Some hypoallergenic mattresses may be treated with chemicals to enhance their resistance to allergens. It's crucial to look for certifications like CertiPUR-US or GOLS to ensure the mattress is free from harmful substances.
How often should I replace a hypoallergenic mattress?
Generally, it’s recommended to replace mattresses every 7-10 years, but if you notice an increase in allergy symptoms or if the mattress is worn out, it may be time for a replacement sooner. However, natural latex mattresses can sometimes last north of 20+ years.
What materials are commonly used in hypoallergenic mattresses?
Common materials include natural latex, memory foam, and organic cotton. These materials are often treated to resist allergens, and promote a healthier sleep environment.
Do hypoallergenic mattresses come in different firmness levels?
Yes, hypoallergenic mattresses are available in various firmness levels to cater to different sleep preferences and needs. Be sure to try different options to find the one that best suits you.
Be Choosy with Your Type of Mattress
It is essential you remember there are some companies that will boast they sell hypoallergenic mattresses, but in reality, they use unwanted and harmful chemicals to create their “allergy-resistant” mattresses.
Over time, these chemicals (i.e., fire retardants) can cause sore throats, rashes, difficulty breathing, and watery eyes, which can make you irritable and uncomfortable, just as allergies would. So, you will want to ensure the hypoallergenic mattress you are looking to buy is constructed with only safe materials from a reputable company.
At Latex for Less, the hypoallergenic latex mattresses are all made from 100 percent natural latex. This means that when you shop at Latex for Less, you can be sure your mattress is hypoallergenic, and made from all-natural organic latex rubber. It is better for the environment, better for you, and it will stand the test of time. If you are in need of a mattress for allergies, look no further.
