Anti-allergen Bedding Guide

If you've been diagnosed with indoor allergies, your bedding is a good place to begin protecting yourself. We spend a third of our lives asleep, so for those who suffer from allergies, it's crucial to make sure the bedroom is a safe haven. Whether you have trouble with dust mites or animal dander, you can make your bed an allergen-free zone with anti-allergen bedding and a bit of housekeeping.

What You Need to Know:

1. Know the enemy: Dust mites, tiny insects that are invisible to the human eye, are a major offender when it comes to bedroom allergens. Mattresses, pillows and comforters all provide hospitable environments for dust mites; a typical mattress can harbor up to 10 million of these pests. These creatures consume dead skin cells in order to survive, and they thrive in dark, warm, humid environments.
   Dust mites aren't the only threat to your allergies in the bedroom, however. Dust and pet dander are often the cause of discomfort for people with allergies. All horizontal surfaces can hold dust, and pet dander often hangs in the air, so you'll want to take measures to reduce their presence in your bedroom, too.
   
2. What to eliminate from the bedroom: The first step you should take to battle allergens is to eliminate excess fabric and upholstery. If it's feasible, the removal of carpet can be beneficial as well. If you're allergic to pet dander, ensure that animals are barred entry to your bedroom. Use a HEPA filter vacuum and a HEPA air cleaner to eliminate lingering dust and pet dander, and then use the devices to maintain the level of such allergens.
   
3. Defend yourself with allergen barrier covers: Next, you'll want to encase your mattress, box spring and pillows with allergen barrier covers. Regular mattresses and bedding are prime real estate for dust mites, so it's smart to deprive them of a home if you're worried about allergens. Allergen barrier fabrics and mattress encasements can help you get the job done.
   
4. Allergen barrier pore size: Choose allergy mattress covers with a pore size that is suitable for your particular allergen. For example, if you have a dust mite allergy, you'll want bedding with pores sized at 10 microns or less. To minimize problems with pet dander, look for pores that are under 6 microns in size. Pore size is usually indicated in product descriptions.
   
5. Keep your bedding clean: In order to kill dust mites that may be in your bedding, wash your blankets and sheets once a week in water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For bedding that can't be washed in hot water, use a special anti-allergen detergent.
   

Tips from Overstock.com:

1. Mattress pads with allergen barrier fabric and bedding with hypoallergenic fill are musts for allergy sufferers. Today, new fabric technologies and finishing techniques make allergen-relief bedding comfortable, stylish and safe. Overstock.com offers several types of allergen barrier products, some of which are also waterproof. We offer everything you need to keep allergen exposure to a minimum while you sleep.
   

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This article was written by Staff Writer from Overstock.com