Suffering from Allergies? Your Mattress Could Be the Cause (and Solution)

Do you scratch yourself to sleep at night? Or worse, do your allergies cause you to wake up in the middle of the night with bouts of coughing or sneezing? If you suffer from allergies when you hop into bed, sleeping time can feel nightmarish.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. In this article, we will dive into the causes of bedtime allergies and see what you can do to eliminate the issue – so you can finally get your much-needed rest.

Common causes of allergies

The most common causes of bedtime allergies are mould spores, dirt, pet dander and dust mites or more specifically, the faeces left behind by dust mites – which can cause any variety of issues, from itching to sneezing, a blocked nose, and more.

Importantly, it is not only the discomfort that’s concerning. These issues often to lead to a lack of sleep, headaches, lethargy and lowering of the immune system. All of this opens the doors for illnesses to invade the body more easily.

For allergy sufferers, the crucial question is, “What can be done to stop alleviate these issues?”

Will a mattress cover help?

Many people believe that mattress covers can help with allergies. However, based on two dozen clinical trials conducted in the US, researchers found little evidence of mattress covers reducing dust mite allergies. But don’t worry, the following tips will certainly prove to be a lot more helpful.

Vacuum often!

The most immediate steps you can take today, is to start vacuuming your room at least twice a week. Remember to vacuum more than just the floor – also vacuum your carpet (if any), curtains, and of course, your mattress itself.

We highly recommend using a “mattress-only” vacuum attachment (instead of the attachment you vacuum the floor with) to keep your mattress clean.

Wash your bedding every week!

Did you know that the average person washes their sheets approximately once every 24 days? (Unless you are British, then there’s a 1/3 chance that you only wash your sheets once a year – according to a study conducted in the United Kingdom.)

If you suffer from allergies, it’s highly recommended that you adhere more closely to a “once a week” schedule. That means washing your bedsheet, pillowcases, bolster covers and bedcover in hot water to kill dust mites and remove any allergens, every week.

For best results, wash your sheets in water that’s at least 50°C to 60°C. Then, toss everything into the dryer for a good dry, or sundry the items for at least 24 hours.

Eliminate clutter!
It’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and get rid of clutter in the bedroom! That’s because all the little ornaments in your bedroom – from books and magazines to soft toys and unused gadgets – collect dust, which can cause your allergies to flare up.

So, pack anything that you’re not using into boxes – then store those boxes in the storeroom. And if you’re out of storage space, then perhaps it’s time to follow the KonMari method and say goodbye to items that no longer “spark joy” in your life.

Choose the right mattress.

Speaking of mattresses, did you know that the type of mattress you have also plays a role in how allergen-free it is?

You may have seen makers of spring mattresses boasting about “anti-dust mite fabric” on their mattress, but in real-world tests, these fabrics often prove to be about as “anti-dust mite” as mattress covers. (i.e., Not very useful at all.)

Instead, it could be smarter to choose a mattress that’s made of a material that’s naturally allergen-free. The most obvious choice are latex mattresses, which are both allergen-free and incredibly comfortable – as you can experience for yourself by visiting a Sofzsleep showroom.

Also, because Sofzsleep latex mattresses don’t contain springs or coils, there isn’t empty space for dirt and dust to accumulate, which can help to reduce (or possibly even eliminate) your allergies.

Your accessories matter too!

For best results, you should also replace your heat- and sweat-trapping cotton accessories with latex ones. The good news is that you can choose a complete set of latex pillows and bolsters for both adults and babies from Sofzsleep’s amazing – and amazingly comfy – collection.

Have more questions about how a latex mattress and accessories – alongside healthy and hygienic habits – can help you wave goodbye to allergies and say hello to good sleep? Connect with us, we’ll be happy to help!