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Several people suffer from allergies that affect their sleep. Up to 30% of adults and 40% of children suffer from allergies, making them a major issue for many people. If you have allergies to dust mites, mold, or mildew in your bedroom, you are familiar with suffering runny noses, itchy throats, and watery eyes in your quest for peaceful sleep. Hypoallergenic mattresses, also known as anti allergy mattresses, can be part of your defense against allergens and improve your sleep. Learn what makes a good anti allergy mattress and what else you must do to create a hypoallergenic sleeping environment.
This anti allergy mattress overview will cover:
- Anti Allergy Mattress – Definition
- What Are The Best Materials For An Anti Allergy Mattress?
- Top Anti Allergy Mattress Choices
- Make Your Whole Bed Hypoallergenic
- Hypoallergenic Bedroom Guide
What is an Anti Allergy Mattress?
An Anti Allergy Mattress, also known as Hypoallergenic Mattress or Allergy Free Mattress, is specially designed for people who suffer from common household allergies and/or asthma. These products are made from antimicrobial, antifungal, and breathable materials.
Dust mites, mold, and mildew are among the most common allergens found in a mattress. During sleep, our bodies produce moisture and heat, as well as shed skin cells. A standard mattress is often the perfect place for dust mites and mold or mildew to thrive since it contains these elements. The materials used in anti allergy mattresses ensure that these nasties cannot thrive within them.
What Are The Best Materials For An Anti Allergy Mattress?
Latex foam and memory foam are the two best mattress materials for keeping allergens at bay. Both are unfriendly to dust mites, mold, and mildew. Since they have different properties and feel very different to lie on, it’s important to understand how they’re made and how they feel to get the most comfortable, healthy sleep.
Latex
has the highest durability of all mattress materials. Organic or natural latex, made from sustainably sourced sap from the rubber tree, is the first choice for allergy sufferers seeking a natural bed.
Latex has a high level of responsiveness and is versatile. To lie on it feels bouncy, while supporting your body and pressure points. With the variety of firmness levels available in latex mattresses, there is bound to be something for everyone.
The high quality and durability of natural and organic latex also means that these mattresses can be quite expensive. I have outlined two great options for different budgets (both of which are still cheaper than mattresses from stores).
Be careful when buying a latex mattress if you have an allergy to latex. It is common for latex mattresses to have layers of other fabrics (like breathable covers and wool or another material that acts as a fire barrier) between them and the user. In other words, many allergy sufferers who are allergic to latex find the mattresses to be perfectly fine, and the latex inside them does not create the same reactions as other latex items (due to the foaming process used to make the mattresses). It is only you and your doctor who knows your particular situation, not any internet recommendation.
Memory Foam
You have a large variety of memory foam mattress choices. Memory foam mattresses are available for every budget, sleeping style, and firmness preference.
For allergy sufferers, a good memory foam mattress should have cooling technologies in the upper foam layers, a quality cover, and certifications (Certi-PUR is a common one) that you can trust. The materials used to manufacture memory foam are polyurethane and other chemicals, so certifications are important.
The body contouring and supportive qualities of memory foam make it a popular choice with people who suffer from back pain. The latex is less bouncy, and it cradles your body more while you lie on it. Some memory foams give a sinking sensation while others have a bounce but without the sinking sensation.
Memory foam mattresses release some fumes when they are taken out of their packaging to expand. Off-gassing occurs naturally during foam expansion and is a normal part of the process. Some people dislike or find these fumes off-putting, despite the fact that they are not harmful. For memory foam mattresses, I recommend you open them in a ventilated place and allow them to stand for at least 24 hours (or sometimes even up to 72 hours) before you use them.
Other materials: many latex mattresses use wool as a fire barrier. A latex mattress is constructed from natural materials. Wool is also antimicrobial and regulates temperature. It’s just something I wanted to alert you to in case you are sensitive to it. There are many brands that offer vegan options for their latex mattresses, providing an alternative to their standard model.
Top Anti Allergy Mattress Choices
For people with allergies, I recommend the following mattresses. Two of them are latex mattresses and two are memory foam mattresses. All of them are made in the USA, but they have different features and different prices. You will find something for everyone here.
Keep an eye out for discounts from online mattress companies. Any links I provide will take you to the best discount available at the time. Let me know if you see no discount on a website before purchasing!
Top Choice: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Latex Mattress
Organic latex mattresses are supplied by PlushBeds to America for a long time. It is one of the very few companies that use organic latex (not just natural) in their mattresses, and it is also the only one I know of where you can choose the density of the latex foam layers inside.
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Latex Mattress is a more expensive option, priced starting at $1300 (you can always get a discount), but you know you are getting a high-quality, durable, anti-allergen mattress.
Great Budget Latex Mattress: Eco Terra Latex Mattress
Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress starts at $1299 but drops to $699 with a discount, making it an extremely affordable alternative to PlushBeds. It is also organic and the latex inside their mattresses is still high quality and all-natural latex.
The Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress is handcrafted in the USA, with pure, 100% natural latex; a supportive fabric-encased coil core; and a soft, breathable organic cotton cover with organic wool. No chemicals. No polyurethane. No toxins. It is GOTS and Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified.
Best Memory Foam: Ghostbed Classic
Ghostbed Classic is the best memory foam mattress if you want to avoid allergies. Ghostbed has a proprietary foam formula that features larger cells than traditional memory foam. This layer helps transfer heat away from the body so you stay cool. They also have Aerated Latex (non-allergenic) Foam (1.5 inches) – The small holes in this top latex (non-allergenic) layer constantly pull heat away from the body for a cooler sleep. Is the best choice If you have a limited budget – but don’t want to skimp on comfort or quality.
Customizable Memory Foam: Snuggle Pedic
This mattress is available on Amazon, and I believe it’s the best mattress Amazon has. In addition to that, it’s one of the rare Amazon mattresses that comes with a decent sleep trial. With patented airflow technology and high-quality foam, it has everything you need for a wonderful night’s sleep. The company also offers free customization of Snuggle Pedic mattresses if you’re not happy with the way the mattress feels when you receive it.
This is an excellent option that is also extremely budget-friendly because it starts at just $379 on Amazon (Amazon prices vary, my links take you to the best price today).
Make Your Whole Bed Hypoallergenic
If you want to get the most out of your anti allergy mattress, you’ll need to consider the whole bed set-up. If you don’t use breathable sheets or if you have dust mites living in your pillow, what’s the point of having a hypoallergenic mattress? Here are some other things you can do so your bed is healthier:
Below is a video explaining indoor allergens. It’s from the American Academy Of Allergy, Asthma, And Immunology (the authority on allergies in the USA).
- Add an extra layer of protection to your pillows and mattresses by using dust-mite-proof covers
- If possible, wash your bedding on a hot wash (130 F or 54 C). This will kill any dust mites in your bed sheets. Alternatively, you can freeze them for 24 hours to kill the mites and then wash them cold.
- Keep allergens at bay by using latex or memory foam pillows, the same way you’d use latex or memory foam mattresses.
- You should choose these natural fibers for your sheets, since they are breathable.
- Bamboo
- Silk
- Cotton
- Wool
- You Shouldn’t Make Your Bed! Seriously! Turn the sheets and blankets downward instead. This will allow your bedding and mattress to breathe while not in use.
- Use a powerful mattress vacuum for cleaning your mattress regularly.
How to have a hypoallergenic bedroom
Even though this is not surprising, minimizing the allergens in your bed is not enough to protect you from allergies as you sleep. You will need to consider the whole room when you do this. If you only think about your bed but have a cluttered and dusty bedside table, you’re still exposing yourself to allergens and will waste your time and money. The following are other steps you can take to keep your bedroom free of allergens so you can enjoy all the benefits of a hypoallergenic bed. Keep in mind that you can’t completely eliminate them, but you can significantly reduce them.
If possible, filter the air. In case you can’t, cracking a window will allow air to circulate. Pollen is one reason why some people recommend against this, but if your main priority is eliminating dust mites and mildew, fresh air is your best bet.
Check the humidity levels in your room. If you must, install a dehumidifier there. Do not use heaters in your bedroom for drying clothes.
Do not keep pets in your bedroom. Their fur accumulates allergens everywhere they shed it.
Clear surfaces and keep them clean. Dust one time a week with a wet cloth (wear a mask) and with a wet cloth.
Make sure you vacuum your floors and soft furniture once a week.
If you want to help with air purity, you can have one or two plants in the room, but stay away from flowers.
Whenever possible, avoid wall-to-wall carpeting and opt for rugs on a hard surface instead.
Click Here To Read My Review Of PlushBeds Botanical Bliss, The Best Mattress For People With Allergies
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