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How to choose hypoallergenic pillows and bedding

Struggling with allergies at bed time? Your bedding could be the cause.

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Lauren Chaplin
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If you suffer from allergies or asthma, switching out your current bedding for hypoallergenic alternatives could do you the world of good. From dust mites to mould, bedding attracts various allergens which can disrupt your sleep and pose a risk to your health.

Unfortunately, different allergens target different areas of your bed, making it difficult to know what hypoallergenic actually means for different bedding types. We've broken down each product to help you figure out what you should be looking for in order to reduce your symptoms and improve the quality of your sleep.

Hypoallergenic pillows

Pillow stack

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As your face comes into direct contact with your pillow, it is especially important to ensure that it isn't harbouring dust mites or allergens. Luckily, when it comes to pillows, there are quite a few anti-allergy options to choose from.

Natural latex and bamboo are resistant to both dust mites and mould and are also antibacterial, making them a great option. Memory foam and synthetic polyester are also both antimicrobial, letting you snooze on them worry-free, while cotton is both naturally hypoallergenic and easy to clean, making the removal of potential dust mites an easy task.

If you are suffering from allergies, try to avoid pillows filled with down or feathers as they can harbour allergy-inducing dander. You may also benefit from investing in a hypoallergenic pillow case and washing your pillows regularly.

Allergy-sensitive pillow cases

Silk pillowcase

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Even if you have a hypoallergenic pillow, your allergies can still be aggravated by your pillow case material. Both bamboo and cotton are popular choices here as they are naturally hypoallergenic and breathable. Silk is another option as it is very agreeable with allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin. Be mindful though that silk can be difficult to clean, which is less than ideal.

If you don't have a hypoallergenic pillow, it may be worth investing in a pillow case that zips up all the way around. This way, it can act as a barrier between your face and any allergens that your pillow may be accommodating.

Antimicrobial mattress protectors

Mattress protector

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Mattresses are incredibly difficult to clean, making them a great place for allergens to reside. As mattress protectors are the first layer of your bedding, they can help to control dust mites on your mattress and minimise the growth of bacteria and other nasties. They can also work to reduce your exposure to allergens already residing in your bed.

Allergy sufferers should look for antimicrobial options such as bamboo or cotton that are easily taken off and able to be frequently washed and dried without shrinking.

Hypoallergenic sheets

Stack of sheets

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While sheets may not contain a filling, they can still end up with various allergens attached to them. Both bamboo and organic cotton are naturally hypoallergenic and easy to wash and dry, making it easier to remove dust mites.

If you find that your skin is often irritated by man-made fibres, both of these options will also offer you a comfortable, irritant-free alternative.

Home Republic Bamboo Linen Sage Sheet Separates
Home Republic Bamboo Linen Sage Sheet Separates

Adairs

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Allergen-free quilts

All white bedding

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Similar to pillows, allergy suffers should avoid quilts that are filled with down or feathers as they can trigger breathing problems, skin and eye irritations and sneezing.

Instead, look for a linen option which is not only hypoallergenic, but also works to keep you cool throughout the night. As mould is attracted to damp places, limiting the amount that you sweat during the night can help to reduce its occurrence.

Allergy-sensitive blankets

Child and blanket

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Lastly, whether you're using it as an extra layer in your bedding during winter or curling up on the couch with it, you'll want to ensure that your blanket is also allergen-free.

Bamboo, cotton and microfibre are all great options here as they are hypoallergenic and can be machine washed regularly, helping you to kill dust mites and limit the chance of mould growing on them.

Softer than Silk Cotton Bamboo Blend Blanket
Softer than Silk Cotton Bamboo Blend Blanket

Pillow Talk

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Simply The Softest 350gsm Microfibre Blanket
Simply The Softest 350gsm Microfibre Blanket

Pillow Talk

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Top retailers to shop hypoallergenic bedding

Which stores have free delivery?

  • Ettitude: Free on orders over $50
  • Adairs: Free on orders over $150
  • eBay: Free on some orders with eBay Plus membership
  • Sheridan: Free for members

Images: Getty

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