Allergies are never fun, especially when they disrupt your sleep. If you cough or sneeze as soon as you settle into bed or notice that your snoring is becoming worse, your mattress could be to blame. In fact, research shows that 12 million people in the UK suffer from allergies triggered by things in their homes. With mattresses naturally attracting dead skin cells and dust, some are better than others at preventing the buildup of allergens. In this guide, we will outline the best anti-allergy mattresses and share tips on reducing allergens in the bedroom for symptom-free sleep.
What causes allergies in the bedroom? Allergies in the home are usually triggered by common indoor allergens, which can be particularly troublesome in the bedroom. This is because many of these allergens thrive in warm, humid environments like your bed and mattress. These include: Dust mites: These microscopic creatures feed on dead skin cells and are commonly found in bedding, mattresses, pillows, and carpets. Their droppings contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions, such as sneezing, coughing, and asthma symptoms. Pet dander: Though it's often thought that pet hair causes allergies, it's their skin flakes (dander) that are a major allergen. These can build up in the bedroom, especially on soft furnishings and bedding, triggering allergy symptoms. Mould: Damp or poorly ventilated areas in the bedroom can lead to mould growth, which can cause allergic reactions and worsen respiratory issues. Pollen: Pollen from trees, grass, and flowers can enter the bedroom through open windows, on clothing, or even from pets. It can quickly settle in mattresses, curtains, and carpets, contributing to allergy symptoms. Bacteria: The warm, humid conditions of the bedroom are ideal for the growth of bacteria, which can also worsen allergy symptoms.
What are the symptoms of being allergic to your mattress? Some signs that you may be allergic to your mattress include: Sneezing or a runny nose. Coughing and wheezing Difficulty breathing Itchy and watery eyes Itchy or irritated skin Difficulty sleeping While these symptoms can indicate allergies in general, they may also be a clear indication that your mattress or bedroom environment is triggering your flare-ups, mainly if they occur more frequently at night or while you're relaxing in bed.
What is a hypoallergenic mattress? The term "hypoallergenic" refers to something designed to be less likely to cause an allergic reaction. When it comes to mattresses, it means the materials used are less likely to trigger allergies by reducing the buildup of common allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mould. While hypoallergenic doesn't mean entirely allergy-proof, these mattresses are crafted to minimise the risk of irritation and allergy flare-ups. They often feature tightly woven fabrics, antibacterial treatments, and naturally allergen-resistant materials like latex. Explore our range of hypoallergenic and anti-allergy mattresses at Dreams, designed to soothe allergies and asthma symptoms.
What is the difference between anti-allergy and hypoallergenic? While "anti-allergy" and "hypoallergenic" are often used interchangeably, they have subtle differences.
What are the benefits of a hypoallergenic mattress? Other than just helping to manage allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic mattresses offer several benefits:
Reduce allergy symptoms Crafted with materials that are less likely to hold allergens, they help to minimise reactions. Improve sleep Hypoallergenic mattresses help allergy sufferers get a more restful night's sleep by reducing allergy symptoms. More hygienic Hypoallergenic mattresses are made with materials that are less likely to trap dust and moisture, helping maintain a cleaner and healthier sleep environment. Increased mattress longevity Due to their antimicrobial properties, these mattresses tend to stay fresh and last longer. Kinder to skin Most hypoallergenic mattresses are made from natural materials that are gentle on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation.
What are the best mattresses for allergies? When choosing a mattress to alleviate allergies, look for options made with natural materials, tight coils, and a solid core. These structures and materials provide less room for allergens and dust mites to settle, helping to prevent buildup. Also, look for features like antimicrobial, breathable properties, and allergy-resistant covers in the product description. To make your decision easier, we have outlined some of the best options below. Latex mattresses Latex is naturally antimicrobial and dust-mite resistant, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies. It is also breathable and works to reduce moisture buildup, which can contribute to mould growth. Memory foam mattresses Memory foam is naturally resistant to dust mites and other allergens because of its dense structure, which helps block them out. It's also a hypoallergenic material, providing a comfortable, supportive surface that reduces irritation. Natural mattresses Mattresses made from natural materials like cotton and wool tend to be free from chemicals, dyes, and other potential irritants and have breathable properties, providing a cleaner sleep environment. Hybrid mattresses If you prefer the support of innerspring coils but also suffer from allergies, a hybrid mattress is a perfect compromise. Offering both coil support and materials like memory foam, they help to prevent allergen buildup close to the surface. For added peace of mind, choose a mattress with hypoallergenic materials in the covers to avoid irritation.
How to manage allergies at night In addition to choosing a hypoallergenic mattress, there are some other ways you can reduce household allergens in the bedroom for a more hygienic and comfortable night's sleep. Choose hypoallergenic pillows and bedding – Look for bedding and pillows made with treated fillings and polyester fabric that helps to reduce the buildup of allergens and prevent dust mites. Get an anti-allergy mattress protector - Using a mattress protector can not only help extend the life of your mattress but also keep it clean and allergy-free. Find mattress protectors made with anti-allergy fillings that guard against allergens, which are ideal for those who aren't ready to update their current mattress. Wash your bedding regularly – Keeping your bedding clean helps to prevent the accumulation of dust mites, dead skin and pet dander. Make sure to wash your bedding, including your mattress protector, at least once a week and at 60°C to ensure all dust and bacteria are removed. For advice on how often to wash your bedding, check out our handy guide. Clean your mattress – As well as your bedding, you should aim to clean your mattress every 6 months. Start by vacuuming the surface of the mattress and letting it air for at least an hour. Make sure to read the specific product instructions for any further cleaning, as you could damage the fabrics. Read our mattress care guide for more information. Vacuum regularly – Dust and pollen cling to soft furnishings and materials like carpet. Regular vacuuming helps to keep your bedroom clean and free from irritants that can foster dust mites. Wipe surfaces – Make sure to wipe down hard surfaces where dust commonly builds up to reduce allergens in the bedroom that can become airborne and irritate the airways. Update your mattress every eight years – Mattresses lose their support over time. Updating it every eight years ensures maximum comfort and keeps it hygienic and fresh. Learn more about the importance of replacing your mattress. Turn your thermostat down – Dust mites and bacteria thrive in warm, humid environments. Keeping the temperature lower in your bedroom helps prevent the growth of allergens and can aid in better sleep. Find out more about the best temperature for sleep on the Sleep Matters Club. Open the windows – Proper ventilation helps to keep your bedroom clean and prevents the buildup of mould and bacteria. Air out your bed every day – As well as ventilating your room, make sure to allow airflow to your bed and mattress by pulling back your bedding for an hour or so each morning before you make it. Don't dry clothes in the bedroom – Avoid hanging wet clothes out in the bedroom as this can add to humidity levels, encouraging mould and bacteria to grow. Keep pets out – Pet hair and dander can heavily contribute to the amount of allergens in the bedroom, especially if you allow them on the bed. To maintain a more hygienic and allergy-friendly sleep environment, keep your furry friends away from where you sleep. Swap curtains for blinds – A great hack if you are particularly sensitive to household dust, swapping soft materials like curtains for rigid blinds removes the surfaces that allergens like to live on. This can also be applied to flooring – hardwood or laminate is better than carpet for allergy sufferers. Use an air purifier – An air purifier can help to remove airborne allergens like dust and pollen, stopping them from reaching you during the night. If allergies are disrupting your sleep, your mattress and your bedroom setup might play a more significant role than you think. From understanding what triggers nighttime symptoms to exploring the best mattress options for allergy sufferers, we've covered everything you need to create a healthier, more restful sleep space. Small changes can make a big difference, whether switching to a hypoallergenic or anti-allergy mattress, updating your bedding, or simply adjusting your cleaning routine. Sleep should be a time to rest, not to react, so take control of your environment and wake up feeling refreshed, not congested.