Many allergy sufferers search high and low for answers: What type of allergy do I have? What medication will help? Why is this happening to me? Yet one of the most common culprits is often overlooked — and you spend nearly a third of your life lying on it. Your mattress.
In this article, we’ll explore how your mattress could be triggering your allergies, and more importantly, what you can do about it. The clue’s in the title: Your Mattress and Allergies – Spring Cleaning Starts Here!
Why do mattresses give us allergies?
After doing some research and speaking with experts, we found that the two biggest causes of mattress-related allergies are dust mites and mold or mildew.
Dust mites, as one expert explained, “are pests you’re probably already familiar with. These tiny parasites live in fabrics like clothing, bedding, and upholstery, feeding exclusively on the dead skin cells of warm-blooded animals. Their droppings are a common trigger for allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.”
Mold and mildew, on the other hand, release spores that can irritate the respiratory system. They often develop when sweat, spills, or other moisture seeps into the mattress. Other possible triggers include pet dander — especially if your pets sleep on the bed — and certain synthetic materials, which may worsen asthma symptoms.
How do we prevent it?
There are several ways to reduce or prevent allergies caused by mattresses, and it all starts with good hygiene — which means regular, thorough cleaning.
Use a mattress protector – Invest in a quality mattress protector and wash it regularly. Don’t forget to launder your bed linen frequently as well.
Vacuum regularly – Include your mattress in your vacuuming routine, ideally once a month. The older the mattress, the more often you should do this.
Deep clean – Spring is the perfect time for a deep clean. Giving your mattress a thorough cleaning — whether you do it yourself or hire professionals — can make a huge difference in reducing allergens.
Ventilate – Fresh air is a natural enemy of dust mites and mold. Keep your bedroom well-ventilated and occasionally leave your mattress uncovered or even take it outside to air out.
Buy a great mattress!
Especially if you struggle with allergies—but really, for anyone who values good health and consistent, restful sleep—it’s wise to replace your mattress every six to eight years. It might seem frequent but considering how essential your mattress is and the significant portion of your life you spend on it, it’s a worthwhile investment.
You can ensure that you get a really great mattress that is affordable and of the highest quality too if you get a Truform mattress. This is because Truform Bedding have been making mattresses for over forty years now, and they supply many of those in the hospitality industry who know that Truform is the best option for their guests.
Contact us any time for advice on anything to do with mattresses – or test a Truform at a store near you today. Happy Spring – and happy Spring cleaning. Let’s put those allergies to bed for once and for all – just not in your bed!