Allergens, especially dust mites, are problematic for people with asthma and allergies; and nowhere are allergens more prevalent than the bedroom. Luckily, there are a variety of highly effective protective bedding products available to reduce your exposure to allergens in the bedroom. Protective bedding products are great for protecting from dust mites, pet dander, mold and other allergens. These exist in the bedding you sleep on every night and can prevent a healthy, peaceful night’s sleep.

Some Allergy Statistics…

• “Mite population and allergen levels decreased by 90% or more within a month of using mattress and pillow covers and treating bedding," says a study performed by Johns Hopkins University.
• Over 40 million people in the United States are allergic to dust mites. If you suffer from allergies, you have an 80% chance of being allergic to dust mites.
• Dust mites have negative effects on 60-80% of asthmatics.
• Pet allergens affect over 10% of the US population and over 70% of all households contain a pet. Protect your bed from pet dander!

Some Tips for Protecting Your Bedroom from Allergens…

• If possible, remove carpet from the bedroom; dust mites grow rapidly in soft warm carpeting. Bedroom floors should be hardwood, tile or linoleum instead of carpet.
• Encase all bedding- mattresses, box springs and pillows- in zippered encasements.
• Wash all bedding materials, including pillow cases, sheets, blankets and mattress pads at least twice a month in hot water over 130 degrees.
• A regularly washed fitted cover is more effective against allergens than a zippered cover that is only washed once or twice a year.
• Reduce loose fabric from the bedroom such as wall hangings, curtains or drapes. When possible, use wood or plastic shades and blinds instead of cloth.
• Foam rubber pillows and mattresses easily become moldy and should be avoided.

Some Allergy Bedding Terms to Become Familiar With…

Encasements-specially designed covers that protect by encasing the mattress

• Zippered-cover top, bottom and all four sides of the mattress, have a long zipper that allows mattress to be slid in and out, best at trapping dust mites and allergens
• Fitted-cover top and sides of mattress like a fitted sheet, more easily removed and refit

Encasements with Membranes (Barriers)- made of fabric bonded to an airtight layer, such as polyurethane or vinyl. Because they are airtight, not even the smallest allergenic particle or odor from the mattress will pass through. Air and moisture do not quickly pass through, making this type of encasement warmer to sleep on. Examples are Premium Mattress Encasements

Encasements without Membranes (Barriers)-made of a specially designed fabric that is woven so tightly that dust mites and most of the allergens cannot pass through, but air and moisture can. These feel as comfortable as regular bed sheets but they are not waterproof and allow a few allergens to pass through. Examples are Allersoft Encasements

Some Protective Bedding Products that May Help…

• Vinyl Mattress Encasements - Zippered vinyl covers protect your mattress from fluids and odors, while protecting you from allergens such as dust mites and pet dander that reside inside the mattress. The zippered covers surround the entire mattress or pillow and are specially treated to retard the growth of mildew and mold. They are easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Standard 3-gauge covers are a great value and meet everyday needs. For heavy-duty institutional quality covers, choose the thicker 6-gauge vinyl. While economical, this membrane style encasement does not breathe so will not be as comfortable to sleep on as a breathable or membrane free encasement. Some users choose to add an absorbent layer over this type of encasement.

• Allersoft Encasements – Allergen products are the newest technology in allergy relief bedding and are a membrane-free allergen encasement. The tight weave construction, with a pore size of 4 microns, requires no polyurethane or vinyl membrane to protect from allergens. This Poly/Cotton blend is cool and comfortable. The 250 thread count blend looks and feels just as soft as a cotton sheet but locks out tiny dust mites and specks of pet dander. This type of encasement is not waterproof but is comfortable for sleeping.

• Premium Mattress Encasements – These products are the top of the line and protect bedding from allergens as well as other threats to a mattress’s health, such as liquids and bed bugs. This revolutionary product provides lightweight, waterproof, breathable bed protection that can be laundered and dried in the same load as the sheets. The thin terry cotton top layer is comfortable and attractive, while the breathable polyurethane membrane is noiseless. The user is often unaware that this is even a waterproof product! These breathable membrane encasements come in a full range of sizes and even come in comfortable, breathable zippered pillow covers. We're pleased to be carrying the same premium mattress covers that are being used by upscale hotels.