If you struggle with allergies, you want to effectively allergy-proof your home. There are ways to do this, and it can be especially important in your bedroom.
You spend a lot of time in your bedroom, and so if allergens are lurking in this space, you should try to eradicate them.
Many people don’t think about their bedroom as being a major culprit when they’re having allergy issues.
The Benefits of a Down Alternative Comforter
One of the fundamental parts of any bedroom is, of course, your bed and your bedding. If you love the look of a fluffy, overfilled comforter, but you have allergies, you might consider a down alternative.
According to Best Sleep Health, there are down alternative options that are well-suited to people with allergies. For example, there’s the Buffy down alternative comforter made from eucalyptus fibers. The fabric wicks away moisture and keeps dust, mold, and mites away.
If you opt for a bamboo comforter, it’s not just hypoallergenic, but will also combat bacteria.
Along with choosing a great-quality comforter, make sure you cover your pillows, mattresses, and box springs with dust-mite-proof covers. Wash your bedding every week in water that reaches a temperature of at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and then put your bedding in a hot dryer.
Try to find pillows that you can wash without having them lose their fluff. You should aim to wash your pillows as frequently as you wash your sheets.
Vacuum Often
If you have carpeting or rugs in your bedroom and you can’t replace it at the moment, you should make sure that you vacuum it often. Aim for vacuuming your bedroom at least twice a week, if not more. Make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter and a double bag.
Consider wearing a mask if you’re the allergy sufferer in your home, and you’re vacuuming.
Clean Windows
Your windows can be dirt trappers, particularly depending on what types of covering you use on them.
If you have heavy drapers or blinds, you should consider removing them. Roller shades are good from an allergy standpoint, but make sure you still wipe them down regularly.
If you’re going to have curtains, choose some that are washable.
Regularly wipe your window frames and the glass, which can be home to mildew and mold and can trigger asthma attacks and allergies.
Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier is an important investment if you have allergies, and if you choose one place to have a purifier in your home, it should probably be in your bedroom.
A quality air purifier can get rid of dust, mold, pollen, and more. You’ll likely find that your allergy symptoms start to clear up quite a bit if you put one in your bedroom.
If you have allergies, your air purifier will need to have a HEPA filter, which will guarantee 99% of all contaminants are removed from the air.
You might want to be cautious of an ozone generator. Ozone generators may help with allergies, but there’s some evidence that these devices can actually create more health problems.
Low noise is especially important when you’re choosing an air purifier for your bedroom. Look for a model that operates at low, quiet speeds.
Check on the clean-air delivery rate, which is also known as CADR. CADR is the volume of air filtered and delivered by a system. It tells you basically how fast your purifier can remove pollutants.
You should aim for a rating of above 350.
Clear the Clutter
The more clutter you have in your bedroom, the more pollutants and allergens are likely to collect.
Clear out as much clutter as you can.
Clearing clutter is helpful for not just your allergies, but it can be easier to relax and fall asleep in a space that feels clean and tidy.
Don’t Let Your Pets In
It’s unfortunate if you consider your pets family, but the more you let them into your bedroom, the worse off the environment is going to be for your allergies.
Their fur can accumulate on your bedding and other surfaces, and pets can also carry in allergens from outside.
Finally, if you want to keep your bedding as clean and allergy-free as possible, shower each night before bed and wear fresh pajamas. We don’t even realize it, but we can often pick up pollen and other allergens throughout the day and carry them in our hair and on our clothes.