January 13, 2023 8 min read

If you suffer from allergies, airborne particles like dust, pet dander, and dust mites can make the situation worse. There are many things that may affect how your body responds, including the type of bedding you use. Whether it’s skin or respiratory-related, choosing hypoallergenic bedding is a smart way to keep your allergy symptoms at bay. In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the best hypoallergenic bedding you can buy, as well as what makes bedding hypoallergenic, the best ways to create an allergy-proof bedroom, and more.

Starting with high-quality bedding including sheets and blankets is a great way to help seniors get better sleep. In fact, the type of bedding you use can be directly correlated with how comfortable you feel and how well you sleep throughout the night. Read on to discover how to find the best bedding for seniors, and why it’s an important part of a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle, no matter how old you are.

What are the most common allergens found in mattresses and sheets?

You may not know it, but your bed sheets and mattress can be a safe haven for a myriad of harmful allergens. These microscopic particles can hide in fabric and nestle deeply into mattresses over time, which may exacerbate allergy symptoms. Here are some of the most common allergens that are found in bedding and mattresses.

Light grey linen quilt and blue linen quilt Book on top of charcoal linen bed sheets
  • Dust mites: These microscopic pests are actually tiny insects that live in dust, and they’re quite common on bedding and furniture. Dust mites feed on human skin and pet dander, and since you can’t see them with the naked eye, there’s no telling how bad your dust mite problem is at any given time. If you have asthma or allergies, dust mites can really make your symptoms much more intense and commonplace.
  • Mold spores: This fungus can wreak havoc on your health, and many people have mold allergies who don’t even realize that this is the culprit. These tiny spores can rest on your bedding, but they’re most commonly found in mattresses. A latex mattress is recommended to prevent the growth and proliferation of mold spores if it’s something that affects you directly. Cloth and foam tend to harbor a variety of allergens, including mold spores and dust mites.
  • Pet dander: If you have furry friends at home, then you likely have pet dander floating around. The term pet dander refers to small tufts of fur (and skin) that are shed by animals, which then rest on your floor, bedding, and furniture. Pet dander can also go airborne, making it more difficult to breathe for those with respiratory issues and allergies.
  • Dust: Even if you dust your furniture frequently and wash your bedding regularly, this common allergen is almost impossible to avoid. Those living in dry climates or a desert-like environment may deal with dust more often.
  • Feathers: If you have a feather down comforter or pillows, they could be to blame for your allergy symptoms. Many people suffer from allergies needlessly due to a reaction to real animal feathers.
  • Synthetic materials: Some people have an allergic reaction to synthetic materials and dyes. This is usually due to the use of chemicals and other substances that could be toxic or simply spark allergies.

What are some airborne allergy symptoms to look for?

sunlight on bed Percale sheet sets

Even if you haven’t been officially diagnosed as having allergies, there are a few common symptoms to look for that may indicate you have airborne-related allergies. Here are a few of the most common symptoms associated with these types of allergies. If you are dealing with one or a few of these, then it’s probably time to re-evaluate the type of bedding you are using.

  • Frequent sneezing, coughing, and/or wheezing
  • A flushed face, warm skin, or redness of the cheeks
  • Red, itchy, watery, or swollen eyes (or all of the above)
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing when lying down
  • A runny or stuffy nose, and/or frequent sneezing

Pay attention to how you feel whenever you’re in your bedroom. If you notice that your symptoms worsen at night and then they subside whenever you wake up and leave the room, your bedding could be the culprit. You might also notice that skin irritation goes away when you're not lying in bed. Remember that it’s always best to consult with your doctor if you are dealing with any of these symptoms. They can help you make a proper diagnosis, make recommendations, and provide you with the right treatment you will need to help you feel better.

Close up on bed sheets

What’s the best hypoallergenic bed sheets material?

You may wonder, what is hypoallergenic bedding? What makes bedding hypoallergenic, and what bedding is best for allergies? Any bedding listed as hypoallergenic should help to reduce your odds of dealing with an allergic reaction when you use it. Look for soft, organic cotton bedding like sheets that are tightly woven so they’re less likely to hang onto indoor allergens and irritants. The best hypoallergenic bedding is also breathable. Not only does this keep you cool and comfortable at night, but it also helps to inhibit the growth of mold spores and bacteria. Try to choose bedding made from natural fabrics, like our organic duvet cover woven from 100 percent organic cotton. These fabrics are much gentler on your skin, and they don’t hold onto harmful allergens that might be lurking in your bedroom. Let’s break down some options to help you determine what is the best hypoallergenic bed sheets that you can choose for an allergy-free sleeping experience.

  • Silk: Silk is incredibly smooth and soft, which makes it a great option for people who have extremely sensitive skin. This natural material is considered hypoallergenic, but it does cost more than some other bed sheet materials. Silk is spun by silkworms inside of a cocoon, which means that the silk that the worms produce is made to protect them against predators like dust mites naturally.
  • Linen: This lightweight material is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a popular choice for bedding. Try our gorgeous linen bed sheets to enjoy soft, breathable fabric that won’t irritate the skin or airways. Linen is also naturally anti-bacterial and resistant to pathogens because of its wicking and moisture-retention properties. This amazing material can absorb up to 20 percent of its own weight in water without ever feeling wet, which helps to stop the growth of bacteria.
  • Bamboo: Bamboo is quickly growing in popularity for everything from bed sheets to flooring. This all-natural and highly sustainable material is antimicrobial, cooling, and lightweight, in addition to being naturally hypoallergenic. If you choose bamboo bed sheets, make sure that they’re made of 100 percent bamboo. If combined with other materials, bamboo may lose some of its allergy-fighting properties.
  • Synthetic: Avoid using any bedding made of synthetic or a blend of synthetic materials. Most of this bedding has been treated with chemicals that could cause harm to your health and may also cause skin irritation.
  • Cotton:  This soft, breathable material is one of the most common and most popular choices for clothing, furniture, bedding, and more. While cotton is naturally hypoallergenic, the use of dyes and chemicals can reduce its hypoallergenic properties. If you’re planning to use cotton bed sheets and other bed linens, stick to organic cotton. Organic textiles are sourced, harvested, and made without the use of any synthetic materials or chemicals to prevent or at least reduce the chances of allergic reactions and irritation.

How to Create an Allergy-Proof Bedroom

Now that you know more about what bedding is best for allergies and which materials are the best hypoallergenic options, let’s examine some other ways that you can create a comfortable, allergy-proof bedroom. While you may not be able to eliminate allergies completely, these tips will help to reduce the chances of dealing with an allergic reaction and may help to reduce or even eliminate some of your most troublesome allergy symptoms.

  • Always choose the best hypoallergenic duvets, sheets, and other bedding to prevent flare-ups. Try our linen quilt to keep you nice and warm without having to worry about dealing with allergies as you sleep.
  • Wash all of your bedding often, including the sheets, mattress cover, pillowcases, and blankets. If possible, use hot water to kill any leftover allergens that could be lurking. Always use a fragrance-free or hypoallergenic detergent to help keep your allergies from acting up. Deep clean your sheets weekly by washing them in water that’s at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit and then dry them on the hottest dryer setting possible.
  • Add a mattress protector to your bed before you put the sheets on it. These special covers will protect your mattress and prevent it from harboring allergens as time goes on. Wash the mattress cover whenever you wash your bed sheets for another layer of protection.
  • Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove airborne particles. Not only will this help to keep the air you breathe cleaner, but the white noise may also help to promote more restful sleep.
  • Dust your bedroom furniture often and vacuum the flooring and carpets regularly to remove excess dust, pet dander, and other common allergens.
  • Wear pajamas when you go to bed to protect your skin and your sheets. Wear a new set of pajamas each night so that they’re always fresh and clean. You’ll probably feel great slipping into bed with a nice, clean pair of PJs, too!
  • If your bedroom has hard-surface flooring, avoid using area rugs, which can harbor allergens and dust. If you must have an area rug in the bedroom, make sure that you vacuum it regularly or choose a rug that you can wash in the washing machine to keep it clean.
  • This may seem counterintuitive, but don’t make your bed in the morning. When your bed is made, it harbors moisture and creates a damp, dark place where dust mites can thrive. If you leave your bed unmade, it helps to “air” it out and exposes dust mites to light, which could help to kill them off.
  • Try to keep bedroom clutter to a minimum. Stuffed animals and decorative items are just safe harbors where dust and other airborne particles can thrive. It also makes cleaning your bedroom more labor-intensive, so stick to a simple, clean, and minimalist bedroom to help prevent allergy flare-ups.
  • You may enjoy sleeping with your furry family member, but the presence of pets in the bedroom can increase the volume of pet dander in the air and on furniture and bedding. Consider giving your pet a separate place in another room where they can get a good night's sleep. Keep your pets out of the bedroom by closing the door so they won't be tempted to roam around and cause the fur to start flying around.
Close up on sand linen sheets

Final Thoughts on The Best Hypoallergenic Bedding

With the right bedding materials and some simple proactive changes in the bedroom, you can ensure that your sleeping space is clean and allergy-free. Remember to choose hypoallergenic bedding made of natural materials like silk, bamboo, organic cotton, or linen. Our selection of bedding includes a wide range of colors and styles to choose from, and it’s all natural and safe to enjoy for everyone, including allergy sufferers. Explore the rest of our website to find your perfect hypoallergenic bedding today.