Springtime brings blooming flowers, warmer weather, and unfortunately, seasonal allergies for many people. As trees start to pollinate and mold spores multiply in the warmer air, allergy sufferers start sniffling and sneezing. While medications can help control symptoms, making some simple changes around your bedroom can also provide allergy relief this spring. Here are some tips to help allergy proof your sleeping space.
Keep Pollen Out
Pollen is one of the most common springtime allergy triggers. Trees, grasses, and weeds release these tiny particles into the air, causing allergy misery. Pollen can easily blow into open windows and stick to clothing and hair. Here are some ways to reduce pollen in the bedroom:
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Close windows and use air conditioning. Keep the windows shut when pollen counts are high. Run an air conditioner or air purifier with a HEPA filter to filter pollen out of the air.
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Remove shoes before entering. Pollen can hitch a ride indoors on shoes. Leave all shoes by the door to prevent spreading pollen into the bedroom.
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Shower at night. Pollen can collect in hair and on skin. Showering or bathing at night removes pollen from your body before getting into bed.
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Use pollen-blocking bedding. Allergens can collect on bedding. Use pillow and mattress covers to create a barrier against pollen. Wash sheets frequently in hot water.
Control Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic bugs that feed on dead skin cells. They thrive in warm, humid environments like bedrooms. Their droppings and decaying bodies can trigger allergic reactions. Here are some tips to reduce dust mites:
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Encase pillows and mattresses. Cover pillows and mattresses in dust-proof encasings to block mites.
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Wash bedding weekly. Frequently wash all bedding and blankets on the hottest setting items can withstand. High heat helps kill mites.
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Remove clutter. Dust mites accumulate in clutter. Keep surfaces clear of knickknacks and decorations.
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Use a dehumidifier. Keep bedroom humidity under 50% to discourage mite growth. A dehumidifier helps remove moisture.
Prevent Mold Growth
Mold spores are also common springtime allergy triggers. Excess moisture allows mold to grow rapidly in hidden places like walls, ceilings, under sinks, etc. To control mold:
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Fix plumbing leaks. Act quickly to repair any water leaks to prevent mold growth.
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Use a dehumidifier. Keep humidity under 50% to inhibit mold growth. Run a dehumidifier, especially in damp basements.
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Increase ventilation. Open windows when the weather is dry to let fresh air circulate. Use bathroom fans while showering.
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Clean with mold killing products. Clean visible mold immediately with mold killing cleaners or solutions like bleach.
Consider Allergy Protective Bedding
For severe allergies,special allergy bedding can provide an extra layer of protection:
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Allergy covers. Mattress, pillow, and box spring covers made of tightly woven fabric block allergens.
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Hypoallergenic bedding. Bedding made from materials that discourage allergens like microfiber, wool, or eucalyptus.
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Washable stuffed animals. Rather than restricting a child’s stuffed animals, choose washable ones to clean frequently.
Create an Allergy-Free Sleep Sanctuary
With some preparation, you can make your bedroom a sanctuary free of allergy triggers. Follow these tips to wake up feeling refreshed this spring instead of miserable with allergy symptoms. Maintaining good indoor air quality through ventilation, air filtration, and humidity control provides the best defense against springtime allergens.
