3 Ways To Help You Allergy-Proof Your Bedroom

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 50 million Americans are impacted by nasal allergies. If you are a seasonal allergy sufferer, chances are you have tried just about everything to ease your symptoms – especially when it is time to go to bed. In addition to taking your medications as prescribed by a doctor, there are ways you can get a less congested and more restful night's sleep. Here are three ways you can cut down on the allergens in your bedroom:

Clean Out the Clutter

One of the simplest ways to reduce the amount of allergens is your bedroom is to perform a long overdue chore: toss out the clutter. If your bedroom is filled with several pieces of furniture, you are basically creating more surfaces for dust to collect on. Additionally, your closet might be harboring another common allergen: mold.

Begin by cleaning out your closet. Check your closet for any signs of mold or mildew. If you discover any mold, look for any sources of moisture, such as a leaky pipe behind the wall. Clean out the mildew with a bleach cleaner and a kitchen sponge. Next, take a hard look at all of the furniture in your bedroom. If you have several pieces that aren't necessary, remove them from the space. You can either sell, donate or trash these items.

Banish Dust Mites from Your Mattress and Pillows

According to Environment, Health and Safety Online, the average mattress has anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million dust mites living inside of it! The dust mites themselves aren't harmful. However, many people have allergic reactions to the dust mite's skin and fecal matter.

Typically, the older the mattress and pillows, the higher the concentration of dust mites. Replacing your mattress and pillows often is one of the best ways to cut down on the number of dust mites – but this isn't an economically feasible solution for most.

Luckily, there are a several low-cost ways to cut down on the number of dust mites in your bed. Here are a few:

  • Encase both your box spring and mattress in a dust-mite-proof cover. These covers are available online or at your local department store. There are also pillowcases that can cut down on exposure to allergens.
  • Wash your bedding weekly in hot water. If you have dust-mite-proof covers on your box spring and mattress, follow the label's directions concerning how often you should wash these products.
  • Stay away from foam mattress pads and pillows. Foam traps moisture, which in turn can lead to the formation of mold.

Decorate Your Bedroom Wisely

Finally, one of the simplest ways you can cut down on the number of allergens in your bedroom is also one of the most enjoyable: thoughtful redecorating. Fill your room with decorative items that are attractive, but that will also cut down on the concentration of allergens throughout the space.

For example, take down any heavy drapes and replace them with window blinds. Window blinds let more light into your bedroom, which can help keep it warmer and drier. The less moisture in the air, the less mold will grow on your clothing and bedding. Additionally, window blinds are easier to clean. Ripping out your old carpeting and replacing it with wood flooring is another great option. In addition to being easier to clean, wood flooring won't collect and trap as many common allergens that are found in your bedroom, such as pet dander, dust and mold.

From getting rid of unnecessary furniture to purchasing some specialized mattress covers and ripping up your old shag carpet, there are several ways you can reduce the amount of allergens in your bedroom. If you're still experiencing allergy symptoms, consider trying a nasal spray like Dymista.


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