If it's not pollen or pet fur, it's dust mites that are the source of irritants for most allergy sufferers. Of course, regular cleaning, minimising clutter and good ventilation can help, but there are additional steps you can take to breathe easier. For World Asthma Day, we help you find relief with these tips, including the best options for hypoallergenic bedding and furniture.


 

Use mattress and pillow protectors

Even if you vacuum your bedroom and change your bed sheets weekly, dust mites can still lurk in your mattresses and pillows. Keep them at bay by encasing your mattresses and pillows with allergen-proof mattress and pillow protectors. Opt for zippered encasements in materials such as cotton and bamboo, which offer antibacterial, anti-microbial and anti-dust mite protection for minimal sniffles. 


 

Choose foam and latex mattresses 

Avoid spring mattresses (including hybrid mattresses with springs) as their inner cavities can be incubators for dust mites. Instead, go for hypoallergenic foam mattresses made from CertiPUR-US certified foam for a blissful sleep experience that's toxin-free. If you don't have latex allergies, latex mattresses made from natural latex with anti-microbial properties are also another option. Also, consider a mattress with an organic cotton cover for minimal skin irritation. 


 

Sleep in hypoallergenic bed sheets

The fabric of sheets that are best suited to allergy sufferers depends on the kind of allergies they suffer from. If we're talking dust mites, highly breathable bamboo bed sheets are better at resisting dust mites compared to cotton, however, for sensitive skin, you can't beat 100% cotton bed sheets. Go for a higher thread count to prevent the spread of allergens.


 

Go for a wool or synthetic quilt

When it comes to doonas or quilts, consider a wool quilt which is naturally hypoallergenic as well as breathable, making it a good choice for all seasons. Avoid feather and down quilts as dust mites tend to flourish between the gaps in the fill. Wash your quilt at least once every three months following the care instructions on the label, and air-dry it every week in direct sunlight to remove any moisture. Synthetic filled quilts and duvets are also a good option for allergy sufferers as dust mites are less attracted to synthetic fillings, plus they can be washed in extra-hot water to remove dust mites and other allergens.


 

Opt for flat woven or wool rugs

While carpets and rugs tend to be no-go zones for allergy sufferers, this doesn't have to be the case. Simply choose low-pile rugs which accumulate less dust than dense or high pile rugs. Thin flatweave rugs which can be thrown into the washing machine are especially ideal, as are wool rugs which are naturally hypoallergenic and water-repellent, preventing mould growth. Wool also helps to absorb common household airborne contaminants which can improve your air quality further.

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Buy furniture that you can wipe down

Where possible, avoid upholstered furniture and instead choose pieces made from leather, timber, plastic or aluminium that you can easily wipe down. If you can't resist a fabric sofa, consider one with a tightly woven fabric or, better still, a slipcover sofa. Also, consider sofas that are raised off the ground, so dust and mould does not accumulate underneath and you can easily vacuum the area under the sofa.


 

Put things behind closed doors

Instead of open shelves and bookcases, or boxes and baskets to organise books and toys, opt for closed storage options such as cupboards, wardrobes, dressers and tallboys. If you have beautiful objects you still want to show-off, consider display cabinets with doors to keep out the dust.