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Put allergies
to rest
Toss old bedding and sleepless nights out the window
The fall months offer the joy
of playing football in the backyard and quailty time in the outdoors.
For allergy sufferers, these fall activities mean sneezing, sniffling
and watery eyes. Unfortunately, many of these people also suffer from
year-long allergies and even being indoors can bring its share of discomfort.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergies
prevent nearly 75 percent of sufferers from getting a good night’s
sleep.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reports that 45
percent of U.S. homes have bedding with dust-mite concentrations that
exceed allergic sensitivity levels. The Ohio State University Extension
Office reports that a two-year-old pillow holds 10 percent of its weight
in dust-mites, which can make a good night’s sleep unattainable for
allergy sufferers.
By following a few simple tips, the bedroom can become an allergy-free
sleep haven.
1. Select the right mattress and cover it. For many allergy sufferers,
the mattress is an unknown culprit for dust mites and mold. One product
recommended by most allergists is an allergy relief mattress protector.
Another key to a better night’s sleep during allergy season is the
Sleep Number bed by Select Comfort which, unlike traditional beds, can
be easily unzipped and vacuumed clean on the inside to remove dust-mites
and other allergens.
2. Replace pillows every five years. A new pillow will provide better
support and allergy protection. Hypoallergenic pillows are available for
back, side and stomach sleepers at www.selectcomfort.com.
3. Protect your new pillows. To increase longevity and prevent new allergens
from growing, Select Comfort offers an allergy relief pillow protector
featuring an allergen barrier that is 100 percent cotton with a luxurious
240-thread count. The patented tight weaving process provides a natural
barrier to dust and dust-mites.
Once the bedding has been cleaned or replaced, the following tips can
help create an allergen-free sleep environment.
• Wash bedding weekly in 130-degree temperature water to kill dust-mites.
• Use a HEPA air purifier to remove allergens, and change the filter
as recommended.
• Keep pets and dirty shoes out of the bedroom.
• Remove rugs, carpet and window coverings wherever possible, and
clean any remaining carpet and curtains frequently.
For more information about the Sleep Number bed or other allergen-barrier
bedding, call (800) 535-BEDS or visit www.selectcomfort.com. Unlike traditional
innerspring mattresses, the firmness of a Sleep Number bed can be personally
adjusted for comfort. The dual-adjustable air chambers allow each individual
to set their side of the bed to their firmness preference — their
Sleep Number — without affecting their partner’s choice. A Sleep
Number is a number between zero and 100 that represents each person’s
ideal combination of mattress comfort, firmness and support.
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