Anti allergy mattress protectors are an often used tool in our fight against the runny noses, itchy eyes, and other problems that dust mites and other allergens cause. But do they actually work? Which is the best anti allergy mattress protector, and is using one enough to keep the dust mites at bay? I’ve got the answers to all your burning questions, great product recommendations, and how to minimize dust mites all through your bedroom.
In this article you’ll find:
- Do Anti Allergy Mattress Protectors Work?
- What Is The Best Anti Allergy Mattress Protector?
- Can You Wash An Anti Allergy Mattress Protector?
- What Other Things Do I Need To Do To Reduce Dust Mite Exposure In My Bedroom?
- What Is An Anti Allergy Mattress?
- What About Anti Allergy Pillows?
Do Anti Allergy Mattress Protectors Work?
This is the most important question you need the answer to if you’re going to buy an anti allergy mattress protector.
There have been studies that have shown that using an anti allergy mattress protector does not decrease your allergic response to allergens, and there are more studies, and medical professionals, who say they are worth while.
Anti allergy mattress protectors work by reducing your exposure to dust mites. Dust mites are one of the most common household allergens, and they’re the one that causes the most problems in our beds. Beds are the perfect place for these little critters to thrive because they are warm and can gather moisture if we don’t have breathable bedding.
Your mattress protector (you should get a pillow protector too) works by serving as a physical barrier between any dust mites inside your mattress and your body. It’s been shown that using such protectors provides a measurable and significant decrease in dust mite allergen exposure in our bed. A mattress protector that fully encases your mattress and zips up tightly is going to be the most effective.
They are best used on a new mattress (more on best anti allergy mattresses below) that have not had any dust mite exposure, but you can use them on an existing mattress to contain any dust mites that might already be present.
Keep in mind that an anti allergy mattress protector is only one thing you need to do in your bedroom to help you get an allergy free sleep. Scroll down to see what else you can do to reduce dust mites in your bedroom, but first let’s look at some of the best mattress protectors.
What Is The Best Allergy Mattress Protector?
Like most things in life, there is more than one answer. The kicker is, it’s really hard to find a mattress protector that is both waterproof and breathable. In fact, it’s pretty much impossible. So to choose the best allergy mattress protector for YOU, you need to think about:
- Does the mattress protector need to protect against other things too, like bed wetting? If yes, you’ll need to prioritize a mattress protector that is water proof
- Are you a hot sleeper, or particularly wanting to make sure you’re not creating a moist environment in your bed for dust mites? If yes, you’ll want to choose a mattress protector that is breathable
- A mattress protector which can fully encase your mattress (and opens with a zipper) is the best choice to fully protect against dust mites but there are also some options that have deep pockets to protect the sides of your mattress
Best Water Proof Option:
Saferest: This well known brand is trusted by thousands to help them get better sleep without hitting you hard in the wallet. They make a range of mattress protectors (both pocketed ones and full zipper ones) that have a thin waterproof membrane on the underside to protect against spills and accidents. It’s important that this membrane is thin, because you don’t want something thick and bulky under your sheet, and you don’t want anything that’s going to make plasticky rustling noises when you move around on it!
Best Breathable Option:
Mission: Allergy. The name of the brand pretty much tells you everything you need to know! Made in the USA, they’re on a mission to help you with your allergies, and are doctor recommended. Their mattress protectors are made from a premium microfiber fabric which is breathable and sleeps cool. This mattress protector has a very small pore space in the weave of the fabric, which is just big enough to allow air to circulate, but small enough to act as a barrier against dust mites and other allergens.
Mission: Allergy also make a range of hypoallergenic pillows, blankets, and other bedding accessories.
Can You Wash An Anti Allergy Mattress Protector?
Yes, you can. And you should wash it regularly.
The best allergy advice is to wash all bedding in hot water once a week. The water needs to be hot to kill dust mites, which will inevitably find their way into your bed.
If you can’t wash your bedding in hot water, you can put bedding items in your freezer for 24 hours before doing a cold wash. Freezing kills the dust mites too. Put your bedding in a plastic bag before popping it in the freezer to maintain a good barrier from your food!
What Other Things Do I Need To Do To Reduce Dust Mite Exposure In My Bedroom?
Along with using a mattress protector, you’ll need to take other measures to further reduce the dust mites in your bedroom. These include:
- Using an anti allergy mattress and pillow (read more about these and the best anti allergy mattresses below)
- Keep your bedroom clutter free so dust can’t accumulate on surfaces
- Dust your bedroom once a week, making sure to include bed items such as headboards. Make sure you use a wet cloth for this so it captures dust particles rather than sending them back into the air. Wear a filtering mask if you’re worried about inhaling dust particles as you go
- Vacuum your bedroom once per week. Vacuum your floors, mattress, curtains, and any soft furnishings like chairs (which can be massive dust traps)
- If possible, avoid wall to wall carpet in your bedroom. The best bedroom flooring for people with dust mite allergy is a hard floor (like wood) with a rug on top
- Use an air filter to purify the air in your room. Alternatively, let fresh air in regularly (yes, this risks letting pollen in, but we’re prioritizing minimizing dust mites here)
- Keep the humidity of your bedroom low. Run a dehumidifier if needed, and avoid having too many pot plants or drying your clothes in there
What Is An Anti Allergy Mattress?
As I mentioned above, an anti allergy mattress protector will work best on a new mattress. If you’re going to invest in a new mattress in your battle against dust mites, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting one they won’t want to live in.
Luckily, there are many great mattresses that are hypoallergenic, and you can get them delivered to your door for about a third (or less) the price of a mattress from a store.
Memory foam and latex are the best mattress materials for repelling dust mites. Latex is particularly good because it’s naturally antimicrobial, anti mildew, and great at regulating body temperature. I’ve got a whole article about the best anti allergy mattresses which you can read here. You’ll find more details about anti allergy mattresses, and four great options for all sleep preferences and budgets. If you want to go straight to my top anti allergy mattress recommendation, click here.
What About Anti Allergy Pillows?
Dust mites also love to live in pillows, so an anti allergy pillow is going to be an important part of your bed set up.
Just like with mattresses, choosing pillows made from organic or natural latex or memory foam are going to be your best options. Make sure you use them with an anti allergy pillow protector. You’ll find that the mattress protector brands I mentioned above also make pillow protectors, so look after yourself and get the full set.
Have You Battled Dust Mites In Your Bed? Leave A Comment Letting Me Know What Worked For You!
