Is Your Pillow Causing Allergies?

Brian Acton

When you bought the pillow you lay your head on every night, you were probably thinking about factors like comfort, material, and cost. Allergies may have been the furthest thing from your mind. But your pillow can contain allergens that cause uncomfortable physical reactions, and leave you feeling less than well rested.

How Pillows Can Trigger Allergies

Beds can be a breeding ground for dust mites, which accumulate in your pillow and feed on the skin cells your body sheds while you sleep. They’re too tiny to see without a microscope, but they make themselves known to anyone with a dust mite allergy.

Dust mite allergies can cause symptoms that include sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, congestion, coughing, and more. Symptoms can range from mild to extreme; minor symptoms could include mild runny noses and sneezing, while severe symptoms could include a persistent cough, major congestion, and even asthma attacks.

If you live with pets, pet hair and dander can also collect on pillowcases and aggravate those who are vulnerable to pet hair allergens.

How to Prevent Pillow Allergies

There’s no way to completely eliminate dust mites and other allergens from your environment, but there are steps you can take to prevent your pillow from causing allergic reactions.

• Wash Your Pillow: you should wash your pillow every few months to cleanse it of dust mites and keep it fresh. The best way to wash your pillow depends on the material, the type of pillow, and the manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing; some pillows must be hand cleaned, while others can be thrown right in the washing machine with your laundry.
• Wash Your Pillowcase: t’s a good idea to wash your bedding frequently, at least every one to two weeks. Make sure not to forget your pillowcases - throw them in with the rest of your bedding. 
• Get the Right Pillow: nonallergenic pillows can be helpful for people with allergies, as they are made of materials that repel dust mites and can help prevent allergic reactions. Look for pillows that are specifically labeled nonallergenic or hypoallergenic - our foam and fiber pillows are a good place to start. 

The right pillow for you depends on many factors including price, size, support, and material. But allergies are also an important consideration, as symptoms can be unpleasant and even prevent you from getting a good night’s rest. Make sure you’re buying a pillow that can help keep you healthy as well as comfortable.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dust-mites/symptoms-causes/syc-20352173