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Best Mattress for Allergies – 2023 Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies affect roughly one-third of adults in the U.S. The most common allergens include pollen, animal dander, dust mites, certain types of food, and insect stings. Unfortunately, mattresses are often hotbeds of allergen activity. People with allergies should strongly consider a hypoallergenic or allergen-resistant mattress that enables them to sleep soundly without triggering unpleasant symptoms.

Best Mattresses for Allergies

Our best mattress for allergies guide will discuss common sleep issues for people with allergies and  strategies for maintaining an allergen-free sleep area. First, we’ll look at our picks for the best mattress for allergy sufferers. Each selection is based on verified reviews and feedback from mattress owners, as well as our own hands-on product research.

First Time Buying a Mattress?

Hop down to our Buyer’s Guide for a crash course on finding the best mattress for sleepers with allergies.

 

Best Mattresses for Allergies - Reviewed

Best OverallWinkBeds EcoCloud

Best Overall – WinkBeds EcoCloud

Highlights

  • Medium Firm (6)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Durable latex hybrid construction
  • Breathable materials ensure excellent temperature regulation
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Best OverallWinkBeds EcoCloud

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Our best allergy-free mattress picks kick off with the EcoCloud Mattress by WinkBeds, a latex hybrid model constructed with materials that naturally resist allergens. These include two layers of natural Talalay latex, a breathable material that shouldn’t accumulate too much mold, mildew, or dust mites. Mattress materials that sleep hot tend to build up moisture, often leading to a buildup of these allergens, but latex typically sleeps quite cool.

The bed’s organic cotton and New Zealand wool cover is also resistant to dust mites. Like the latex, the cover is quite breathable and also has moisture-wicking properties. Overall, the EcoCloud is a great choice for people who normally sleep hot.

Longevity is another asset of the EcoCloud. Latex is a naturally durable material that won’t wear out or develop body impressions as quickly as the foam used in other mattresses. The pocketed coil system also provides long-lasting support, especially along the edges where sinkage often occurs. The EcoCloud is designed for medium firm feel, but the second latex layer is divided into seven firmness zones to ensure enhanced support for heavier areas of the sleeper’s body.

The EcoCloud’s price-point is reasonable and in line with the average latex hybrid, and WinkBeds offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S. The mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial, as well as a lifetime warranty.

  • Back sleepers. While sleepers in all positions say they find the EcoCloud comfortable, the most favorable ratings have come from back sleepers.
  • Hot sleepers. The EcoCloud sleeps quite cool thanks to its breathable cover, latex layers that don’t retain too much body heat, and a pocketed coil system that promotes consistent airflow.
  • People who prefer a very responsive feel for their mattress. The latex and coil components of the EcoCloud create a highly springy surface akin to that of a traditional innerspring.

Not Recommended for:

  • People with latex allergies. While the AAFA notes that fewer than 1 percent of U.S. adults live with a latex allergy, this mattress may trigger symptoms for those within that small subset.
  • Sleepers who prefer a soft feel and close conforming. The EcoCloud offers a medium firm feel, and latex does not contour to the body quite as closely as polyfoam or memory foam.

Best ValueNectar Mattress

Best Value – Nectar Mattress

Highlights

  • Medium Firm (6)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Three layers of memory foam provide even body-contouring
  • Excellent motion isolation for couples
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Best ValueNectar Mattress

nectarsleep.com

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A high-quality hypoallergenic mattress doesn’t need to break the bank. Case in point: the Nectar, a memory foam model with an exceptionally low price-point that still performs as well as – if not better than – many of its more expensive competitors.

The Nectar is constructed with a memory foam comfort layer, along with high-density polyfoam transitional and base layers. These components promote close contouring from head to toe, even weight distribution, and minimal responsiveness. Despite a medium firm feel, the mattress offers the “body hug”  typical of memory foam models.

Like latex, memory foam is considered a good mattress material for people with allergies because it resists dust mites, mold, and mildew. We also recommend this mattress to couples who awaken easily due to movement or noise in bed. The foams absorb motion and eliminate transfer across the surface, which can be disruptive to co-sleepers, and the mattress is completely silent too.

In addition to being quite affordable for a memory foam mattress, the Nectar also comes with a 365-night sleep trial – one of the longest in the industry – and a lifetime warranty. Standard ground shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S., as well.

  • People who weigh at least 130 pounds. Due to its medium firm feel, the Nectar is best suited to people in the average weight and heavyweight groups.
  • Couples. The Nectar isolates motion exceptionally well and does not produce any noise, so co-sleepers shouldn’t experience major sleep disruptions.
  • Value seekers. Compared to other memory foam mattresses, the Nectar carries a very low price-point.

Not Recommended for:

  • People who prefer a very responsive mattress. Like other memory foam mattresses, the Nectar is not very responsive or springy on the surface.
  • Sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. Those in the lightweight group are more likely to find the mattress too stiff.

Best All-LatexPlushBeds Botanical Bliss

Best All-Latex – PlushBeds Botanical Bliss

Highlights

  • Multiple firmness options
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 25-year warranty
  • Customizable design allows owners to easily change the firmness level
  • Exceptional durability thanks to high-quality latex layers
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Best All-LatexPlushBeds Botanical Bliss

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While people who are allergic to latex should steer clear of all-latex mattresses, these models are well suited to people with other allergies because their material components are resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew.

The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss is a standout in the all-latex category because it is also highly customizable. Owners can unzip the cover and rearrange individual latex layers to adjust how soft or firm their mattress feels. PlushBeds also offers 9-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch profiles for the Botanical Bliss.

As an all-latex bed, the Botanical Bliss is quite durable. Each layer is composed of Dunlop latex, a dense material that holds up well over time. Dunlop latex also retains a minimal amount of body heat, allowing this mattress to sleep quite cool for most people, and the organic cotton cover provides added breathability. Additionally, the latex is very responsive and well suited to people who prefer a bouncier surface for their mattress.

Price-points for the Botanical Bliss are somewhat high – especially models with 12-inch profiles – but these costs are in line with the average all-latex mattress. PlushBeds also provides free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S., and backs the mattress with a 100-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

  • People who weigh 230 pounds or less. Some heavyweight sleepers may find a comfortable feel by adjusting their mattress layers, but overall the best ratings for the Botanical Bliss come from lightweight and average weight sleepers.
  • Hot sleepers. Since latex retains a minimal amount of body heat, we expect most people to find the Botanical Bliss cool and comfortable.
  • People whose firmness preferences fluctuate from night to night. The customizable nature of the Botanical Bliss allows owners to switch between distinct feels for their mattress.

Not Recommended for:

  • People with latex allergies. While beneficial for people with other allergies, those who are allergic to latex may experience symptoms on the Botanical Bliss.
  • Sleepers who prefer close body-contouring. While the Botanical Bliss offers gentle conforming, latex does not hug and cradle the body like memory foam.

Best HybridLuxury Firm WinkBed

Best Hybrid – Luxury Firm WinkBed

Highlights

  • Medium Firm (6)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Zoned coils offer excellent edge support
  • Breathable cover and steady airflow through the coil system
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Best HybridLuxury Firm WinkBed

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The WinkBed is a cut above competing hybrids thanks to its multiple firmness and design options. While each option offers a distinct feel, the Luxury Firm WinkBed is the most balanced version of the mattress. A medium firm (6) feel ensures a combination of contouring and support that should be a good fit for side, back, and stomach sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds.

The materials of this mattress resist the buildup of mold, mildew, and dust mites, so the Luxury Firm WinkBed is a good choice for anyone who experiences allergies. Edge support is another strength. The pocketed coil support core divided into different zones based on coil gauge, or thickness. This configuration positions stronger coils along the perimeter to prevent excessive sinkage when owners get in and out of bed, and thinner coils beneath the sleep surface for more comfort and less stiffness.

The Luxury Firm WinkBed reasonably priced compared to other hybrid mattresses. WinkBeds also offers free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Like the EcoCloud, another WinkBeds model, the WinkBed mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

  • Those who weigh 230 pounds or less. The Luxury Firm WinkBed offers moderate contouring and strong support, making it a good option for side, back, and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds who want a balanced feel from their mattress.
  • Hot sleepers. Breathable comfort layers and steady airflow through the coil system(s) ensure very good breathability and temperature neutrality for the WinkBed.
  • People who struggle getting in and out of bed. A zoned coil system reduces sinkage along the perimeter to help owners get on and off their Luxury Firm WinkBed more easily.

Not Recommended for:

  • People who weigh more than 230 pounds. The Luxury Firm WinkBed may not provide enough support for people who weigh more than 230 pounds, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. A firmer version of the WinkBed will probably be more suitable.
  • Shoppers with tight budgets. While the Luxury Firm WinkBed’s sticker price is in line with other hybrids, the mattress will likely be too expensive for some shoppers.

Best FlippableLayla Hybrid

Best Flippable – Layla Hybrid

Highlights

  • Flippable with medium (5) and firm (7) sides
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Copper-infused memory foam is antimicrobial and heat-resistant
  • Strong edge support thanks to zoned coil system
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Best FlippableLayla Hybrid

laylasleep.com

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The flippable Layla Hybrid is a standout mattress for allergies thanks in part to its comfort layers. Both sides of the mattress – one medium (5) and the other firm (7) – feature memory foam infused with copper, which is naturally antimicrobial and resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew. The copper can also help minimize the buildup of body heat on the surface, allowing the mattress to sleep cool despite the heat-absorbing qualities of memory foam.

Another advantage of the Layla Hybrid is strong reinforcement. The bed’s shared support core consists of sturdy pocketed coils divided into gauge zones with thicker (14-gauge) coils bolstering the perimeter while thinner coils (16-gauge) cradle the sleeper’s body. This ensures good sleeper comfort and less difficulty getting in and out of bed.

The softer side of the mattress provides closer contouring, which can be beneficial for people with pressure points and back pain, while the firmer side is better suited to heavier individuals because it won’t sink as much. Some may find both sides comfortable and flip their mattress whenever they need a change in firmness.

Compared to the average hybrid model, the Layla Hybrid is fairly low-priced. The company also offers free shipping to all 50 states. The mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

  • Sleepers who enjoy the versatility of a flippable mattress. The Layla Hybrid’s reversible design allows owners to opt for a softer feel one night and a firmer feel the next.
  • Hot sleepers. The shared coil system promotes steady airflow to maintain a comfortable core temperature while copper-infused memory foam helps to keep the surface cool.
  • Sleepers in any weight group. After testing the Layla Hybrid, we found the medium side is optimal for people who weigh up to 230 pounds while the firm side is best suited to those who weigh at least 130 pounds.

Not Recommended for:

  • People who don’t like sleeping on responsive mattresses. Despite its memory foam layers, the Layla Hybrid is fairly bouncy on both surfaces.
  • Those who awaken easily due to noise. The Layla Hybrid is not particularly loud compared to other hybrids but the coils will produce squeaks that can disrupt sleep.

Best InnerspringSaatva Classic

Best Innerspring – Saatva Classic

Highlights

  • Multiple firmness options
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Supportive coil-on-coil design
  • Free White Glove delivery for all orders
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Best InnerspringSaatva Classic

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Like the aforementioned WinkBed, the Saatva Classic distinguishes itself from competitors thanks to a wide array of design options. Customers can choose from three firmness levels for their mattress – medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7.5) – as well as 11.5-inch and 14.5-inch profiles. This selection should accommodate most people regardless of their specific comfort and thickness preferences.

The Saatva resists allergens thanks in part to its organic cotton cover, which is treated to be antimicrobial. The mattress also features a Euro-top with natural thistle, another material that resists the buildup of mold, mildew, and dust mites.

Other components of the mattress include comfort layers of polyfoam and memory foam, a pocketed minicoil transitional layer, and a support core of recycled-steel bonnell coils. These components ensure excellent support and responsiveness for the mattress, as well as consistent breathability due to steady air circulation through the coil layers.

The mattress carries a very reasonable price-point given its advanced design. Additionally, Saatva is one of the only mattress brands to offer free White Glove delivery for all orders. This service includes in-home setup and old mattress removal at no extra cost. The company also backs their mattress with a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

  • Back and stomach sleepers. The Saatva’s sturdy construction ensures even support and minimal sinkage for most people who use these positions.
  • Hot sleepers. Even compared to other innersprings, the Saatva sleeps exceptionally cool. This can be attributed to its two coil systems.
  • Those who prefer a very responsive mattress feel. The Saatva’s coil-on-coil structure makes the surface feel quite bouncy.

Not Recommended for:

  • Lightweight side sleepers. Even with a medium soft feel, the Saatva may not provide enough contouring or pressure relief for side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds.
  • People who prefer deep contouring. The Saatva conforms to the body a bit, but sleepers who feel most comfortable with a body-hugging mattress may not be satisfied with the mattress.

Best Mattress for Allergies Buying Guide

Below, you’ll find our detailed mattress and bedding guide for people with allergies. We’ll begin by discussing how and why allergies occur.

What Are Allergies?

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies affect approximately 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children in the United States. An allergy occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to a potentially harmful substance known as an allergen and produces an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE), which in turn triggers an allergic reaction.

Allergens can take many forms. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common allergens include the following:

  • Pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mold, and other airborne allergens that originate biologically and transmit through the air.
  • Certain foods, including (but not limited to) nuts, wheat, soy, fish, eggs, and milk.
  • Stings from bees, wasps, and other insects.
  • Certain medications, especially penicillin and its derivatives.
  • Substances that can cause skin reactions through touch, including latex.

Each type of allergen triggers different symptoms in people with allergies. Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is a common allergic reaction to dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne allergens. Symptoms of hay fever typically include nasal congestion, watery eyes, and a mild cough, but these effects are rarely severe enough to warrant medical attention. Other allergens such as foods and insect stings can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition characterized by difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat.

People with allergies should see a doctor and/or call 911 if life-threatening symptoms occur due to allergic reaction. Many people carry prescribed epinephrine injector pens that can be self-administered during severe reactions. However, those who use a pen on themselves should still see a doctor right away in case the symptoms return.

Common Cold vs. Hay Fever

According to the Mayo Clinic, perennial hay fever is a condition typically brought on by pet dander, dust mites, and other year-round allergens, while seasonal hay fever usually occurs in the spring to early fall and is often attributed to higher levels of tree, grass, and ragweed pollen.

Hay fever and the common cold, a viral infection, share many symptoms. As a result, it’s easy to mistake one condition for the other. These shared symptoms – as well as some distinctions between allergies and colds – are displayed in the diagram below.

The Mayo Clinic notes additional differences to help people distinguish hay fever from the common cold. For example, hay fever often causes the nose to discharge a thin, runny liquid, whereas the common cold produces more viscous nasal discharge. Additionally, most people with hay fever immediately feel symptoms after exposure to allergens. Those with the common cold may not feel symptoms for up to three days after being exposed to the virus.

People who frequently experience hay fever symptoms may want to consider a doctor’s visit if they take anti-allergy medication and still feel effects, as this can indicate the presence of a common cold. This is particularly true for people whose temperature exceeds 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius) and/or whose fever persists for five days or longer.

How Allergies Affect Sleep

Since most allergy symptoms can be unpleasant and persistent, people with allergies often face sleep-related issues. One study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology noted a survey in which sleep problems were reported by 48 percent of respondents with seasonal hay fever and 68 percent of respondents with perennial hay fever. Another survey found that 88 percent of children with perennial or seasonal hay fever experienced sleep disturbances due to their allergies.

Unfortunately, people with severe allergies are more likely to experience worse sleep quality. The table below demonstrates the relationship between allergic rhinitis (AR) severity and different sleep issues.

sleep problems reported by allergy sufferers

Below, we’ll discuss common sleep problems that can occur in tandem with seasonal or perennial allergies.

Insomnia and Allergies

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by chronic difficulty falling or remaining asleep. Per the Mayo Clinic, insomnia may be a short-term issue that last for days or weeks, or a chronic condition with symptoms lasting one month or longer. Insomnia is quite common for people with allergies. These individuals tend to experience nasal congestion that causes them to breathe through their mouths, which in turn can lead to discomfort and more frequent sleep disruptions during the night.

A number of studies have noted a link between allergies and insomnia. One survey published by the Archive of Internal Medicine found that people with severe AR were more likely to experience difficulty falling or remaining asleep than those with milder AR symptoms. Another study found that children and adults with atopic dermatitis (AD) – a chronic skin condition that leaves people more vulnerable to skin allergies – were at higher risk of sleep disruptions than those who do have AD.

Sleep Apnea and Allergies

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where the individual’s breathing suspends momentarily repeatedly throughout the night, decreasing the level of oxygen in their blood. OSA is typically caused by an obstruction of the airways from nasal congestion or relaxing of the throat muscles.

The nasal congestion experienced by allergy sufferers increases their risk of OSA, but studies have shown that if allergy symptoms and accompanying nasal inflammation are reduced, their OSA symptoms can reduce as well – leading to better sleep and more restful lives.

Treating AR in childhood is especially important, because it prevents the face from elongating and increasing the child’s risk for sleep apnea. OSA in childhood impacts cognitive functioning to such an extent that it can limit them from reaching their full potential due to potential brain damage.

Anyone concerned their snoring is a sign of sleep apnea rather than a reaction to allergies should talk to their doctor about this issue. The doctor may order a polysomnography (an overnight sleep test performed in a lab) to monitor breathing. Those who are diagnosed with sleep apnea may receive a prescription for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Worn over the face during the night, these machines prevent airways from narrowing and closing in during sleep.

CPAP therapy is an extremely effective treatment for OSA. However, individuals with allergies may do better with a full face mask than a nasal or nasal pillows mask. A full face CPAP covers the full face, so individuals receive air whether they’re breathing through their mouth or their nose.

types of cpap therapy masks for sleep apnea

Daytime Fatigue

Allergy symptoms create uncomfortable conditions, like watery eyes and runny noses, that make it difficult to fall asleep at night. Nasal congestion often causes sleep-disordered breathing like snoring, which itself interrupts sleep. As a result, allergy sufferers have trouble getting sufficient, high-quality sleep on a regular basis and rarely wake up feeling well-rested. This impairs their daytime functioning and worsens their mood.

People with AR have experience higher levels of stress and are more prone to depression, especially when they don’t get enough sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation not only weakens the immune system, but it can alter immune defense for the long term, increasing one’s risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Sound sleep is essential for maintaining good health and managing allergy symptoms. During deep sleep, the body restores and refreshes, repairing muscles and strengthening the immune system. Without sufficient sleep, this process is interrupted, leaving people less equipped to fight their allergy symptoms the following day.

Tips for Sleepers with Allergies

People with allergies may be at higher risk of sleep problems, but there are measures they can take to ensure sufficient sleep quality and duration. These include the following.

  • Maintain Clean Household Air

    For the bedroom, we recommend an air purify air to keep the air fresh and relatively contaminant-free. The best air purifiers for eradicating allergens include high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that collect allergens on a tray. Ionizer purifiers also target allergens by zapping and immobilizing them, but this process merely relocates the allergens without trapping them. HEPA purifiers will likely be most effective.

    Homeowners can maintain clean air in their bedrooms and other areas of the house by regularly cleaning their heating and air-conditioning vents, as these surfaces can accumulate a lot of dust and dander. Be sure to clean and replace the air filters for these vents on a regular basis, too. Vacuuming floors and furniture is also essential for keeping allergens out of homes.

  • Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels

    Using a humidifier to add moisture to household air can make breathing more comfortable for people with allergies. However, excessive humidity can spur the growth of mold, mildew, and other allergens. Humidifiers should be cleaned regularly, and the water must be changed out to minimize mold buildup. Also take time to clean bathroom fans to reduce allergen growth.

  • Keep Bedroom Windows Closed

    An open window is essentially an invitation for allergens to enter the house. People with allergies should keep their windows closed year-round, but especially in the spring to early fall when pollen counts are usually at their peak. Also make sure the seals on all outside doors and windows are intact and in decent shape.

    For window coverings, we recommend washable curtains or roller shades that can be wiped down. These coverings will attract less dust than fabric curtains and mini-blinds. Sleepers can also reduce the spread of allergens in their mattress by changing out of their daytime clothes and into clean sleeping garments before getting into bed.

  • Don't Allow Pets in Bed

    Pet dander can trigger allergy symptoms for many people, as can animal urine, saliva, and fur. As satisfying as sleeping with a pet can feel, even people who do not normally have allergies can develop symptoms from sharing a bed with their dog or cat.

    Pets are also notorious for tracking allergens into houses, so take a moment to wipe down their paws after they’ve been walked or spent time in the backyard.

  • Clean Bedding Regularly

    The best way to prevent allergen buildup in mattresses, sheets, and pillows is to clean these items on a regular basis. Cleaning a mattress can be somewhat tricky, especially if the cover is not removable. Owners should vacuum the mattress and the area underneath every few months; sprinkling baking soda onto the bed before vacuuming can freshen up the sleep surface.

    For pillows and bedding, washing in hot water is recommended. A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that water with a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) or higher kills all dust mites; by comparison, water with a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) only kills 6.5 percent of dust mites. Alternatively, the study noted that washing sheets and pillows at a temperature of 86 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (30 to 40 degrees Celsius) and then rinsing with cold water on two three-minute cycles can also be effective at removing allergens from bedding.

  • Choose Hypoallergenic Bedding Items

    The right mattresses, sheets, and pillows can provide significant relief for people with allergies. By the same token, a mattress that promotes the buildup of dust mites, mold, and other allergens can greatly exacerbate allergy symptoms. In the next section, we’ll discuss the best anti-allergy mattress and bedding materials.

Mattresses and Bedding for People with Allergies

Below, you’ll find our recommendations for sleep products that provide the best resistance to dust mites, mold, mildew, and other allergens.

Best Mattresses for Allergies

While most mattresses sold today are made from allergen-resistant materials and fabrics, some are more effective at preventing the buildup of dust mites, mold, and mildew.

Memory foam mattresses are all-foam models. The comfort layers – and sometimes the transitional layers – are made of viscoelastic polyurethane foam, or memory foam. This material softens when exposed to body heat, allowing it to conform closely to the body, and then it returns to its original shape when the heat is removed. This creates the characteristic “body hug” many associate with memory foam. The support layers of these beds are made from high-density polyfoam, which provides stability for the entire mattress.

All-latex mattresses feature comfort and support layers made of latex, a material derived from the sappy extract of rubber trees. Latex gently conforms to the body without sinking too much, making it a good alternative to memory foam for people who don’t enjoy the body hug sensation. Latex also retains less heat and typically sleeps cooler than memory foam.

Both memory foam and latex are resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew. They contain layers of solid material where it is more difficult for allergens to accumulate. Those who enjoy a close, body-cradling feel from their mattress should opt for a memory foam bed. The same goes for people with latex allergies (more on that further down). People who sleep hot and/or want more moderate contouring may want to consider an all-latex model instead.

On the other hand, innerspring mattresses tend to attract more allergens. This can be attributed to their open coil systems, which feature nooks and crannies where dust mites, mold, and mildew can  thrive. Hybrids also feature coil systems but their memory foam and/or latex layers provide more resistance to allergens than the thin polyfoam layers found in most innersprings.

With innersprings and hybrids, regular vacuuming is more important. This ensures allergens don’t accumulate too much through the bed’s interior. Owners should also purchase a dust mite resistant zip-off cover for added protection. For those who use a box spring with any type of mattress, we recommend a washable cover for this component, as well.

Best Pillows for Allergies

As with mattresses, the best pillows for people with allergies include memory foam and latex models because these materials resist common allergens. Another option for allergy sufferers is a buckwheat pillow, which is filled with the hard hulls that encase buckwheat seeds. Some people have buckwheat allergies, but these cases are not very common.

People with allergies may want to avoid pillows with down and/or feathers from ducks and geese unless they’ve received antimicrobial treatments. Down and feathers may contain dander that triggers allergy symptoms, and these materials are also vulnerable to dust mite buildup.

Washable pillows are the easiest to keep clean, especially if the inner components can also be laundered in a machine. Owners may want to invest in a pillowcase in addition to the built-in cover for added protection against allergens.

Best Sheets for Allergies

Most fabrics used to construct sheets pose little allergy risk to sleepers, but some manufacturers treat their sheets with chemicals and dyes that can trigger allergy symptoms. Inquire about whether a sheet set is hypoallergenic before purchasing, since there’s no way to protect sheets with a cover as one might with their mattress or pillow.

Some hypoallergenic sheet options include:

  • Rayon from bamboo, an exceptionally breathable and silky-soft material that also resists mold, mildew, and dust mites.
  • Silk, which is both luxuriously soft and naturally hypoallergenic.
  • Pure cotton, another natural, breathable material that resists allergens very well.
  • Wool, a breathable and moisture-wicking material that provides excellent protection against dust mites.

A Word About Latex Allergies

Mattresses and pillows with latex can trigger allergies in people with latex allergies, but it’s worth noting this type of allergy is quite rare. The AAFA estimates fewer than 1 percent of adults and children in the U.S. have an allergy to latex. Furthermore, this allergy is most often found in niche populations, including children with spina bifida, young people who undergo frequent medical treatments or procedures, and healthcare workers who regularly use latex gloves.

As rare as latex allergies are, they should definitely preclude someone from considering a sleep product containing latex. People with latex allergies can experience moderate to severe symptoms when exposed to the material. These may include itchy or swollen skin or lips, hives, inflammation of the eyes, and – in serious cases – anaphylaxis. People who have latex allergies or suspect as much should avoid latex-based bedding items unless they’ve been told otherwise by a credentialed medical professional.

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