How Hypoallergenic Bed Sheets Can Improve Sleep

Finding the perfect bed sheets can be next to impossible when you have allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin. In addition to the constant concern of overexposure to those pesky spores, hairs, mites, and bacteria, the affected individual must also contend with the steady buildup of various indoor allergens. This includes mold, dust mites, and bacteria that can build up in our bed sheets over time.

With the wrong bed sheets, sensitive individuals can find themselves awake in the wee-hours --coughing, itching, sneezing and wheezing. According to the College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, dust-mites and bacteria are the primary offenders. These nuisance mites can live in our bedding--thriving off of our dead skin cells and multiplying like rabbits.

Luckily, there’s a solution to this problem: hypoallergenic material.

What does ‘hypoallergenic’ mean?

“Hypoallergenic” refers to a type of fabric or material believed to minimize and prevent the growth of various allergens that can cause outbreaks and other allergic reactions.

According to a 2021 study done by Mattress Advisor the average American pours approximately 26-gallons of sweat into their bed sheets and mattresses each year. Additionally, the same study found that we change our bed sheets about once a month.

This turns our bedspreads into a consistently moist incubator for bacteria, mold, mites, and allergens to grow, spread, and prosper while feasting on our dead skin cells. Hypoallergenic material has been shown to reduce this allergen growth, preventing minor to severe allergic reactions and outbreaks.

How can hypoallergenic bed sheets improve sleep?

Hypoallergenic bed sheets are woven from antimicrobial materials that are naturally resistant to dust-mites, mold spores, indoor allergens, and bacteria. Additionally, the tight-weave structure of (most of) these bacteria resistant bed sheets eliminate gaps, creating an environment that’s largely inhospitable for allergen and bacterial growth. These properties make the sheets “hypoallergenic.”

Various materials can be used to craft hypoallergenic bed sheets, including: organic cotton, wool, and microfiber. These types of hypoallergenic sheets naturally wick away moisture, keeping your sheets dry and allergens at bay. However, the effectiveness of these types can vary widely depending on the manufacturer. Make sure you check that label.

Despite the above, several popular options have risen to the top of consumer demand. These include bamboo, fleece, and silk. You can find a brief description of each below.

Bamboo

The sleep-world has increasingly caught on to the wonders of bamboo. Derived from the bamboo plant, these awesome and affordable mattress protectors naturally wick away moisture to discourage allergen and bacterial growth. Additionally, bamboo materials boast breathability, durability, and are often eco-friendly.

Fleece

Fleece bed sheets are an ever-popular choice for more than just their hypoallergenic properties. The synthetic insulating fabric is woven from a blend of polyester and other fibers. Though most fleece has been used for clothing and other wearables, it’s seen a surge in popularity as bedding, for its lightweight and antiperspirant qualities. They’re also downright cozy.

Silk

Silk is a natural protein fiber, some of which can be woven into textiles. The material is primarily obtained from cocoons resulting from metamorphosis. Not only does silk naturally fight off allergens and bacteria but it's also been proven to soothe sensitive skin. However, silk can be difficult to care for, as the material itself is quite sensitive and somewhat lacking in durability.

If you’re currently suffering from bad nights of sleep due to coughing, itching, wheezing, and sneezing, any of the above options may be the solution you’ve been looking for. By reducing moisture retention you also minimize bacterial growth, which prevents breakouts and other allergic reactions that can keep you up at night.

What other kinds of hypoallergenic products are there?

There’s no limit to the number of ways you can defend yourself against those pesky allergens. In addition to curbing severe allergic reactions from bacterial growth, many hypoallergenic products are also environmentally friendly and stylistically indistinguishable from their counterparts (...some are even a little better).

Hypoallergenic products include: blankets, waterproof mattress protectors, mattress toppers, and much much more!

Finding the right bed sheets can be tough if you’re sensitive to allergens that go bump in the night. Don’t suffer in silence. There’s a wide assortment of hypoallergenic bedding to give you peace of mind and the good nights’ sleep that you deserve.

Check out our store to find the one that’s right for you.

As always…