How to Create an Allergy-Proof Bedroom to Actually Get a Comfortable Night’s Sleep (For Once)
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AT A GLANCE: The Best Bedding for Allergies
Best Bed Sheets for Allergies: Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets
Best Mattress for Allergies: Avocado Green Mattress
Best Mattress Protector for Allergies: SafeRest Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector
Best Comforter for Allergies: Linenspa Hypoallergenic Down Comforter
Best Pillow for Allergies: Aller-Ease Cotton Fresh Pillow
Best Bed Vacuum for Allergies: Raycop RN Bed Vacuum Cleaner
If you find yourself unable to get through the night without a sneezy, stuffy nose, then the problem might actually be exacerbated by your choice of bedding. Believe it or not, even after the dust settles, you could still be feeling it — dust mites are the most common cause of allergies from house dust, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. These tiny pests thrive in your bedding, pillows, and sheets, feeding off dead skin cells and can actually send your allergy symptoms haywire.
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Knowledge is power when it comes to any allergic reactions, but it’s easier than ever to easier than ever to find some answers with at-home allergy kits that allow you to test yourself right at home. QuestDirect’s Indoor Respiratory Allergy Panel, for example, can provide results within three to five days, and they measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood to help identify specific allergen triggers that are common in the home (think pet dander or house dust).
If you suspect that your bedroom could be a cocktail of mold, dander, or dust mites, getting some hypoallergenic bedding is an easy switch to keep your triggers at bay and give you back some Zzz’s. Based on our own personal experience and top-rated items from well-trusted brands, we’ve found the best bedding, mattresses, and cleaning supplies to combat allergens that’ll help you breathe easier as you drift off to dreamland (note: we’re not medical professionals, so if you’re dealing with chronic allergies, you should talk to a healthcare professional).
1. Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets
Both percale and sateen sheets are cotton-based, which makes them our go-to for those of us with allergies. Brooklinen’s Percale Bed Sheets combat allergies with densely-made materials that makes it harder for dust mites to collect in. They’ve also got a simple, tight-knit weave pattern that makes the sheets pretty durable, yet gives you that crisp hotel-sheet feel.
Especially in the sticky summer months, you’re going to want sheets like these, made from 100% organic cotton and a breathable weave that’ll feel airy enough to help you sleep through the night. The breathability factor here also makes these sheets great at preventing moisture, and eliminating mold and dust mites from your precious bed space. These cotton sheets are also made without any added chemicals, so they can be smooth to the touch without you wondering if they’re too smooth. The Classic Core sheet set comes with one flat, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.
“As the temperatures start to rise, I’m reaching for my Brooklinen Percale sheets. Not only do I run hot at night, but the change in season usually brings allergy-related symptoms, like itchy eyes and a runny nose, with it. After doing some research, I found that fabrics like cotton and features like high thread count (both of which these sheets possess) can help alleviate such symptoms during the night, as they make it harder for dust mites to burrow into the material. And what’s funny is, I didn’t originally buy the sheets because of these particular qualities per se, I just happened to already have them last year. But after finding out about these features, I put them to the test during allergy season — and they actually did the trick! I’ve had less itchy eyes and a not-so runny nose since. If you suffer from mild allergies (and get hot in the night), give these Brooklinen sheets a go!” — Jasmin Sandal, Senior Commerce Editor
$118.15 $139 15% off
Promising Customer Review: “I am a convert to the percale sheets. These are my new fave…cool, crisp and so comfortable. Perfect in summer and winter with my heavy down comforter. These allow your body to breath compared to other sheets, and don’t affect my allergies. You don’t get tangled up in them either.” —Lori M.
2. Avocado Green Mattress
When looking for a mattress to help out with your allergy symptoms, it’s best to look for memory foam beds, or beds made from latex. Not only does their density leave very little room for bacteria growth, but latex mattress often include antimicrobial wool, which wicks away moisture and helps block out dust mites.
This Avocado Green Mattress is a big score for anyone with allergies for those exact reasons — the mattress features a hybrid design using latex, wool, and cotton, all of which are certified organic. Each layer is also needle-tufted by hand to ensure that all the mattress’ components are secured together without any glue. The synthetic materials make it a great choice for allergy sufferers, since it stays breathable while resisting allergens like dust mites and mold. The latex itself is also processed in a way that reduces irritation for those with latex allergies too, if that’s a concern.
The coils are also zoned in pockets, allowing for better airflow and all-around cooler nights sleep. That being said, it’s a pretty firm mattress, but you can’t beat this level of consciously-sourced allergy protection from a mattress.
$1,199 $1,399 14% off
Promising Customer Review: “I am allergic to mold and our mattress was (it turned out) making me ill. I would wake up in the early morning unable to breath. Problem basically solved with this new Avocado Green mattress. An it is firm but cushy. So very happy after three months!” —Stephan S.
3. SafeRest Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector
You’ll sleep a little more soundly knowing that your mattress is blocking up to 10 million dust mites (gross, but unfortunately, true) with this best-selling mattress protector from SafeRest. The zippered encasement is also made from hypoallergenic cotton terry, so you won’t have to worry about if the material keeping allergens out will start flaring up even more symptoms.
The cover will protect against dust mites, allergens, and bacteria, and other daily allergy triggers. But the cotton terry also makes it waterproof, and most importantly, breathable in a way that won’t be noticeable as you sleep (there’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re laying on top of plastic). Free from vinyl, phthalates, PVC, or other chemicals used for fire prevention, it goes on easily like a fitted sheet and comes in multiple sizes, from Twin to California King.
$37.98 $44.77 15% off
Promising Customer Review: “The machine-washable cotton material is not only soft and comfortable but also breathable. I appreciate that the mattress protector is hypoallergenic and free from harmful chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive skin and allergy sufferers. As an Airbnb host, this mattress protector is an absolute lifesaver. It provides an extra layer of protection for my mattress, giving guests peace of mind and ensuring a clean and hygienic sleeping environment for every visitor.” —Penny Lane
4. Linenspa Hypoallergenic Down Comforter
Now this is a comforter you’ll actually want to use past allergy season — Linenspa’s reversible comforter is made with a super-soft, lightweight microfiber that’s actually an alternative to the down filling usually used in duvets like these. It’s all the warm and cozy comfort you want, without the goose feathers.
Made from hypoallergenic materials, it’s a great alternative if you have allergies, or even other skin sensitivities. The microfiber doesn’t weigh it down, either (it’s just three pounds). Constructed with a box stitch to keep fill in place, the comforter has eight corner and side loops so you can put your own duvet cover on. But it’s pretty versatile anyways, thanks to reversible solid and striped color options. Like we mentioned above, since you should already be washing your bedding frequently, this comforter gets bonus points for being machine-washable.
$79.99
Promising Customer Feedback: “This product is exactly as it was advertised! It is soft, but temperature-regulated soft, not the kind of overwhelming, trapped-in-heat-type soft where you can start to sweat. It is lightweight compared to a feather-stuffed or heavy-down alternative, but not so lightweight it feels like a sheet or throw blanket. The design is classic and simple. It’s perfect for my allergies and asthma as it does not trigger either. I use this with just sheets and it keeps me warm enough at night!” —Katlyn Boatman
5. Aller-Ease Cotton Fresh Pillow
It’s all in the name — this Aller-Ease pillow is tailor-made for allergy sufferers, ready for you to rest your head on breathable memory foam. The pillow is 100% cotton, made with a tightly-woven fabric construction that prevents dust mites, pet dander, and other common household allergens from gathering for maximum protection.
Unlike other pillows, this pillow’s design means it can be tossed in the wash with all your other bedding, and stands up to hot water (which can actually help kill odor-causing germs and bacteria, too). Maintaining its shape nicely after it dries, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing allergen-removal for a non-lumpy night of sleep. Fluffy, yet supportive, this is the pillow you’ll want to wake up on in the morning if you’re getting frequently stuffy noses or sneezing through the night.
Looking for another layer of protection? While this pillow will do the trick, you can always wrap it up like your mattress with a good-quality pillow protector.
$31.99
Promising Customer Feedback: “I REALLY love these pillows! They are the perfect amount of softness for me! They are great for laying on my back to watch TV and they are great for stomach sleepers like me durning the night. I put Norwex pillowcases on them and they are so smooth. I have bad allergies and have no problem with these at all.” —Bsjs
6. Raycop RN Bed Vacuum Cleaner
So you’ve picked out the right sheets, zipped up the protectors — what next? To keep up with deep-cleaning maintenance, Raycop’s RN Bed Vacuum gives you all the power of an air purifier combined with a UV sanitization to help eliminate bacteria and allergens from the top layers of all your bedding.
It won’t just suck up visible gunk — thanks to special technology that uses UV light to actually slow dust mites from multiplying, this vacuum kills up to 99.97 percent of harmful bacteria and viruses found on mattresses as small as 0.3 microns. The pulsating pad loosens and lifts particles, and a HEPA filter (like the kind used in the best air purifiers) filters out the tiniest allergen particles and ensures they aren’t getting kicked back up into the air. The company says it takes just a five-minute clean to clear out dust mites, and 4-5 seconds to sanitize all other bacteria.
At just four pounds, the vacuum is also compact and and easy to use on anything from fabric, bedding, and even clothing and yoga mats. For a quick, thorough clean that will finish the allergen-busting job, the Raycop RN Bed Vacuum is the way to go.
$180.99 $229.99 21% off
Promising Customer Feedback: “I mainly bought this because we are struggling with mites. It’s a nightmare dealing with this situation! This is not a cure-all for us, but it gives me peace to know that my all the impurities in my mattress are gone. Couches, curtains anything I can vacuum I do it. You cannot believe the stuff that comes out of that filter. My son and husband suffer with asthma, and I noticed less sneezing and coughing from house allergens. It’s a good purchase whether you have issues or not!” —Heather Marsh
Does Bedding for Allergies Work?
You could always invest in an air purifier, or even a vacuum made for sucking up mattress gunk. But the best bedding for allergies are made to help reduce some of these common irritants, and hopefully give you a much-needed good night’s sleep. You should still be showering before bed, and regularly washing your sheets in hot water once a week (changing them out helps stop skin cells from building up too). But hypoallergenic bedding, like pillowcases and mattress protectors, offer an extra barrier of defense against dust mites, mold and pet dander.
How do they work? A clinical study found that bedding made from tightly-woven material adds protection from dust mites working their way into your pillows, mattress, and sheets (and nightmares). Special fabrics like silk, organic cotton, and microfiber are your best bet against dust mites, while still remaining breathable enough to keep you cool while you sleep. Making sure you pillow and mattress protectors also seal shut with a zipper is another way to help.
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