Millions of individuals around the world suffer from allergies. But did you know your bedding could be the culprit? Bedding can often make allergies and conditions like asthma and even eczema much worse, especially if it's not washed frequently enough. When we label our BedCare™ bedding "Anti-Allergy," for the most part, we mean that it will help protect you against many forms of allergens. From dust mites and bed bugs to mold spores and pet dander, BedCare™ Allergy Bedding is specifically designed to reduce exposure to harmful allergen and asthma causing contaminates so you can finally sleep soundly and wake well rested.

BedCare™ anti-allergy bedding is specifically designed with allergy and asthma sufferers in mind. Our Allergy Pillows, Pillow Covers, Mattress Covers, Comforter Covers, and Blankets have all been expertly crafted to be super-efficient at protecting against dust mites, bed bugs, and other allergens. Even our zippered bedding protectors are effective at blocking out allergens, easy to care for, easy to apply and come with a lifetime manufacturer's warranty. In fact, many BedCare™ bedding items boast certifications from OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and the AAFA (Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America). Specifically, our BedCare™ All-Cotton Pillow, Mattress, and Duvet covers are backed by the AAFA with their Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification.

What is the AAFA?

Maybe you've never heard of the AAFA, or you're just beginning your journey to relieve or eliminate allergens in your life. Either way, the AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) has a major role to play in this arena. Founded in 1953, the AAFA became the leading national patient organization for individuals dealing with asthma and allergies. It's also the oldest asthma and allergy patient group in the entire world. Their main goal is to dedicate their time and energy to improving the quality of life and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma and allergies through support, advocacy, education, and research.

When it comes to the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification, the AAFA joined with ASL (Allergy Standards Limited) to create a program designed to help people make informed purchases for a healthier home environment. Together they test household products, including bedding and textiles, against strict and always evolving standards. If a product passes their tests, then it earns the coveted Asthma & Allergy Friendly® certification mark. With many products on the market promising to help control allergens, it can be hard to know which claims are falsely exaggerated and which are true. The ASL & AAFA program helps customers determine what products are safest for a healthier allergy-friendly home.

What Really is "Anti-Allergy" Bedding?

Anti-Allergy Bedding is specifically designed to help protect your bed against any allergens that could be lurking there. For instance, dust mites love to make their homes in the high-humidity environment that is your bed, blankets, sheets, and pillows. They live off your dead skin cells (which beds and bedding are full of). Dust mites themselves are an allergen for many people, but dust mites also release allergens in their waste, making them doubly troublesome for certain individuals. Bed bugs are another common problem in bedding. Thankfully, BedCare Zippered Pillow Protectors and Zippered Mattress Covers can help prevent these creepy crawlies from getting in or out of your bedding. In addition to protecting you from bugs, anti-allergen bedding also helps protect you from mold spores, pollen spores, dust, dander, and other allergic debris constantly found in bedding.

The Difference Between Anti-Allergy, Non-Allergenic, and Hypoallergenic –

Once you've decided you're going to invest in allergy bedding and start browsing, you're likely to come across a few terms that could be somewhat confusing. This could include "Anti-Allergy," "Non-Allergenic," and "Hypoallergenic." In truth, all these classification terms are put in place to help you identify products that will indeed help you reduce your exposure to allergies. However, there are some slight differences that you should be aware of before you make your purchase selections.

Non-Allergenic: This simply means that the product itself and the items used to make it won't cause an allergic reaction or contain no allergy-causing materials. However, triggers such as dust mites or bed bugs could still end up being present within the item.

Hypoallergenic: This term plainly means that there is a decreased chance of an allergic reaction to whatever the product is or the materials it's made from. For example, organic cotton is naturally hypoallergenic and more breathable, which reduces moisture, and damp conditions that dust mites and mold tend to thrive in.

Anti-Allergy: Lastly, this term refers to either an active ingredient or entire product makeup, which is intended to prevent, minimize, and reduce an allergic reaction and help reduce the presence of dust mites and other allergens.

How You Can Prevent Dust Mites & Other Allergens in Your Bedroom:

  • Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture regularly with a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner
  • Regularly wash bedding and any other fabric items with Anti-Allergen Laundry Detergent & Laundry Additive
  • When dusting surfaces, either vacuum the dust or use a damp cloth to avoid spreading it back into the air
  • Give bedding time to air out before making it right away. Allowing overnight moisture to evaporate can help reduce allergens
  • Consider investing in a HEPA Air Purifier to help draw in airborne pollutants and impurities like dust, pollen, pet hair, dander, and fumes
  • If at all possible, try to keep pets out of your bedroom but especially off your bed to prevent the transfer of dander and allergens where you sleep
  • During high pollen seasons, keep windows in your bedroom closed or use a Window Screen Filter to prevent outside allergens from entering
  • Try to keep humidity in your home below 50%. Purchasing a Humidity Gauge can help you ensure humidity levels remain steady