Answers To All Your Bedding Allergy Questions

Answers To All Your Bedding Allergy Questions

2022 Apr 12th

We’ve created this guide to help explain common allergies and provide home-related allergy tips and product solutions to help to reduce the effects of allergy season!

Spring is well underway, and it’s not just warmer weather and freshly blooming flowers that we’re welcoming in. For some, this time of the year can be less than rosy, with allergy season beginning from late April to May. Though, certain allergens reach their peak in the summer and fall, so allergies can be an almost year-round problem.

Pollen-induced allergies are believed to affect around 30% of the population, and for many of us, it’s not possible to stay indoors or completely avoid exposure to allergens. So, with sneezing season at our door, we’re here to help allergy-proof your home!

Woman blowing her nose into tissues during peak allergy season

What Allergies Are Keeping You Up At Night?

1. Dust Mite Allergies - Hypoallergenic Bedding Might Help!

Dust mites are microscopic bugs that make household dust their habitat. Thriving in warm, humid environments, it’s no surprise that bedding can provide the perfect home for these tiny critters. Allergies are more often caused by dust mites than a reaction to the actual fibres used in your bedding.

Not all bedding is made equal, and fabric choice and construction are crucial considerations when choosing allergy-friendly bedding. Hypoallergenic options can go a long way in mitigating dust mites and other unwelcome allergens in your sleep sanctuary.

Woman laying in bed with clean white bed sheets

Household Allergy Remedies And Tips:
  • Wash bedding frequently to reduce the build up of dust, we recommend once a week at a minimum. Choose bedding that’s easy to wash - we recommend using duvets with a duvet cover, as the removable covers are much easier to wash than bulky comforters.
  • If you don’t own hypoallergenic bedding, then a hot water cycle will help to eliminate mites and allergens. Before you do launder your bedding, be sure to check the care label for the highest recommended wash cycle temperature.
  • Remove dust and vacuum regularly. Use a damp rag or mop to clean dust (traditional dusters result in airborne dust).
  • Consider removing dust magnets such as household clutter, non washable curtains, blinds, and even carpeting if this is an option.
Bedding for Reducing Allergy Symptoms:

Silk Filled Mattress Protector

Mattress protectors are a must-have item for protecting mattresses from dust, mold and dust mites. Our Silk Filled Mattress Protector is filled with 100% pure Mulberry Silk floss, with a 100% cotton shell. Silk is naturally resistant to dust mites, mildew, mold and other allergens.

Silk Filled Pillow Protectors

Our Silk Filled Pillow Protectors will help you fight dust and other nasties. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, temperature regulating and moisture-wicking. With 100% Mulberry Silk floss fill and 100% cotton shell, this protector is machine washable and designed to protect your pillow from allergy-causing dirt and dust.

2. Duvet and Pillow Fill Type - Does Down Cause Allergies?

A common misconception is that down fill or feathers are the cause of bedding-related allergies. Actually, dust (and dust mites) are the leading cause of the sniffles. A very small number of people do indeed have a feather or down allergy, and fortunately we have great hypoallergenic alternatives available!

Household Allergy Remedies And Tips:
  • Consider natural down alternatives such as silk, wool and other natural fibres such as kapok.
  • If you suspect you have a feather allergy, seek medical advice - specialist doctors can help run tests to determine the root cause of your symptoms.

Bedding for Reducing Allergy Symptoms:

Bamboo Charcoal Duvet

Our moisture-wicking and odor resistant Bamboo Charcoal Duvet uses the purifying and deodorizing properties of bamboo charcoal to protect against allergens such as dust mites, mold and mildew.Our Bamboo Charcoal Duvet on a Grey bed

Pearl Mulberry Silk Duvet

Silk is naturally hypoallergenic and highly resistant to dust mites and bacteria. Our Pearl Mulberry Silk Duvet is the perfect allergy-friendly choice with a breathable 100% Mulberry Silk fill, a great top layer for the warmer months where allergies can spike!

Our Pearl Mulberry Silk Duvet folded on a bed

Kamboo Kapok Filled Adjustable Pillow

Put allergies to rest with our Kamboo Kapok Filled Adjustable Pillow, hypoallergenic, antibacterial and micro vented to help fight allergens. With adjustable natural kapok filling sourced from sustainable rainforest crops and free from chemicals and pesticides, enjoy customizable all-night comfort.

Our Kamboo Kapok Filled Adjustable Pillow with its natural fibre fill displayed

3. Skin Sensitivities - Seasonal and Prolonged Symptoms

Along with hay fever-like symptoms; allergies can also cause inflammation to the skin. This can lead to a condition called allergic dermatitis, as well as rashes, hives, scaly patches and eczema - yikes!

In general, the best way to eliminate skin-related allergic reactions is to limit exposure to the allergens in question. It also helps to prevent further irritation as much as possible, staying away from harsh chemicals and keeping skin hydrated.

Household Allergy Remedies And Tips:
  • Opt for skin-friendly fabrics made from breathable, natural fibres. Bonus points for fabrics with antibacterial, antifungal and deodorizing properties.
  • Avoid fragrances and harmful chemicals in bedding and laundry cleaning products.
  • Pay attention to fabric weave! A sateen weave is silky soft to touch, and much gentler on skin.
Products for Reducing Allergy Symptoms:

Bamboo Cotton Sheets and Duvet Cover With Activated Charcoal

Antibacterial, antifungal and temperature regulating, sound too good to be true? Our Bamboo Cotton Sheet Set with Activated Charcoal is the perfect solution for allergy sufferers, those with sensitive skin, or really anyone wanting a healthier sleep. Create your complete hypoallergenic haven with our Bamboo Cotton Duvet Cover with Activated Charcoal.

Our Bamboo Cotton Sheet Set With Activated Charcoal on a bed

Mulberry Silk Pillowcase and Eye Mask

Our Mulberry Silk Gift Set comes with a queen size pillowcase, eye mask and matching delicates bag. With the naturally allergen-resistant properties of silk, and skin-smoothing, anti-aging benefits to boot, enjoy a healthier and more luxurious sleep with these silky soft solutions.

Our Mulberry Silk Gift Set In Silver with Eye Mask, Delicates Bag and Pillow Case displayed in its packaging

Nellie’s® Laundry Soda

All-natural Nellie’s® Laundry Soda is a safe and gentle solution perfect for those who suffer skin sensitivity or allergies. With just 4 ingredients and perfume-free, we recommend Nellie’s for every household’s laundry needs.

Tin of Nellie's Laundry Soda

4. Pollen Allergies - A Common Culprit.

Pollen itself isn’t harmful, but exposure to pollen can set off a series of internal processes connected to the immune system, triggering an allergic reaction. Common signs are a runny nose and other hay fever-like symptoms!

Household Allergy Remedies And Tips:
  • Choose bedding that’s easy to wash - we recommend using duvets with a duvet cover, as the removable covers are much easier to wash than bulky comforters.
  • Change from outdoor clothes to indoor clothes to avoid contaminating the home with allergy-causing substances.
  • Avoid hanging laundry outside to dry - this will help to reduce exposure to windborne pollen.
  • Have a shower or bath before bed, and wash your hair, to limit pollen exposure and avoid transferring to bedding.
  • For pollen allergies, pay attention to pollen count. Keep the windows closed and avoid outdoors when the pollen count in your area is high. Grasses, trees, and weeds are the 3 main categories of seasonal pollen allergies, knowing which pollen type you’re allergic to can help you to avoid exposure.

Photograph of airborne pollen drifting away from a plant

5. Pet Allergies - Are Hypoallergenic Cats And Dogs A Myth?

Most commonly associated with cats and dogs, pet allergy can be triggered by any animal with fur. Exposure to proteins found in animal’s skin cells, saliva or urine can trigger an allergic reaction, causing symptoms similar to hay fever. For those with asthma, their symptoms may be aggravated.

Certain breeds of cats and dogs are labelled as allergy-friendly, with those that shed less, less likely to spread their allergy-causing saliva around. Because fur itself is not the cause of allergic reactions, there are no truly hypoallergenic breeds.

Household Allergy Remedies And Tips:
  • Take the necessary steps to remove dander around your home. Dander is the dead flakes of skin shed by an animal, and because it is so small and easily airborne, collects easily in upholstered furniture, carpet and clothing.
  • Be diligent with cleaning items and surfaces that may collect animal skin cells, saliva and fur. If you have carpets, aim to steam-clean these regularly.
  • Prioritize regular grooming - brushing or combing your pet (preferably outdoors!) multiple times a week will help to reduce shedding around the home.

A pet dog sitting on a carpet being vacuumed

Helping You To Keep Your Bedding Allergies At Bay

Here at QE Home, we’ve dedicated over 30 years to helping Canadians get better sleep. Whether through innovative products, retail expertise, educational content or product guides, we’re always looking for ways to help!

The benefits of buying hypoallergenic products extends beyond just alleviating allergies. The products listed above all boast sustainability features that are overall better for your health, and better for the environment than synthetic materials.



We hope this helps you to get your home prepared in the lead up to peak allergy season! If you are interested to learn more about our allergy solutions, book a free consultation with one of our sleep stylists. You can also visit any of our 75+ store locations to get great personalized advice and recommendations. We hope to see you soon!

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