How to Create an Anti-Allergy Bedroom to Actually Get a Good Night's Sleep (For Once)

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AT A GLANCE: The best bedding for allergies

If you can't get through the night without a sneezed, stuffy nose, then the problem may actually be made worse by your choice bed linen. Believe it or not, even after the dust settles, you could still feel it – dust mites are the most common cause of house dust allergies, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. These tiny pests thrive in your bedding, pillows and sheets, feed on dead skin cells and can really set off your allergy symptoms.

Knowledge is power when it comes to any allergic reactions, but it's easier than ever to find some answers with at-home allergy kits that let you test yourself right at home. of QuestDirect Indoor respiratory allergy panelsfor example, they can provide results within three to five days and measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood to help identify specific allergens that are common in the home (think pet dander or house dust).

If you suspect your bedroom may be a cocktail of mold, dander, or dust mites, getting hypoallergenic bedding is an easy way to keep your triggers at bay and get you some Zzz's back. Based on our own personal experience and top picks from trusted brands, we've found the best allergen-fighting bedding, mattresses, and cleaning supplies to help you breathe easier as you drift off to dreamland (Note: we are not healthcare professionals, so if you have chronic allergies, you should see a healthcare professional).

1. Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets

Both percale and satin sheets are cotton based, making them ideal for those of us with allergies. Brooklinen Percale Sheets They fight allergies with densely constructed materials that make it difficult for dust mites to collect. They also have a simple, tight weave design that makes the sheets quite durable, but gives you that crisp hotel sheet feel.

Especially in the sticky summer months, you'll want sheets like these, made from 100% organic cotton and a breathable knit that'll keep you feeling airy enough to sleep through the night. The breathability factor here also makes these sheets great at preventing dampness and eliminating mold and dust mites from your precious bed space. These cotton sheets are also made without added chemicals so they can be smooth to the touch without wondering if they are very smooth. The Classic Core sheet set comes with a flat, fitted sheet and two pillowcases.

2. Green avocado layer

When looking for a mattress to help with your allergy symptoms, it is best to look for memory foam beds or beds made of latex. Not only does their density leave very little room for bacteria to grow, but the latex mattress often includes antimicrobial wool, which wicks away moisture and helps prevent dust mites.

This Green avocado layer it's a big score for anyone with allergies for exactly these reasons – the mattress features a hybrid design that uses latex, wool and cotton, all of which are certified organic. Each mattress is also hand tufted to ensure that all mattress components are attached together without glue. Synthetic materials make it a great choice for allergy sufferers as it remains breathable while resisting allergens such as dust mites and mold. The latex itself is also treated in a way that reduces irritation and for those with latex allergies if that is a concern.

Coils are also belted in pockets, allowing better airflow and a cooler night's sleep. That said, it's a pretty sturdy mattress, but you can't beat that level of allergy protection from a mattress.

3. Hypoallergenic SafeRest mattress protector

You'll sleep a little more soundly knowing your mattress is blocking 10 million dust mites (gross, but sadly, true) with this best-selling mattress protector from SafeRest. The zippered shell is also made of hypoallergenic cotton fabric, so you won't have to worry about the material that keeps allergens out starting to trigger even more symptoms.

The cover will protect against dust mites, allergens and bacteria and other everyday allergens. But the cotton terrycloth 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 on top of plastic). Free of vinyl, phthalates, PVC or other fire prevention chemicals, it goes on easily as a fitted sheet and comes in multiple sizes from Twin to California King.

4. Linenspa Hypoallergenic down comforter

Now that's 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 filling typically used in comforters like these. It's all the warm and cozy comfort you want, without the goosebumps.

Made from hypoallergenic materials, it's a great alternative if you have allergies or even other skin sensitivities. Microfiber doesn't weigh it down either (it's only three kilos). Made with a box stitch to keep the filling in place, the quilt has eight corner and side loops so you can put on your own duvet cover. But it's pretty versatile anyway, thanks to reversible solid and striped color options. As we mentioned above, since you should already be washing your bedding often, this comforter gets bonus points for being machine washable.

5. Aller-Ease Cotton Fresh Pillow

It's all in the name — this Aller-Ease pillow is specially made for allergy sufferers, ready to rest your head on breathable memory foam. The pillow is 100% cotton, made with a tight fabric construction that prevents the accumulation of dust mites, pet dander and other common household allergens for maximum protection.

Unlike other pillows, the design of this pillow means it can be thrown in the wash with all your other bedding and withstands hot water (which can actually help kill odor-causing germs and bacteria). Keeping its shape nicely after it dries, you won't have to worry about sacrificing allergen removal for a tumor-free night's sleep. Fluffy, yet supportive, this is the pillow you'll want to wake up to in the morning if you have a frequent stuffy nose or sneezes all night.

Looking for another layer of protection? Although this pillow will do the trick, you can always wrap it like your mattress with a good quality pillow protector.

6. Raycop RN bed vacuum cleaner

So you've picked the right sheets, zipped up the protectors—what next? To go along with your deep cleaning maintenance, the Raycop RN Bed Vacuum gives you all the power of an air purifier combined with a UV disinfection to help eliminate bacteria and allergens from the top layers of all your bedding.

It doesn't just absorb a visible weapon — thanks to special technology that uses UV light to slow the growth of dust mites, this vacuum kills up to 99.97 percent of harmful bacteria and viruses found in layers as small as 0.3 micrometers. The pulsating pad loosens and lifts the particles, and a HEPA filter (like the one used in the best air purifiers) filters out the tiniest allergen particles and ensures they don't get released back into the air. The company says it takes just five minutes of cleaning to clear dust mites and 4-5 seconds to disinfect all other bacteria.

At just four pounds, the vacuum is also compact and easy to use on everything from fabric, bedding, even clothes and yoga mats. For quick, thorough cleaning that will get the job done eliminating allergens, the Raycop RN Bed Vacuum is the way to go.

Does the bed work for allergies?

You could always invest in an air purifier, or even a vacuum that is made for mattress vacuuming. But the best allergy bedding is made to help reduce some of these common irritants and hopefully give you some much-needed sleep. You should still shower before bed and wash your sheets regularly in hot water once a week (changing them helps stop skin cells from forming too). But hypoallergenic bedding, such as pillowcases and mattress protectors, offer an extra barrier of defense against dust mites, mold and pet dander.

How do they work; ONE clinical study found that bedding made from a tightly woven material adds protection against dust mites getting into your pillows, mattress, and sheets (and nightmares). Specialty fabrics like silk, organic cotton, and microfiber are your best bet against dust mites while remaining breathable enough to keep you cool while you sleep. Making sure pillow and mattress protectors also zip up is another way to help.