Maybe the problem is with your mattress. Some manufacturers treat their mattresses with chemicals, use glues, or cushion filaments that may be irritating your skin and sinuses. What’s worse – your current mattress may be infested with dust mites!<–!more–>
If you find yourself waking up frequently due to your allergies, maybe it’s finally the right time to toss that allergy-inducing dust mite machine and invest in an new organic and hypoallergenic mattress. As said by Peter Gotzsche, M.D., director of The Nordic Cochrane Centre in Copenhagen, Denmark:
Some people with asthma are allergic to tiny eight-legged arthropods known as house dust mites and the allergens from these mites can bring on asthma attacks. Unfortunately, the 54-study review of 3,000 asthma patients finds that no chemical or physical intervention to reduce exposure to house dust mites is effective.
What’s the best hypoallergenic mattress?
Although many companies will describe a memory foam mattress as eco-friendly (and while we agree it’s a great thing), it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best hypoallergenic mattress for you.
The absolute king of hypoallergenic mattresses is a natural latex mattress with an organic cotton cover. Latex mattresses offer a very high degree of comfort while keeping those nighttime allergies to a minimum. They’re similar to memory foam in their ability to conform to the body, but they don’t sleep hot and don’t have the “sinking” feeling.
Latex is inherently hypoallergenic because of the simple, natural ingredients. It’s made by processing the sap from a rubber tree and it results in a very neutral sleeping surface. Organic mattresses are much healthier for your body since they don’t have the added risk of toxic chemicals coming into contact with your body.
With that in mind, it’s important to know that natural latex still has a unique smell. However, it is not harmful, toxic, or offensive. Make sure, though, that if you’re looking for maximum hypoallergenic qualities, you don’t purchase a latex mattress that has a polyurethene foam core. Retailers will sometimes advertise a latex mattress that is not all latex. Ask questions before you purchase to maximize your success. Don’t get tricked into buying something that isn’t right for you.
Steer clear of toxic fire retardants
If you’re looking for a true hypoallergenic and natural mattress, steer clear of any mattresses that use Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as a fire retardant. Recently, researchers at the University of California, Riverside have been investigating PBDEs as a potential health risk.
This summer, the three researchers reported in Toxicological Sciences that PBDEs, like PCBs, can disrupt the neuroendocrine system, which regulates the secretion of hormones such as those responsible for body water regulation and cardiovascular function.
A competent representative at an established company should know what fire retardants are used in their mattresses.
What’s the advantage of buying online?
Buying online keeps your options wide open and allows you to compare a much greater variety than if you were to go to a local store. You can do the research on your own time, at your own pace without high pressure salespeople or bait-and-switch techniques. Furthermore, by purchasing online, you can often take advantage of incentives such as an in-home sleep trial so you have a real chance to experience the comfort of the mattress.
Where can I buy a natural latex mattress?
Latex mattresses are quickly becoming a norm for those suffering from allergies. When you’re ready to take the next step, we’ve found the best latex mattress retailers will always offer:
- 100% Natural Latex
- Organic Cotton Covers (bonus for removable, washable covers)
- Verified Customer Reviews
- In-Home Trial Period
If you’re shopping online to save money, make sure that you buy from a reputable company. Any online company should have clear product descriptions & pricing, easily accessible warranty and trial information, and a phone number for information or customer service.
Sources
Center for the Advancement of Health (2008, April 15). Dust Mites Outlast Heroic Efforts To Help Asthma Patients. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 27, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/04/080415194426.htm
University of California – Riverside (2007, December 10). Chemicals Used As Fire Retardants Could Be Harmful, UCR Researchers Say. UCR Newsroom. Retrieved February 27, 2012, from http://newsroom.ucr.edu/news_item.html?action=page&id=1731