Making Your Bed

The most common allergy associated with bedding is that pesky microscopic nuisance, the dust mite. It’s hard to believe something so small - about 50 can fit on the head of a pin - can be so annoying. The secret is in the numbers; there are probably about 2 million dust mites living in your mattress right now!

Most people with allergies already know about these critters, and they know that simple things like mattress covers, washing of linens, and frequent vacuuming can help. But the advent of several new product lines means that you can say goodbye to a sterile-looking bed, and create something even Martha Stewart would approve.

The first step is to create a barrier between you and the dust mites often with pillow and mattress encasings. Kenneth Krugman of Allergy Asthma Technology says that new products on the market make it no longer necessary to enclose your mattress in what seems like a giant plastic trash bag. The newest casings feel like bed linen, and are lightweight, soft, and easy to wash. He recommends covering everything - mattresses, pillows, comforters - with some kind of protective casing. The good news is that these products now come in several colors and feel luxurious to the touch.

However, with any kind of zippered encasings, it’s important that the zippered closures be strong and well constructed so no allergens can escape. You may want to cover the zipper with a strong tape, such as duct tape.

Can people with allergies really achieve a luxurious decorating style without jeopardizing their health? Yes, but forget about canopies, padded headboards, or anything constructed with fabric coverings that can’t be removed and washed regularly. Brass, wood, or iron beds are great alternatives to upholstered headboards as long as you dust faithfully, and if you simply must have a dust ruffle, be prepared to take the bed apart and wash it along with the rest of the bedding every few weeks.

Decorator pillows should ideally also be washable and encased in dust-mite protective material. At the very least, cover any pillows used for sleeping with dust-mite-proof encasings.

While the range of choices in colors and styles of durable bed linens is not as varied as those available for the non-allergic, there are enough options that enable you to create an ambiance to your liking. But do remember when you are shopping for your bedding that a higher thread count in the linens does not necessarily mean "dust-mite proof," but rather that the linens will hold up well to repeated hot water washing.

If you’re the arts-and-crafts type, you can whip up your own customized shams, duvet covers, and decorative pillows. If you aren’t inclined to do it yourself, a professional decorator can help you find someone to do it for you.

Synthetic down in pillows and comforters, covered in heavy ticking fabric, is a great alternative to the natural, sneeze-inducing down. And it’s washable, too. This synthetic down is made from ultra-fine fibers that are blown into pillows and comforters just as goose down is. These fibers also mimic natural down’s ability to wick away moisture, keeping you comfortable all year round. Always cover any pillow you use in dust-mite-proof encasings before slipping on your pillowcase.

At what cost comes all this allergy proofing? Two standard-sized, synthetic down pillows cost around $80. Comforters run from $130 for a twin size up to $200 for a king. That’s highly competitive with what’s available in department stores for consumers not concerned about allergies. High-quality mattress covers cost about $80 for a twin, up to $150 for a king. When you consider that creating a luxurious but allergen-free bed starts with the mattress cover, it’s an investment that’s well worth it.

There are also new choices available in blankets, like polar fleece-type throws, which have the feeling of comfort and sumptuousness, and will withstand the harshness of repeated hot water washings. One new line of blankets available from allergy supply companies comes in a wide variety of colors and prices. For example, a crib blanket is about $29 and a king will cost about $115.

But whatever you buy, remember to wash all bedding - and that includes pillows, shams, comforters, and blankets - in short, everything you’re planning to sleep in or on. Hot water is best (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) at least once a week.

Excerpts reprinted from Allergy & Asthma Health magazine, Spring 2001.