Pros of Anti-Allergy Mattresses, Beds & Carpets

Published On: February 16th, 2015

The use of anti allergy products in the home, such as mattresses, covers and carpeting, has rocketed in recent years. This is because the number of people who are affected by allergies has also risen.

Figures suggest that a third of us will be affected by allergies at some point in our life, and one of the worst sources of allergens is the home.

Dust Mites in the Home

One of the biggest contributors to allergies in the home is exposure to dust mites. There is little you can do to eradicate dust mites, they are present even in the cleanest of homes. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid places such as:

  • beds,
  • pillows,
  • mattresses,
  • duvet covers,
  • soft furnishings and
  • carpets.

Research suggests that in the average bed there may be around 10,000 dust mites in residence.

Dust mites are not visible, so we are mostly unaware that they exist. However, their presence may be felt by many people who experience a range of bothersome symptoms. Dust mites live off human skin, and it is actually proteins found in their droppings that form particles of dust, which are thought to be the primary source of allergic reactions.

How Do You Know If You Are Allergic to Mites?

Dust mite allergy produces a range of symptoms, such as a runny or itchy nose, sneezing, red, itchy and watery eyes and asthma. Many sufferers may assume that they are allergic to pollen, as the symptoms are quite similar. Symptoms may also flare up in the hotter months of the year, when dust mite populations flourish. This also coincides with high-pollen season. Some sufferers may just have a general feeling of not being well but may never be able to blame it on anything in particular — they will certainly never imagine that dust mite droppings may be to blame.

Bedroom Protection

It is impossible to get rid of dust mites completely in the home, but you can reduce exposure.

Since dust mites love the bedroom, one of the best options is to consider getting anti allergy beds. There are now mattresses, covers, duvets and pillows available that offer anti allergy protection. These products work by containing a fabric, micro weave or special membrane that does not allow dust mites to thrive in. Anti allergy beds also have the advantage that they also repel other bugs and allergen-causing agents. There is no compromise on comfort and quality in these products, and they can be washed and cleaned as easily as standard bedding. They are particularly beneficial to children, whose immune systems are still developing and may be more affected by allergens from a younger age. The bedroom should also be kept as clean and tidy as possible and the carpet or floor vacuumed or swept to get rid of any dust. Bedding should be washed at 60 degrees to kill any dust mites. Don’t make the bed straight after changing sheets as this will prevent any moisture from evaporating. These actions can all help to reduce allergy-causing populations of dust mites.

Carpet Protection

Dust mites and other allergens are also known to reside in household carpets. When choosing flooring for your home, many people argue that having no carpet is one of the best options for allergy sufferers. However, this is not necessarily the case, and there is a wide range of anti allergy carpets available. Choose short-pile carpets made from synthetic fibres. These synthetic fibres repel allergens and do not provide a hospitable environment for bugs to live in. Nylon carpets are said to be among the best for controlling allergens. Wool, on the other hand, should be avoided. Whatever type of carpet you choose, it will only be effective if you keep it regularly cleaned. This is especially important for carpets in a bedroom, which is a dust mite hot spot. Dust settles on a carpet, so a regular vacuum wash is also advisable.

Also a rug can act as a compromise if you do not have carpets or prefer other flooring options. However they will still require regular cleaning and washing to keep dust mite problems at bay.

How can we help you

Visit one of our showrooms in Newbury, Winchester or Woking to find out more about the anti-allergy products we have available. Or alternatively get in touch with one of our experts.

Customer Stories

Once an order is complete we always encourage customer feedback. Here’s a selection of different projects and customer comments.

Customer Stories
Flooring for complete house

We have used Downs in the past and once again the salesperson was very helpful, answering all my queries. The fitter was equally helpful and able to give knowledgeable advice for a future product. I highly recommend Downs as a local business.

Marian G
Marian G
Customer Stories
Carpet order

From the first enquiry to the fitting of the new carpet, we were warmly welcomed by friendly staff, which helped to make our choice and decisions easy. Carpet came much sooner that originally told but that was great as it meant we could get on with the other changes in the particular room. Many thanks for an excellent service.

Richard M
Richard M
Customer Stories
Kitchen/diner

Customer service is top notch. We have used CMS for all of our flooring requirements to date and will continue to do so throughout the renovation of our house.

Vicky B
Vicky B
Customer Stories
Bedroom carpets

The sales team were really efficient and helpful, taking into consideration our requirements. The fitters worked well, efficiently and cleared up afterwards a real blessing. The choice of flooring was great and the prices very competitive. Recommend CMS carpets and would use them again. Thank you.

Karen P
Karen P

The Downs Difference

At Downs Carpets & Beds, we stay true to our original core values. Take a look at why our customers choose us for their beds and carpets time and time again.

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  • Design consultation: Working collaboratively with you, your designer helps you select the right products.

  • Technical consultation: We will conduct a technical survey, checking all measurements and any unusual angles.

  • Supplying the product: Your chosen product will be ordered and delivered to you in the time frames discussed.

  • Professional Installation: Our expert installers precision fits your product for an exceptional finish.

What Our Customers Say

James Avison
James Avison
Kev, Ash & Mark, our fitters, have been brilliant. Working at light-speed, they've been thorough, meticulous and professional. It's not every group of tradespeople that you'd be happy to recommend, especially in a predominantly female office environment but these three were respectful, thoughtful and good company to have around. We'd be glad to have them back and the quality of their workmanship is excellent. Thank you.
peter brunsden
peter brunsden
Excellent job done, good price and very professional at all times. recarpet of first floor of period property, tricky job well handled. Highly recommended
Debbie Ashworth
Debbie Ashworth
I knew what I wanted when I went in and had the measurements as well. The person serving me was very helpful and we were able to get everything sorted easily.
Ian Fewtrell-Smith
Ian Fewtrell-Smith
Good. There was a small hiccup but quickly resolved.
Carole Horner
Carole Horner
We have found this company to be excellent with their service and with great recommendations for carpets in relevant rooms. So our latest purchase for lounge and 2 flights of stairs and landings. Process was well explained and nothing seemed too much trouble. The fitters were exceptional !
Yvonne Hossack
Yvonne Hossack
Carpets and vinyl lovely. Dave the fitter was so accomplished, he fitted the stair runner brilliantly. Both Dave and his assistant Andy were courteous and helpful
Katherine Singleton
Katherine Singleton
Hi Simon, Thank you for getting all the carpets all sorted, you have been brilliant Simon, its been a pleasure and I appreciate you always being quick to communicate and answer any questions. I am very pleased I came back to you after 18 years! Stress free process and quality carpets and good honest prices! Barry the carpet measuring guy was prompt and has a nice friendly and polite manner. The fitters Kevin & Paul are nice chaps too. All in all a great team from start to finish. I wish all companies operated like you do. Well done and thanks again. Best Regards K
Yoshihiro Sunbeam
Yoshihiro Sunbeam
Had a superb experience when we went in recently looking for a carpet quote. Spoke to Simon and he was very helpful and accommodating, explaining how the prices worked and what the best underlay was for our particular situation. Would highly recommend if in the West Berkshire area.
Judith Curson
Judith Curson
Vinyl for a small space fitted well and at much shorter notice than we expected