What Causes Mattress Allergy Symptoms (And 15 Easy Fixes That Work)

It’s hard to sleep when you feel itchy, congested, or otherwise miserable. For millions of allergy sufferers, the source of nighttime discomfort isn’t pollen or pet dander, but their very own mattress. Allergies to the dust mites and other microbes that live in bedding can cause unpleasant mattress allergy symptoms that make it hard to sleep well and feel rested. This article will help you identify if mattress allergies are causing your nighttime symptoms and what you can do about them so you can sleep comfortably and allergy-free. 

A critical step to reducing mattress allergy symptoms is replacing your old mattress. YumeRest's cloud-like fluffy duvets are a valuable tool to help you sleep better by reducing your exposure to allergens in your bedding.

Can Mattresses Cause Allergies or Worsen Existing Ones?

If you’re constantly cleaning every nook and cranny of your house but still find your allergies triggered, the culprit might just be your mattress. We spend almost every night in our bedroom, so it’s crucial to keep a check on your mattress hygiene and whether it is contributing to your condition.

What Causes Allergies in Bed?

The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America cautions that dust mite feces are one of the most common triggers of year-round allergies. It’s not the actual insect you’re allergic to, but rather their waste products that can accumulate in the nooks and crannies of coil mattresses.

What, Exactly, Are Dust Mites?

Unlike bed bugs and cockroaches, these insect-like pests are invisible to the naked eye. Microscopic dust mites thrive in areas with moderate-to-high humidity. They feed off of human skin cells, so high-traffic areas like your bed and sofa make for a cozy home.

While some websites insist that dust mites can double the weight of your pillow or mattress, there’s no evidence for these claims. That doesn’t mean these pests are harmless!

Signs of a Dust Mite Allergy Include:

• Congested nasal passages

• Sneezing

• Itchy eyes and nose

• Sore throat and cough

• Skin irritation

Your symptoms may be worse if you have asthma or other respiratory health issues.

Other Allergens

Mold Spores

Mold spores are a common cause of allergies, but they are often overlooked. Do you suffer from seasonal allergies that get worse in the rain? If this is the case, you could be allergic to mold spores. Mold is a fungus, and it can be found both inside and outside the home, even if you don’t see it. Mold thrives in still and moist environments in particular.

When someone reacts to the chemical compounds released by these spores, they develop a mold allergy. Upper respiratory problems, coughing, and sinus drainage are the most common symptoms of mold allergy.

Mold allergies can be reduced by taking steps to prevent mold growth. While keeping the house as cool and dry as possible will help, there will always be inaccessible areas where mold can grow, such as the underside of the mattress.

Pet Fur

People with pet allergies are allergic to the proteins found in animal dander or dead skin cells. When our pets shed, they leave their dander all over our homes, including our bedroom furniture, carpets, clothes, etc.

The most common cause of pet allergies is exposure to cats and dogs, but all animals with fur are potential sources of allergies.

Cockroaches

Yes, you can be allergic to cockroaches. Like dust mites, cockroaches carry a protein that many people are allergic to. Cockroach allergies are also known to trigger asthma attacks in those with allergic asthma.

Pollen

Pollen is an airborne allergen and one of the most common causes of seasonal allergies in the United States. Although pollen is created outside, the wind can carry it towards your bedroom window. It can also stick to your hair or clothes, which you can then bring indoors.

Chemical Sensitivities

Many mattresses contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde, flame retardants, and other chemicals. These substances can cause headaches, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. If you have chemical sensitivities, opting for mattresses made from organic cotton or all-natural latex can help alleviate these symptoms.

Choosing a mattress with low VOC emissions and avoiding synthetic materials can significantly improve your sleep environment.

Latex Allergies

While latex is a standard material in mattresses, it can cause allergic reactions in some people. Synthetic latex can lead to contact dermatitis, characterized by itchy eyes, skin rashes, and other forms of skin irritation. If you suspect a latex allergy, consider memory foam mattresses as an alternative.

Using hypoallergenic covers and washing bedding regularly can also help reduce exposure to latex allergens.

Heat Rash

One of the traits memory foam mattresses are notorious for is trapping body heat. The material lacks breathability, and sleeping on it can cause heat skin rashes from too much irritation. This isn’t a direct allergy, but it can still be a symptom you’ll have to deal with, especially if you sleep hot.

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12 Mattress Allergy Symptoms to Watch Out For

1. Worsening Allergies at Night

When allergies flare up at night, it's a clear sign that an allergen is nearby. Congestion from dust mites and pet dander that exist within and on your mattress can make your allergies worse while you sleep. The American Lung Association even underlines that frequent exposure to these allergens can cause other breathing issues like asthma.

Studies show that 74% of allergy sufferers wake up during the night, while over 90% have difficulty sleeping while struggling with these symptoms. If left untreated, this can eventually disturb your sleep cycle, causing insomnia, which can then lead to other physical and mental concerns.

2. Signs of Mold

Mold is another allergen that can exist within your mattress, especially as we enter the colder and wetter months now. The symptoms of mold allergy are very similar to the upper-respiratory allergies, such as:

• Sneezing

• Stuffy nose

• Itchy eyes

• Nose

• Throat

• Dry scaly skin

The severity of these symptoms can also vary from person to person. Some may have year-round symptoms that flare up at times, while others may notice it only when the weather gets damper, which is why it's essential to know how to spot mattress mold and deal with it quickly.

3. Skin Irritation 

Skin irritations, such as hives and swelling, can be a sign of a latex allergy. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, latex allergy symptoms can lead to asthma or even anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing and/or fall in blood pressure).

While allergic skin problems may be caused by direct contact with latex products, inhaling the latex proteins in the air may also cause damage. Allergic contact dermatitis is another kind of skin allergy, which can be noticed by eczema or blisters.

4. Frequent Headaches and Nose Blowing

Frequent snort or runny nose complaints; if these complaints increase at night, the mattress can be used as a home for allergens. Frequent headaches, particularly in the morning, can be a sign of exposure to allergens in your mattress. Dust mites and mould spores can cause sinus congestion, leading to headaches.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it might be time to evaluate your mattress and take steps to reduce allergens. In the next section, we’ll cover some practical ways to prevent allergies from your mattress.

5. Breathing Difficulty

Some respiratory conditions seem normal but worsen at night. Indications of the presence of mould or any other allergen in the bed.

6. Sneezing and Runny Nose

If you find yourself sneezing frequently or waking up with a runny nose, your mattress might be to blame. Dust mites and their feces are common allergens that accumulate in mattresses and can trigger these symptoms.

You don’t necessarily have to be sensitive to your mattress to get a runny nose or itchy eyes. It could also be a sign of a common cold or some other allergy. Still, it’s worth looking into if you’re sleeping on memory foam.

7. Coughing and Wheezing

Persistent coughing and wheezing, especially at night, can indicate an allergic reaction. According to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, dust mite feces are a significant trigger for asthma and other respiratory problems.

8. Watery Eyes

Watery, itchy eyes are another common symptom of mattress allergies. Dust mites, mould spores, and even pet dander trapped in your mattress can irritate your eyes, making them red and watery.

9. Mattress Age

It is a known fact that if your mattress is anywhere between 7 and 10 years old, it is the right time to replace your mattress. Over the years, it can accumulate dust, dead skin, and pet dander if you allow pets on your bed.

Without a decent mattress protector, old mattresses can also become a breeding ground for dust mites. A study by Ohio State University even found that our mattresses may have 100,000 to 10 million dust mites within. This can add up to the weight and make your bed heavier over time. 

10. Irregular Cleaning Schedule

Dust mites don’t just thrive in old mattresses; your brand-new mattress, too, can trigger your allergies if not cleaned regularly. It is recommended that you deep-clean your mattress every few months to remove the dust, pet dander, dead skin, sweat, and oil, all of which can otherwise attract mites. Buying a handy mattress vacuum and having a fixed bed cleaning schedule could help you keep a tab on your bed.

11. Nausea

Even though it’s less common, feeling like you’re going to be sick can also be an allergy symptom. Being nauseous can also be a sign of other medical problems, and it’s not just about where you sleep.

12. Dizziness

If you often feel headaches or dizziness, notably at home, you could be experiencing an allergic reaction to your mattress. This can usually be caused by chemicals in foam and could even lead to fainting. Watch out for signs that your mattress might be a guilty party!

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15 Steps to Reducing Your Mattress-Related Allergies

1. Clean Your Mattress Thoroughly

Vacuum your mattress thoroughly (preferably with a vacuum with a HEPA filter) to lift dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens lurking within your mattress. Open windows to allow the mattress to breathe.

Wash sheets in hot water and allow them to air-dry in sunlight, if possible. Make sure you do this regularly, once every few months, so you don’t give dust mites a chance to accumulate dirt and breed.

2. Use Hypoallergenic Bedding

Some bedding materials are better at keeping allergens like dust, mold, and dander at bay. Hypoallergenic bedding has a tighter weave, which holds tiny particles from breaking through the fabric and into your mattress.

Cotton, bamboo, and Tencel (made from tree pulp) are all excellent options, as is silk. That particular sleeping surface comes with a hefty price tag and requires dry-cleaning, which 

It isn’t the best for those with chemical allergies.

Bamboo and Cotton Sheets vs VOC Mattresses

Bamboo and cotton sheets have a natural feel and are inherently more repellent materials, suitable for resisting mites and pollen alike. Some mattresses are also made specifically to have low to no VOC contents. VOCs are volatile organic compounds that can trigger allergies in some people.

3. Invest in a Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector

Studies have shown that asthma sufferers experience reduced symptoms after using hypoallergenic bedding, such as mattress covers and pillowcases. This is an effective method to keep the allergens at bay as it acts as a physical barrier, preventing the dust, sweat, and dirt from settling deep within your mattress.

While hypoallergenic mattresses and pillows keep the majority of culprits out, some will still get in. As you toss and turn in bed, you’ll jostle the big happy dust family around, which can trigger all the allergic reactions you want to avoid.

Latex Allergy? Choose Micron-Level Mattress Protection Carefully

If you’re allergic to latex, make sure your mattress cover isn’t made from it; otherwise, it won’t be very good at helping you avoid allergic reactions. 

People who are extremely sensitive to memory foam and latex mattresses can look for a mattress protector with a pore size of 1 micron. It’s effective at blocking allergens, but be aware that the lack of airflow will likely create extra heat and diminish the comfort of your mattress.

4. Change Your Pillows, Bedding, and Mattresses regularly

Did you know that you shed 500 million dead skin cells a day? That's a lot of food for dust mites, and a lot of it gets stuck on your bedding. As a rule of thumb, you should wash your sheets at least once a week.

It's also essential to replace your sheets, pillows, and mattress every few years. You should replace your pillows every one to two years, but the actual number varies based on the pillow material. Mattresses should be replaced every six to eight years.

5. Replace Your Bedding Promptly

While there are always exceptions and caveats regarding timing, here are some general rules of thumb:

• Sheets and bedding should be changed and washed regularly

• Pillows should be replaced every other year

• Mattresses should be replaced every eight years

If you're unsure how old your mattress is, you should be able to check the tag for the sale date. Anything more than eight years old, and you're likely sleeping on piles of impacted dust, sweat, and dead skin, the size of which won't be capable of being readily removed.

6. Pick the Appropriate Mattress Material

Allergy and asthma sufferers should look for a synthetic material like memory foam that has been proven to be easier to clean and collects overall significantly less dust than traditional materials. Moving forward, consider choosing an 'allergy-proof' slipcover that goes over your mattress and prevents dust mites from traveling from your sheets to your mattress.

7. Practice Good Hygiene and Home Care

As we indicated above, sheets and pillowcases should be frequently washed (at least once a week) in hot water to remove dust and feed dust mites. While most people have this step in place, many are unaware that, in addition to vacuuming their floors regularly, they should also vacuum their mattresses.

This is a simple but essential step to keeping down mites. Every time you strip your bed to wash your sheets, give your mattress a thorough vacuuming.

8. Keep It in an Area with Good Ventilation

Good ventilation helps reduce allergens like dust mites and pet dander. Keep your bedroom well-ventilated with large windows and avoid blocking vents. In humid climates, use exhaust fans to prevent moisture buildup, which can increase allergen growth.

9. Use Certified Organic Cotton Linens or Bedding

Certified organic cotton linens are grown without toxic pesticides and fertilizers, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. They create an impermeable barrier between you and your mattress, keeping dust mites and pet dander at bay.

10. Use a Dehumidifier or Air Purifier

Ambient moisture can allow mold and mildew to thrive. Moreover, dust mites need humid air to survive. These creatures don’t drink water, but rather absorb it from the atmosphere. They can’t survive in arid areas or rooms equipped with efficient dehumidifiers.

A dehumidifier can help maintain a relative humidity level below 50%, reducing dust mite survival and reproduction. An air purifier can filter out pollen and other allergens, improving indoor air quality. Remember to change filters regularly to ensure optimal performance.

11. Employ Zippered Covers

If there are dust mites in your mattress or pillow, a zippered cover can trap them there. If there aren’t, a zippered cover will keep them pest-free.

12. Don't Let Your Pets into Your Bedroom

Some people with pet allergies can tolerate having pets around. Still, we advise anyone allergic to pet dander to try to minimize their exposure to their pets as much as possible.

This means keeping the bedroom a pet-free zone. Doing so can also reduce the risk of getting pet urine on your mattress, so you can keep your bed fresh and clean.

13. Shower and Wash Before Bed

When we step outside, millions of tiny particles of dust, dirt, pollen, and fur can latch onto our clothes, hair, and shoes. Before you hit the hay, make sure you're clean and free of any dirt and debris.

14. Avoid Smoking Indoors

While cigarette smoke isn't considered an allergen, it can irritate the nasal passages and the lungs. Even if you don't smoke, secondhand smoke can do substantial damage to your health. If you or someone you live with continues to smoke, make sure to do it in a place with good ventilation.

15. Off-Gassing

The one thing you need to do, especially if you’re getting a bed-in-a-box made of memory foam, is to let it air out. Off-gassing is a process that happens when you unpack the mattress, and the chemicals and VOCs get out.

These aren’t that dangerous, but they can cause irritation and allergies. The off-gassing time depends on the mattress, so follow the instructions. Most beds take about two days to off-gas, but it’s always good to prolong the off-gassing process.

Get Deep Sleep Every Night with Our Cloud-like Soft Fluffy Duvets

Do you wake up wheezing, sneezing, or with itchy skin? If so, you might have a mattress allergy. Most people associate allergies with outdoor elements like pollen or mold. For some, staying inside is the real issue. Dust mites, pet dander, mold, and other allergens love to make themselves at home in mattresses and bedding.

For those with allergies, this can make for miserable nights and even worse mornings. With a little allergy education, you can get to the bottom of your nighttime symptoms and uncover solutions for a better night’s rest.

Yumerest: A Leader in Hypoallergenic Bedding

Yumerest was founded with one goal in mind: to create the most comfortable sleep products imaginable. We know that when you sleep better, you live better, and our innovative pure collection helps you achieve a peaceful night’s rest free of allergens, toxins, and chemicals.

The collection’s flagship product is the Yumerest PureFlow Duvet, which boasts cloud-like softness, temperature-regulating properties, and a fill made from ethically sourced northern Canadian down. Yumerest duvets are designed to help you sleep better, so you can wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the day.

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