When your head hits that pillow at the end of a long day, all you want is a good night’s sleep. But what if that pillow was an allergy trigger? Memory foam pillows are popular because they offer cushioning and support, but they can also harbor allergens or trigger chemical sensitivities. If you have a memory foam pillow allergy, the first night with a new memory foam pillow might be your last. This article will help you uncover memory foam pillow allergy symptoms and find safer alternatives so you can sleep comfortably and allergy-free.
Yumerest's cloud-like, fluffy duvets will help you achieve your goals by creating a soft, cozy, hypoallergenic sleep surface that can seamlessly replace your old memory foam pillow.
Are Memory Foam Pillows Good for Allergies?
Do you know what kind of critters are crawling around on your pillow right now? You probably don’t want to know, but they may be affecting your health. Thankfully, replacing poly-fill or down pillows with latex and memory foam pillows can help.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny and look like a cross between spiders and ticks. Indeed, they are related, as all are in the “Arachnida” class. These creepy crawlies are found throughout our homes in pillows, mattresses, bedding, toys, furnishings, drapes, and carpeting. They are worse in humid areas or months and may not be as prevalent in drier regions.
Their ugly little faces are busy chomping away on your dead skin, while their feces are thought to feed the fungus that is growing in your pillow. This is the type of ecosystem most of us have no desire to sleep with on a nightly basis. Who would?!
Symptoms and Facts
Dust mites feed on shed skin cells from people and pets, not on live animals, so they won’t bite you or transmit disease. People may experience allergies specifically to the mite and its debris, or they may exacerbate existing allergies and asthma. Symptoms that indicate you may have a dust mite allergy include:
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Difficulty with breathing
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Asthma
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Watery eyes
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Itchy eyes
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Sinus problems
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Sore throat
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Hoarseness
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Itchy skin
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Rashes or hives
These may be chronic or exist during humid times of the year. Overall, 25% of people experience allergies, and 2/3 of those who do are allergic to dust mites. WebMD estimates that over 20 million Americans have dust allergies.
Fungus
A study from the University of Manchester tested 10 synthetic and down pillows with ages ranging between 1-1/2 and 20 years. They found that the pillows contained up to 16 fungi, though the authors noted most are relatively benign to healthy people.
Risk for Immunocompromised
Some were found to have Aspergillus fumigatus, which is a common fungus, but which has been linked to deaths in bone marrow transplants and leukemia patients.
While we should note these fungi are relatively standard in houses and don’t appear to be a big concern for the average person, those with weak immune systems or respiratory disorders may want to be especially mindful of pillow hygiene.
Bacteria
Bacteria can accumulate in pillows from a variety of sources, including your body. Bacteria arrive from your face, hands, breath, saliva, hair, etc. Pets and humid environments can also encourage bacteria on your pillow. Depending on what type is present, this can contribute to colds, pink eye, pimples, and other irritations.
Make sure you always use a washable pillow cover, and wash it frequently with high heat to help kill germs. Your water should be near 160 degrees to disinfect your fabrics effectively. If your water isn’t that warm, you may need to adjust your water heater temporarily.
Latex and Memory Foam Pillows May Help Your Health
Latex and memory foam pillows inhibit the growth of mold, fungus, and dust mites. These are also considered two of the best mattress types for overall health. They are considered naturally hypoallergenic and will help protect you from these home invaders. The cellular nature of these two materials and the lack of tasty fibers prove inhospitable to dust mites and are not supportive of bacteria and fungi.
The benefits of latex and memory foam pillows are numerous, as their contours provide support to the neck and head for back and side sleepers, in addition to protecting you from the dust mite ecosystem. No pillow is 100% free of dust mites, so it is essential to cover all pillows when they are first purchased. Waterproof and dust mite-proof covers prevent the transfer of mites and moisture.
Latex vs. Memory Foam: Allergy-Proof Pillow Guide
Research both latex and memory foam pillows and see which one will best fit your needs. We recommend 100% natural latex pillows and plant-based memory foam pillows like those from Amerisleep.com since they eliminate VOCs to improve health further. In addition to replacing fiber pillows with latex and memory foam pillows, you should also:
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To reduce allergens, use mite-proof protective covers on all pillows in the home, including memory foam and latex pillows. Mattresses and box springs should also be fully encased for optimal effect. New types of covers are more comfortable and quieter than old “plastic” styles and help protect your purchase and your health.
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Put the cover on your pillow from day one, and only remove it for laundering.
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Wash all bedding in hot water to kill dust mites and bacteria; cool water doesn’t work for this purpose.
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Sheets, pillowcases, and mattress pads should be washed at least once a week. Comforters and blankets should also be cleaned regularly, at least once every two weeks.
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NIEH recommends freezing non-washable bedding overnight to kill dust mites.
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Clean and vacuum mattresses at least every spring and fall per manufacturer's instructions. One estimate is that within ten years, the amount of dead skin combined with dust mites and their feces would double the weight of your mattress. While opinions are mixed, a mattress protector is a reasonably cheap investment in your health.
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Pair hypoallergenic bedding with a mattress for allergies.
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Use dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity below 50%.
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Vacuum and steam clean carpets and rugs regularly, and use vacuums with HEPA filters to capture dust and prevent its release back into the air. After reading about the startling inhabitants of a pillow within the home, you may be compelled to rush out and purchase the first replacement you find. Relax and remember you have been sleeping with these guys for a few months at least, one more day probably isn’t going to hurt.
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Can Memory Foam Pillows Cause Allergies?
Yes, you can be allergic to memory foam pillows. Despite their fluffy charm, they can harbor some sneaky allergens. While memory foam pillows are naturally resistant to the buildup of bacteria that cause most indoor allergies, you may be allergic to the material of the memory foam itself.
Memory foam is made with various chemicals, and some people may have an allergic reaction to them. There are three potential causes of allergic reactions to memory foam pillows, which include the smell, toxic materials in the filling, and allergen buildup on the surface.
How Smell Might Trigger Allergy Symptoms
Some people may find that the smell of memory foam triggers allergy symptoms. This is because memory foam is made from various chemicals and materials, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can release chemicals into the air.
This release is known as off-gassing. These chemicals can be irritating to the respiratory system and may cause sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and even nausea.
How Toxic Materials Can Cause Allergic Reactions
While not all memory foam pillows are made with latex, many of them are. If you are allergic to latex, whether synthetic or natural, you may experience an allergic reaction to a memory foam pillow.
The same goes for other materials used in memory foam, such as polyurethane. These materials can also contain VOCs, which can cause the same symptoms mentioned above.
Allergen Buildup on Memory Foam Pillows
Another potential cause of allergic reactions to memory foam pillows is allergen buildup on the surface. While memory foam is resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites, it can still collect these allergens over time.
If you don’t wash your pillow regularly, these allergens can build up and cause symptoms to flare up. Washing your pillow frequently will help to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Evidence and Studies
Studies suggest that about 10 percent of people experience allergies to memory foam materials like polyurethane or natural latex. Research from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology indicates that flame retardants often found in foam products can also trigger reactions.
One study published in the Journal of Environmental Health noted that chemical off-gassing might irritate airways in sensitive individuals. So, if you suddenly wake up feeling stuffy or sneezy, a memory foam pillow could be your nighttime nemesis.
Can Memory Foam be Bad for Asthma Sufferers?
Irritations and allergies caused by your mattress material could exacerbate asthma. Pollen issues often arise seasonally and are usually easier to identify because they’re not an everyday occurrence in your daily life. For example, you may notice more difficulty managing your allergies or asthma during the spring or summer months when many plants are in bloom.
Dust mite allergies or asthma attacks could happen year-round if they’re a result of your mattress. Being in contact with your bed daily can make it hard to pin down the culprit, but keep in mind, it could be the primary cause of your asthma.
What to Do if Your Memory Foam Pillow Is Causing Your Allergies
If you suspect that your memory foam pillow is causing your allergies, try removing it from your bed and see if your symptoms improve. If they do improve, your pillow may be the culprit. But there are still things you can do before buying a new pillow.
Try covering the pillow with an allergen-proof plastic pillowcase. This will help to trap the off-gassing VOCs and prevent your skin from coming into contact with any of the other materials that may trigger an allergic reaction.
PureFlow Duvet: Cloud-Like Comfort for Deep Sleep
Yumerest's PureFlow Duvet transforms your bedroom into a luxurious sanctuary, enveloping you in cloud-like softness with its exceptional 5kg filling, which promotes more profound and restorative sleep. Crafted by expert artisans using techniques perfected since 1946, our duvets combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to deliver an unparalleled sleeping experience.
The PureFlow bundle, featuring our heavenly duvet, elegant cover, and calming sleep mist, creates a complete sleep sanctuary that helps busy professionals and parents finally achieve the rejuvenating rest they deserve. Get deep sleep every night with our cloud-like fluffy duvets.
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How to Avoid a Memory Foam Pillow Allergy
Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments like your bed. So, to keep allergens at bay, wash your bedding regularly. Weekly washing in hot water (at least 60 degrees Celsius) kills dust mites and reduces your risk of allergic reactions.
Use a Washable Mattress Cover for Extra Protection
A washable mattress cover creates another layer of protection for your mattress against bacteria and dust mites. All of our memory foam mattresses come with removable mattress covers, which can be washed at 40 degrees.
Tackle Dust Mites with a Vacuum Cleaner
Regular vacuuming and cleaning help to curb dust mites in your household furnishings, such as carpets and curtains, so make sure you’ve got one with decent suction. You can even buy a vacuum with a special allergen filter to trap any dust particles that may escape normal filters.
Let Your Mattress Breathe
When you first get your memory foam pillow, it’s a good idea to let it air out for a few days before using it. This will help to reduce any off-gassing odors.
Don’t Make Your Bed
Don’t make the bed and enjoy a healthy sleep. You heard it right, according to a group of specialists, a messy bedroom could spell the end for creepy crawlies.
Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a domestic machine that removes moisture from the air and controls humidity levels in your home. Dust mites and bed bugs thrive in humid environments, so a dehumidifier simply makes your home less hospitable to them.
Air Your House to Reduce Dust Mites
Opening the windows and letting in some fresh air several times a week will prevent your home from getting too stuffy, humid, and hospitable for dust mites. Bear in mind that peak times for pollen emission are between 5 am and 10 am, so keep your windows firmly closed during those morning hours.
Keep Pets Off Your Bed and Out of Your Bedroom
Sleeping with pets is comforting, but dander from their fur can majorly inflame your allergies! Many of us are allergic to pet dander, suffering from red eyes and a runny nose as a result. The easy solution is to ban your pets from the bedroom. After this, you should notice your allergy symptoms have reduced.
Switch Your Pillow to a Hypoallergenic Alternative
To maximise your sleep, consider memory foam. Pillows are the item closest to your mouth and nose during the night, so a naturally hypoallergenic memory foam pillow can provide much-needed relief for allergy sufferers.
Change Your Mattress!
Your spring mattress could be worsening your allergy symptoms during the night by providing dust mites and bed bugs with the humid conditions they need to thrive. Buying a memory foam mattress is a guaranteed improvement, owing to the natural hypoallergenic qualities of memory foam.
Alternatives to Memory Foam Pillows
If memory foam’s giving you grief, don’t fret. Plenty of options exist that won’t trigger your allergies or make you feel like you’re sleeping on a marshmallow. Check out these hypoallergenic contenders:
Materials of Hypoallergenic Pillows
Some fillers possess more hypoallergenic properties than others. Always research pillow materials before making a decision. Below, we’ll talk about more allergen-resistant fillings.
Natural Fibers
Common natural pillowcase materials are cotton and linen. These fabrics aren’t subjected to grueling chemical processes before being woven into cloth. They’re light and breathable, which means they foster a dry environment resistant to dust mites.
As for natural fillings, buckwheat and Kapok fibers are highly breathable and can establish one of the most comfortable pillows.
Natural Pillow Fillings Explained
Buckwheat pillows, made from buckwheat shell casings, are absorbent and breathable. The shells move to conform to the head, neck, and shoulders, potentially alleviating pain. Buckwheat does provide a firm pillow.
Kapok filling comes from the seed pods of Ceiba trees. It’s a naturally lofty material resistant to allergens, dust mites, mildew, and mold. This material is typically used in conjunction with memory foam to produce a resilient, hypoallergenic product with pain-relieving contouring.
Processed Materials
Processed materials are more eco-friendly than natural ones. Natural products aren’t put through rigorous chemical processes; meanwhile, processed materials have to be broken down to be built into products.
These materials take natural resources, such as wood, and run them through a chemical process. The wood pulp and fibers collected from the aftermath are spun into fabric, like Tencel® or bamboo.
Pros and Allergy Risks
Hypoallergenic pillows often use Tencel® and bamboo in their covers. Both of these materials are antimicrobial and resistant to dust and pollen.
Latex comes from the sap of rubber trees. To make latex products, the material is run through several manufacturing methods. Some people have latex allergies, which means this normally hypoallergenic option could wreak havoc on their upper respiratory systems.
Man-Made Materials
Polyester is one of the more durable and lightweight man-made fabrics that deters allergens. The tightly woven resin fibers lack breathability and may overheat some sleepers. Polyester can be used in both the filling and the pillow cover, but as a filling, it needs to be fluffed frequently.
Still, a polyester down alternative fill can offer the feel of down without the cost or allergens. Our down vs down alternative pillow guide discusses the details of each more thoroughly. Memory foam creates a solid, conforming sleeping surface and a hypoallergenic environment. The dense material doesn’t foster an environment where mites and dust can settle.
Tips for Choosing the Right Pillow
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Check Allergens: Look for pillows labeled hypoallergenic. It’s a simple way to avoid late-night sneezes and sniffs.
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Consider Sleeping Style: Side sleepers benefit from thicker pillows. Back sleepers prefer medium support. Stomach sleepers? Go for something softer; your neck will thank you.
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Read Reviews: Peek at what other allergy-prone humans say. They provide firsthand warnings that are often more accurate than the pillow marketing spiel.
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Try Before You Buy: Many stores allow you to test pillows. Give it a go. If it feels like sleeping on a cloud, you’ve found your match. If it feels like an unforgiving rock, keep looking.
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Get Deep Sleep Every Night with Our Cloud-like Soft Fluffy Duvets
Yumerest crafts premium hypoallergenic bedding for people who want to sleep better. Our products are designed to help you get the deep sleep you deserve without the sneezing and sniffling. We carefully select materials that are gentle, soft, and soothing for allergy sufferers. Our innovative designs promote airflow and eliminate dust mites and other allergens to create a clean, cozy sleep environment.
At Yumerest, we understand that a good night’s sleep is vital for health and well-being. That's why we create our luxurious bedding with one goal in mind: to help you wake up rejuvenated and ready to take on the day.
