Mattress, Box Spring, Pillow, & Comforter Encasings
One of the most common allergens is dust mites. If you are allergic to dust mites, encasings are essential because dust mites are found by the millions in mattresses, box springs, pillows, and comforters. Dust mites feed off of dead human skin cells, so beds are perfect places for them to live, grow, and reproduce. Mite-proof encasings are complete barriers to them. Without encasings, you will directly breathe in the allergens when they are kicked up from your bedding whenever you step on, shake, or bounce the mattress. Any movement in your sleep can also kick up dust mites, causing nighttime allergy symptoms. Encasings are also great for keeping out other allergens such as pollen or pet dander from your bed.
“Hypo-allergenic” pillows still require encasings. This phrase simply means that the material inside the pillow is a less suitable living environment for dust mites, therefore has less of a chance of causing an allergic reaction. However, dust mites can still be found in these pillows. Softer and more durable fabrics for the encasings are now being sold, which eliminates any problems of discomfort with the encasings. Now most encasings are so comfortable and cool that you don’t even realize you’re sleeping on one. Essentially, there is no reason not to use this environmental control!
