Asthma and mattresses don’t always work out, but several technologies and materials reduce the likelihood of triggers.
The best mattress for asthma is hypoallergenic and anti-allergenic – hypo materials are unlikely to trigger allergies. In contrast, anti-allergy mattresses have a treatment at the factory against dust mites and bacteria.
Some materials are also better than others – closed-cell memory foam, latex, and wool (usually found in natural mattresses) are suitable for asthma because they resist allergens.
While none of these can guarantee no asthma problems in bed, regular cleaning will ensure the best chances of a good night’s sleep.
Anti-allergy treatments
An anti-allergy treatment is a spray coating that penetrates the fibres and layers of a mattress at the factory to prevent allergens.
AEGIS Microbe Shield (found in some Sleepeezee mattresses) and Purotex (Silentnight) are two examples of anti-allergy technologies.
The treatment is a natural chemical mixture that inhibits bacteria and is poisonous to dust mites but not humans or animals.
Pictured: Dormeo Octosmart Premium Mattress. Available from £319 (Save £160 on RRP)
Hypoallergenic mattresses
Practically all mattresses sold today contain hypoallergenic materials. Still, it would be best to be careful of hidden allergens like natural latex, sheep’s wool, and cotton – alternatives to these include synthetic latex, hollow fibre, and polyester.
Remember that a hypoallergenic label means the mattress contains materials unlikely to cause reactions in people—it doesn’t firmly guarantee that it is suitable for asthma.
Cotton, polyester, polypropylene, and polyurethane foam are safe for most people with asthma. If your existing mattress is made from these and you have problems, try switching to a different comfort layer material.
Chemical-free hypoallergenic mattresses
Chemical-free mattresses are cleansed of production chemicals during a post-processing stage of manufacturing or use natural materials that require no chemicals, like cotton and natural latex.
All synthetic materials, including foams, fibers, adhesives, and fire retardants, are manufactured from chemicals, and some natural materials are processed with artificial chemicals to cleanse them.
The downside for someone with asthma is these chemicals are “off-gas” – where vapours leftover from manufacturing escape into the air – and some people get headaches and asthma problems from them.
Bunk beds need a thinner mattress like the Silentnight 7 Zone Memory (medium) or Silentnight 3 Zone Memory (medium-soft) – the latter is best for children under 8 because it’s less dense and squashier
Pictured: Silentnight 7 Zone Memory Mattress. Priced from £248 (Save £50 on RRP)
Don’t neglect upkeep.
Vacuum your mattress and change your bedsheets and duvet/pillow covers every weekend to ensure a clean and hygienic sleep surface.
Machine washing your mattress and pillows with a laundry disinfectant is also a good idea every few weeks to kill dust, mites, and bacteria.
Dust your headboard and bedside tables at least twice weekly, and don’t let your cats or dog sleep in your bedroom.
Buying a portable air purifier with a HEPA and activated carbon filter might also be worthwhile for cleansing your bedroom air.
Recommendations for an asthma-friendly bedroom environment
Your bedroom can be a breeding ground for asthma triggers, but luckily, there are steps you can take to create a peaceful, asthma-friendly environment. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Reduce allergens: Dust mites are a common asthma trigger, and they love to live in bedding. Wash sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers in hot water (at least 55°C or 130°F) weekly and dry them thoroughly, ideally in direct sunlight. Consider encasing your mattress and pillows in allergen-proof covers.
Minimise dust: Vacuum regularly, using a HEPA filter if possible. Opt for hard floors or washable rugs over carpets. Dust furniture with a damp cloth to trap dust particles instead of stirring them up.
Control humidity: High humidity levels can worsen asthma symptoms. Invest in a hygrometer to measure humidity levels and aim for a range between 30% and 50%. You can achieve this by using a dehumidifier or simply airing the room regularly, especially after showering or bathing.
Manage temperature: Cold air can also be an asthma trigger. Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature, ideally between 68°F and 72°F (20°C and 22°C).
Air quality: Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove allergens and irritants from the air. Keep windows closed during high pollen count days. Don’t allow pets in the bedroom to minimise pet dander if you have pets.
Other triggers: Be mindful of other potential triggers in your bedroom, such as strong perfumes, air fresheners, and smoke.
Remember, it’s essential to consult your doctor for personalised advice on managing your asthma. They can help you identify your specific triggers and create an action plan to keep your asthma under control.
Summing Up
Hypoallergenic mattresses are the best for asthma, but it isn’t all about the mattress—you need to keep your bedroom clean and wash your bedding regularly for the best results.
