Don’t let the bed bugs bite! I mean, literally – don’t, that would be disgusting.
Humans focus on our health, physical and oral hygiene – but hardly ever consider our sleeping hygiene (if that’s even a term), and why not, we spend a third of our lives in bed, and should be fully aware of the health benefits, cleanliness, and dangers of our sleeping environment.
This short article looks at different types of fabrics, and how they can promote a healthy bed, or create a haven for dust, bugs, and other nasties that can seriously impact your overall well-being.
Hundreds of millions of people suffer from allergies worldwide. Fabrics, and their ability to deter various substances can have a huge impact on these people and their susceptibility to those elements. Lets take a look at some of the best fabrics we suggest for people who suffer from allergies...
1. LINEN :
Yep, our favourite, and for good reason, it’s at the top of our list. Linen is a gloriously hypoallergenic material, it deters moisture and can absorb up to 20% moisture before it feels damp. It is also antibacterial, and anti-static. It's made naturally and doesn’t need harsh chemicals to keep it soft (fabric softener). We could go on and on but linen is a fantastic natural hypo-allergenic material for duvet covers, sheets, and pillowcases. Linen is super breathable, so if you suffer from overheating, then it will allow the bed space to breathe.
2. BAMBOO :
Not far behind, bamboo has similar moisture wicking properties to Linen, and as a result does not hold moisture which in turn discourages the growth of mould and distribution of dust mites. Check for sustainability certifications and be careful to wash before use, as there are typically more chemicals involved in the production process compared to other fabrics.
3. COTTON :
Popular for a reason, cotton ticks a lot of boxes and is typically well priced. The devil is in the detail with cotton, look for 100% cotton blends with organic, OEKO-TEX certification or accreditation. A higher thread count is always going to be softer to sleep on and will last longer. Cotton is a good all-rounder, it is breathable, meaning allergens can’t thrive, and a good well made cotton can be as soft as any other fabric.
4. SILK :
Silk is as soft as, well, silk. Not only is it one of the lightest and softest fabrics on skin, it's also dust mite and mould resistant. Silk can be great choice for people with skin allergies as it has no harshness and won't agitate the skin, and it allows your skin to maintain its natural moisture. Also popular for pyjamas, this can be a really great choice for certain conditions. Silk can be a expensive and hard to care for – but well looked after does a great job!
5. TENCEL :
Like linen sheets and duvet covers, Tencel also naturally inhibits moisture absorption. Tencel is typically made from sustainable Eucalyptus trees and it's super soft to sleep on as it has a very smooth, silky finish. It's not as common as the likes of cotton and silk bedroom homewares, but is gaining popularity and more and more retailers now offer Tencel sheets and pillowcases as a bedding option.
So there you have it, our top 5 suggestions for those of you who have allergies, or are just wanting to stay as healthy as you can! Lastly when selecting your bedding fabric type there are just also are a few other factors to keep in mind...
Consider the room style & mood, local climate conditions, general room moisture situation, i.e - are you near an ensuite or wet area? If so consider things like dehumidifiers or simply keeping windows open during day allowing UV and natural ventilation. This will help naturally kill moisture. Also, make sure you rotate bedding and vacuum around area at least once a week and you'll be on your way to a bloomin good sleep - Aspen & Fern :)