Spring brings with it lots of good changes for your sleep. The weather warms up, winter blues fade away and it’s easier to be outside and active during the day. It also comes with some downsides, the biggest one being allergens. 

There is more pollen in the air as trees and flowers bloom, the increased temperature and humidity can cause mold growth and the level of dust and dust mites goes up. For people with allergies and respiratory conditions like asthma, exposure to allergies can make quality sleep impossible. 

So here are a few ways you can allergy-proof your bedroom this spring.

1. Use a Duvet Cover and Mattress Protector 

It’s almost impossible to totally keep allergens from getting into your bedroom. So it’s important to protect your bed from allergens. Sleeping right next to pollen and dust mites is not exactly ideal for good sleep. 

A duvet cover and a mattress protector are the two best ways to keep allergens from building up on you bed. 

Comforters are not designed to be washed often, so they can accumulate lots of dirt, bacteria and allergens. Using a duvet cover protects your comforter or blanket from all this stuff. And because the duvet cover can be washed frequently, it’s easy to keep it clean. If you have allergies or respiratory issues, we recommend washing your duvet cover at least twice a week. 

Your mattress is even more problematic if you have allergies. That’s because you can’t wash your mattress. So whatever gets on it stays there. A mattress protector keeps allergens and all other kinds of icky stuff from building up in the mattress. Be sure to get a waterproof one to prevent sweat and other fluids from getting through.   

2. Change Your Bedding Frequently 

If you go for weeks without changing your sheets or pillowcase, it could be ruining your sleep. Not only are you sleeping in a soup of bacteria, fungi and dirt, you are breathing in lots of different allergens. 

Washing your bed linen frequently, particularly in the spring, helps keep allergen levels on your bed low. Wash or change the sheets, pillowcases and duvet cover 1-2 times a week. 

3. Reduce the Number of Soft Furnishings in the Bedroom 

Now let’s move on to the rest of the bedroom. The first thing to do is cut down on the number of soft furnishings in the room. These include rugs and carpets, upholstered chairs and stuffed toys. 

These items accumulate a lot of dust and allergens quickly, and they are difficult to clean. If you have curtains, they can also accumulate dust and pollen. Consider switching to hypoallergenic alternatives such as blinds and shutters, at least for spring and summer. 

If you have to use rugs, get washable ones that you can clean often. Low-pile rugs are also better for allergies. Just make sure you vacuum daily. 

4. Keep Windows Closed

Normally, opening the windows and letting in fresh air from outside is great for your bedroom. But during peak pollen season in spring, it’s best to keep windows closed to reduce the amount of dust and pollen in your bedroom. 

The same goes during wildfire season, when the air is filled with smoke and other particulates. 

Instead, rely on your AC to keep your home cool and fresh. 

5. Get a HEPA Air Purifier    

For people who are really sensitive to allergens, no amount of allergy-proofing works. These tiny and evasive allergens somehow still find a way into your bedroom. Or you may have a pet that you really don't want to part with. 

The best protection is a HEPA air purifier. Make sure it actually has a HEPA filter as that’s the only kind of filter that can tackle tiny particles like pollen and dust mites. Most air purifiers also include an active carbon filter that eliminates odors. It’s handy if you are sensitive to cooking smells or you have a neighbor who smokes. 

Additional Tips

• Clear clutter from your bedroom. This eliminates hidden areas where mold, dust, dust mites and other allergens can accumulate. 
• You don't have to get rid of your pet, but try to keep it from your bedroom and especially from your bed. Pets can bring in dust, pollen and dust mites into your bedroom. 
• House plants, though pretty and relaxing, can be terrible for allergy sufferers. They release pollen into the air and some can introduce mold into your bedroom. Consider getting artificial plants instead. 
• Watch out for humidity. Humidity levels typically start rising in spring, providing relief from the abrasive dry air of winter. But it can also introduce mold in your home. Look out for any leaks, make sure your bedroom is well ventilated and, if necessary, use a dehumidifier.