Inside this Article:
Allergies and Asthma Can Be an “Inside” Job
Seasonal allergies, also called “hay fever” or allergic rhinitis, are a common struggle for many from early spring through the first frost of late fall. However, it’s important to remember—especially during May, which is National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month—that indoor allergy triggers can be just as problematic as what is blooming outdoors. And while it’s not pleasant to think about, an alarming number of asthma and allergy triggers are likely lurking in your home right now:
- Dust mites: These tiny creatures live in bedding, pillows, and carpets, and their droppings can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms. Learn more about dust mites and how silk can help prevent them here.
- Mold: Mold grows in damp areas of the home—bathrooms, closets, windows, or anywhere there is a leak—and can release mold spores that trigger allergies and asthma.
- Pet dander: Your four-legged family member can shed allergy-inducing dander all over the house, including your bedroom.
- Pollen: Of course, pollen develops outdoors. But pesky pollen can float into your home through open windows or hitch a ride on your clothing and even your hair.
- Cleaning products: Heavy chemicals, harsh compounds, and strong fragrances can be a trigger for allergy symptoms.
- Mattresses and pillows: These are magnets for allergic triggers, including dust mites, mold, and more.
- Smoke: The dangers of secondhand smoke are well documented, particularly when it comes to triggering allergic reactions.
Mulberry Park Silks Bedding Can Help Minimize Indoor Allergies
Of course, no indoor space can be entirely free from allergens. But sleeping on pure silk pillowcases and bedding from Mulberry Park Silks makes for a great start. Why? Our silk bedding is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, mites, and allergens. It is also breathable, temperature regulating, and moisture wicking to prevent the dampness that allows mold to form.
According to Dr. Sony Sherpa, a holistic physician from organic wellness company Nature's Rise, silk delivers many benefits for minimizing allergies.
“The special fibers that make up this type of fabric have unique properties that prevent dirt, dust mites, and contaminants from being absorbed into the pillow, thus decreasing the risk of an allergic reaction,” Dr. Sherpa writes. She adds, “Due to its smooth surface, a silk pillowcase helps to lessen the effects of friction in hair, keeping allergens from getting embedded deep down on our scalp and spreading through the strands of hair. Finally, since natural silk has cooling properties, it allows for a more comfortable sleep temperature and reduces nighttime sweating which may cause further irritation for allergy sufferers.”
Similarly, Dr. Sherpa notes, “Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can be very beneficial for those who suffer from asthma. Silk pillowcases reduce the allergens people have to deal with during sleep, and this helps to decrease irritation in people's airways, bringing relief to asthma symptoms.”
Helpful Products for Managing Your Indoor Allergies
There are several steps you can take, and products you can use, to control indoor allergens. These include sleeping on allergy-proof bedding, cleaning regularly, banishing pets from your sleep space, and avoiding strong fragrances. Here are some helpful products to consider to minimize indoor allergy and asthma triggers:
- Hypoallergenic bedding. Sleeping on hypoallergenic bedding—like the pure silk bedding made by Mulberry Park Silks— can go a long way to keeping you protected from indoor allergies. After all, silk is a protein-based fiber spun from the protective cocoon of the silkworm, which is a pure, pristine environment. This is why silk is naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and allergens.
- Air purifier. Running an air filter or purifier like the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifierwith true HEPA can help remove allergens, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, from the air in your bedroom. Look for a purifier with a HEPA filter, which can capture tiny particles.
- Dust mite covers. Dust mite covers like these SureGuard Pillow Protectors go over your mattress, pillows, and box spring to prevent dust mites from getting in. Look for covers that are labeled as allergen-proof or dust mite-proof.
- Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier like this one from Amazon can help reduce the moisture in the air, which can prevent mold and mildew growth. This is especially important if you live in a humid climate or have a bathroom or closet in your bedroom. Make certain to purchase a dehumidifier with the proper capacity for your space/room for adequate humidity control.
- Non-toxic cleaning products: Use non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaning products like these 7th Generation Disinfecting Wipes. These products are less likely to contain strong fragrances or other irritants that can trigger asthma or allergies.
- Bed Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter. We really like this hand-held fabric bed vacuum with a HEPA filter and UV filtration. Vacuuming regularly can help remove allergens from your carpet, bed and furniture, but—similar to an air purifier—it’s important to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to stop allergens from recirculating as you vacuum.
- Allergy-friendly plants: Some plants, such as this Costa Farms Peace Lily, can help improve indoor air quality by removing toxins from the air. Of course, look for plants that are labeled as allergy-friendly.
These are just a few examples of items that can help reduce asthma and allergy triggers in your home and bedroom. It's also important to keep your space clean and free of clutter and to avoid smoking and strong fragrances. Consult with your doctor for personalized advice on how to manage your asthma and allergies.
Mulberry Park Silks Bedding: Easy to Care For
Along with dusting, vacuuming, and purifying the air, regular washing of your silk bedding will help keep allergies and irritants down. Although it is quite luxurious, Mulberry Park Silks bedding is also very easy to care for. It can be washed right in your machine at home on a gentle cycle with enzyme-free detergent like Heritage Park Silk and Wool Laundry Detergent. We recommend putting your silk pillowcases and silk sheets into mesh laundry bags to protect them in the machine, and hanging your silk to dry away from direct sunlight. You can read more detailed care instructions for washing silk bedding here.
More Benefits to Sleeping on Silk
Along with being hypoallergenic, temperature regulating, and resistant to mold and mites, our silk bedding is non irritating to even the most sensitive skin. It is also truly luxurious; we use the finest quality silk on earth (6A) for the ultimate softness and strength. Even better? Sleeping on silk comes with beauty benefits for hair and skin, including taming tangles, bedhead, frizz, and hair breakage; minimizing sleep wrinkles; and keeping hair and skin beautifully hydrated. Check out our Silk Insider Blog to learn more about how sleeping on silk can help you look and feel your best.