Related Articles
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
If you struggle to get through the night due to a sneezy, stuffy nose, the issue might stem from your choice of bedding. Surprisingly, even after you think the dust has settled, you could still be affected. Dust mites are the most common cause of allergies related to house dust, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
These tiny pests thrive in your bedding, pillows, and sheets, feeding on dead skin cells, which can worsen your allergy symptoms. Knowledge is key when it comes to managing allergic reactions. If you suspect that your bedroom is harboring a mix of mold, dander, or dust mites, switching to hypoallergenic bedding can be a simple way to minimize your triggers and help you get a better night’s sleep.
Where to Buy Allergy-Proof Bedding Online
Based on personal experience and top-rated items from trusted brands, we’ve identified the best bedding, mattresses, and cleaning supplies designed to combat allergens, enabling you to breathe more easily as you drift off to sleep. Please note that we are not medical professionals; therefore, if you are experiencing chronic allergies, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.
Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets
$135.20
$169.00
20% off
Buy Now on brooklinen
Both percale and sateen sheets are cotton-based, which makes them our go-to for those of us with allergies. Brooklinen’s Percale Bed Sheets combat allergies with densely made materials that make it harder for dust mites to collect in. They’ve also got a simple, tight-knit weave pattern that makes the sheets pretty durable, yet gives you that crisp hotel-sheet feel.
Especially in the sticky summer months, you’re going to want sheets like these, made from 100% organic cotton and a breathable weave that’ll feel airy enough to help you sleep through the night. The breathability factor here also makes these sheets great at preventing moisture and eliminating mold and dust mites from your precious bed space. These cotton sheets are also made without any added chemicals, so they can be smooth to the touch without you wondering if they’retoo smooth. The Classic Core sheet set comes with one flat, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.
Promising Review: “I am a convert to the percale sheets. These are my new fave…cool, crisp, and so comfortable. Perfect in summer and winter with my heavy down comforter. These allow your body to breathe compared to other sheets, and don’t affect my allergies. You don’t get tangled up in them either,” said one Brooklinen Customer.
Avocado Green Mattresses
$1,274.00
$1,499.00
15% off
Buy Now on avocado green mattresses
When looking for a mattress to help out with your allergy symptoms, it’s best to look for memory foam beds or beds made from latex. Not only does their density leave very little room for bacteria growth, but latex mattresses often include antimicrobial wool, which wicks away moisture and helps block out dust mites.
This Avocado Green Mattress is a big score for anyone with allergies for those exact reasons — the mattress features a hybrid design using latex, wool, and cotton, all of which are certified organic. Each layer is also needle-tufted by hand to ensure that all the mattress’s components are secured together without any glue. The synthetic materials make it a great choice for allergy sufferers, since it stays breathable while resisting allergens like dust mites and mold. The latex itself is also processed in a way that reduces irritation for those with latex allergies, too, if that’s a concern.
The coils are also zoned in pockets, allowing for better airflow and all-around cooler nights’ sleep. That being said, it’s a pretty firm mattress, but you can’t beat this level of consciously sourced allergy protection from a mattress.
Promising Review: “I am allergic to mold, and our mattress was (it turned out) making me ill. I would wake up in the early morning, unable to breathe. The problem is basically solved with this new Avocado Green mattress. And it is firm but cushy. So very happy after three months,” said one Avocado Green Mattresses Customer
SafeRest Waterproof Queen Size Mattress Protector
$38.99
Buy Now On Amazon
You’ll sleep a little more soundly knowing that your mattress is blocking up to 10 million dust mites (gross, but unfortunately, true) with this best-selling mattress protector from SafeRest. The zippered encasement is also made from hypoallergenic cotton terry, so you won’t have to worry about the material keeping allergens out, causing even more symptoms.
The cover will protect against dust mites, allergens, bacteria, and other daily allergy triggers. But the cotton terry also makes it waterproof, and most importantly, breathable in a way that won’t be noticeable as you sleep (there’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re lying on top of plastic). Free from vinyl, phthalates, PVC, or other chemicals used for fire prevention, it goes on easily like a fitted sheet and comes in multiple sizes, from Twin to California King.
Promising Review: “The machine-washable cotton material is not only soft and comfortable but also breathable. I appreciate that the mattress protector is hypoallergenic and free from harmful chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive skin and allergy sufferers. As an Airbnb host, this mattress protector is an absolute lifesaver. It provides an extra layer of protection for my mattress, giving guests peace of mind and ensuring a clean and hygienic sleeping environment for every visitor,” said one Amazon Customer.
Cozy Earth Down Alternative Comforter
$339.00
$485.00
30% off
Buy Now on cozy earth
Now this is a comforter you’ll actually want to use past allergy season — Cozy Earth’s down alternative comforter is made with a super-soft, lightweight recycled polyester blend that’s actually an alternative to the down filling usually used in blankets like these. It’s all the warm and cozy comfort you want, without the goose feathers.
Made from high-quality materials, it’s a great alternative if you have allergies or even other skin sensitivities. Like we mentioned above, since you should already be washing your bedding frequently, this comforter gets bonus points for being machine-washable.
Promising Review: “It’s exactly what I was looking for. Comfort of down without the horror,” said one Cozy Earth customer.
AllerEase Cotton Fresh Pillows (2-Pack)
$31.99
Buy Now On Amazon
It’s all in the name — this Aller-Ease pillow is tailor-made for allergy sufferers, ready for you to rest your head on breathable memory foam. The pillow is 100% cotton, made with a tightly-woven fabric construction that prevents dust mites, pet dander, and other common household allergens from gathering for maximum protection.
Unlike other pillows, this pillow’s design means it can be tossed in the wash with all your other bedding, and stands up to hot water (which can actually help kill odor-causing germs and bacteria, too). Maintaining its shape nicely after it dries, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing allergen-removal for a non-lumpy night of sleep. Fluffy, yet supportive, this is the pillow you’ll want to wake up on in the morning if you’re getting frequent stuffy noses or sneezing through the night.
Looking for another layer of protection? While this pillow will do the trick, you can always wrap it up like your mattress with a good-quality pillow protector.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I REALLY love these pillows! They are the perfect amount of softness for me! They are great for lying on my back to watch TV, and they are great for stomach sleepers like me during the night. I put Norwex pillowcases on them, and they are so smooth. I have badallergiesand have no problem with these at all,” said one Amazon customer.
Raycop RN Bed Vacuum Cleaner
$130.99
$229.99
43% off
Buy Now On Amazon
So you’ve picked out the right sheets, zipped up the protectors — what next? To keep up with deep-cleaning maintenance, Raycop’s RN Bed Vacuum gives you all the power of an air purifier combined with UV sanitization to help eliminate bacteria and allergens from the top layers of all your bedding.
It won’t just suck up visible gunk — thanks to special technology that uses UV light to actually slow dust mites from multiplying, this vacuum kills up to 99.97 percent of harmful bacteria and viruses found on mattresses as small as 0.3 microns. The pulsating pad loosens and lifts particles, and a HEPA filter (like the kind used in the best air purifiers) filters out the tiniest allergen particles and ensures they aren’t getting kicked back up into the air. The company says it takes just a five-minute clean to clear out dust mites, and 4-5 seconds to sanitize all other bacteria.
At just four pounds, the vacuum is also compact and easy to use on anything from fabric, bedding, and even clothing and yoga mats. For a quick, thorough clean that will finish the allergen-busting job, the Raycop RN Bed Vacuum is the way to go.
Promising Review: “I mainly bought this because we are struggling with mites. It’s a nightmare dealing with this situation! This is not a cure-all for us, but it gives me peace to know that all the impurities in my mattress are gone. Couches, curtains anything I can vacuum I do it. You cannot believe the stuff that comes out of that filter. My son and husband suffer from asthma, and I noticed less sneezing and coughing from house allergens. It’s a good purchase whether you have issues or not,” said one Amazon customer.
Does Bedding for Allergies Work?
You could always invest in an air purifier, or even a vacuum made for sucking up mattress gunk. But the best bedding for allergies is made to help reduce some of these common irritants, and hopefully give you a much-needed good night’s sleep. You should still be showering before bed, and regularly washing your sheets in hot water once a week (changing them out helps stop skin cells from building up too). But hypoallergenic bedding, like pillowcases and mattress protectors, offers an extra barrier of defense against dust mites, mold, and pet dander.
How do they work? A clinical study found that bedding made from tightly-woven material adds protection from dust mites working their way into your pillows, mattress, and sheets (and nightmares). Special fabrics like silk, organic cotton, and microfiber are your best bet against dust mites, while still remaining breathable enough to keep you cool while you sleep. Making sure your pillow and mattress protectors also seal shut with a zipper is another way to help.
