Minimizing Pet and Other Allergens in the Bedroom

Getting a good night's sleep makes all the difference

MetPet.com Staff Writer

Achooo! 

If you suffer from allergies, try some of these tips to keep your bedroom as allergen-free as possible.  You spend a very long time in your bed and that concentrated exposure can lead to some sleepless nights and fatigue filled days.

- seasonal allergies are usually caused by pollen from grasses, trees and other plants.  It floats through the air in order to reach other plants.  Keep windows closed and opt for air conditioning especially in the early morning and late afternoon pollen heavy hours.

- replace carpeting with hard surfaces such as wood, laminate or tile.  If you must have carpeting avoid the deep piles and shag and select an industrial-style carpeting with a short nap.

- replace drapes and curtains with metal or wooden blinds and dust them daily.  Another alternative is to have easy-to-remove and machine-washable curtains.  Curtains act as filters catching particles and holding onto them. 

- replace feather-filled comforters and pillows with synthetic-filled bed accessories.  Consider replacing heavy bed clothes with a heated mattress pad.

- wash bed clothes frequently in hot water

- remove decorative pillows and stuffed animals

- remove stacks of books and magazines and any knick knacks that collect dust.  Try shelves with enclosed glass fronts for decorations or reading materials to minimize dust accumulation.  Now may be the time to donate your library and move to electronic books.

- keep the pets off the bed or even out of the bedrooms completely in severe cases.  If they are on the bed during the day, place a large sheet over the entire bed during the day and remove it at night. 



- if pets spend time outdoors, try to avoid the early morning/late afternoon hours when pollen counts are high.  Use a damp paper towel to wash them off when they come back inside.  If they can stand it, train them to be 'groomed' with a vacuum cleaner.

- replace air filters in your heater/air-conditioning system with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters.

- frequently wipe all surfaces including headboards, night stands, electronic equipment, walls, window sills etc. with a damp sponge, cloth or paper towel.