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. |
