Spring means longer days and blooming flowers, but it also signals the start of pollen season, a challenging time of the year for people with asthma and allergies. While pollen is a significant outdoor issue, it can also make its way inside, where it can settle on soft furnishings such as mattresses, pillows and other bedding. When combined with other common allergy triggers, such as dust mites, this can worsen symptoms and disrupt sleep.

The bedroom should be a place for recovery, not irritation. With a few small changes, you can reduce your exposure to pollen at home and create a more comfortable sleep environment.

Bedroom tips for pollen season

• Avoid outdoor drying – on high pollen days, after thunderstorms, or when it’s windy, keep bedding indoors. Pollen clings easily to fabric. Wash bedding in hot water and use a tumble dryer instead.
• Hot wash – washing sheets, pillowcases and protectors in water above 60°C will kill dust mites and wash away allergens.
• Protect hard-to-clean items – mattresses, pillows and quilts are much harder to wash than bedding. Using Waterproof protectors that can be easily removed and cleaned will save you time and effort and keep your hard-to-wash items fresh and hygienic.
• Change bedding more often – during peak pollen season, swapping out bedding more regularly can reduce exposure to allergens that build up on them.
• Shower before bed – pollen can settle on hair and skin during the day. A quick shower before bed helps prevent transferring it to your bedding.
• Vacuum regularly – use a vacuum with a HEPA filter on carpets and upholstered furniture to capture dust mites and pollen that may have settled.
• Keep windows closed on high pollen count days – keeping bedroom windows shut during these times can help minimise pollens entering your room.
• Consider an air purifier – an air purifier with a HEPA filter in the bedroom can help reduce airborne pollen and improve indoor air quality.

How Protect-A-Bed can help

Even with the best cleaning habits, allergens can still find their way into bedding. That’s where Protect-A-Bed’s Sensitive Choice approved protectors can make a big difference.

• Mattress and pillow encasements provide a total barrier against dust mites, mould, and bacteria living inside your bedding. They seal completely, stopping allergens from entering or escaping.
• Quilt protectors help keep your quilt fresh and hygienic. By adding a breathable protective layer, they prevent allergens from settling in your quilt while still allowing for a comfortable night’s sleep.
• Fitted mattress and pillow protectors can provide protection on their own or add an extra shield over a mattress encasement against dust mites and allergens, and because they’re fully machine washable up to 60°C, they’re easy to keep clean during pollen season.

All Protect-A-Bed products are made with the waterproof Miracle Layer®, which blocks allergens and moisture without compromising comfort. They also feature Fresche® antimicrobial treatment, a natural-based technology that provides 99.99% bacterial reduction and inhibits mould, odour and dust mites, all to ensure a healthier night’s sleep for you and your family.

By combining smart washing routines with Sensitive Choice approved bedding, you can dramatically cut down on allergen exposure in the bedroom. The result? Fewer disruptions to sleep, less irritation during pollen season, and a healthier, more comfortable space to rest all year round. Small changes can make a big difference to your quality of sleep.

Learn more, visit: protectabed.co.nz.