Allergy season is in full swing with 'pollen bomb' warnings being issued on both sides of the Atlantic, bringing misery to millions of hay fever sufferers.
So if you're one of the unlucky people who suffers from itchy eyes and a blocked nose, you may be relieved to hear there's a pretty simple fix you can make which might help to ease your symptoms.
While popular treatments including antihistamines and nasal sprays are widely used, there's another step you might be missing — and it starts at home in the bedroom.
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The UK's Met Office has issued a red pollen alert for this week, while parts of the US are also set to experience high pollen levels due to warmer-than-usual spring temperatures.
So you’ve been a little more sniffly than usual, that's probably why — and there's a good chance you're guilty of making a common mistake.
The one mistake hay fever sufferers are making this spring
According to Dr Anil Joshi, hay fever sufferers need to invest in some good quality anti-allergy bedding, as your current duvet might be what's causing your sinuses to flare up.
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"As an ENT [ear, nose and throat] surgeon, I frequently see patients with nasal inflammation due to allergens," Dr Joshi tells Tyla. "Effective bedding can promote a healthier nasal passage, alleviating obstruction and discomfort.
"Quality anti-allergy bedding can further reduce mould spores and pet dander, both significant triggers for those prone to hay fever. Improving the sleeping environment contributes to overall symptom management."
So, where can you buy anti-allergy bedding, and how much does it cost? Scroll down now to find out everything you need to know.
"Anti-allergy bedding often features materials that resist allergen accumulation, such as hypoallergenic fabrics," Dr Joshi says. "This limits irritants around the sleeping environment, positively influencing respiratory health and reducing allergy symptoms.
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"In my clinical practice, patients benefiting from anti-allergy bedding report decreased nighttime symptoms. This can lead to improved sleep quality, essential for recovery and enhancing overall health."
Shop the best anti-allergy bedding, approved by Allergy UK, below:
Habitat Anti Allergy Duvet, from £17
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You don't need to sacrifice comfort to protect your health, as proven by Silentnight. The brand's bestselling Anti-Allergy Duvet is filled with anti-allergy hollow fibre to protect your duvet from bacteria and dust mites. In turn, this will help to prevent hay fever this spring. You can wash the duvet at 40 degrees too, to reduce the risk of allergies for longer.
Slumberdown Anti-Allergy Mattress Topper, £25.99
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In perfect timing, Aldi introduced the bestselling Slumberdown Anti-Allergy Bedding range to its stores this week, and prices start from only £4.99. We're big fans of the collection and will be upgrading our mattress topper, stat.
Slumberdown 10.5 Tog Anti-Allergy Duvet, £22.99
Another perfect chance to upgrade your nighttime routine: the 10.5 Tog Anti-Allergy Duvet (available in Aldi stores and online at Amazon).
Woolroom Anti-Allergy Throw, £119.99
Anti-allergy bedding doesn't need to be boring. To refresh your bedroom, look to this anti-allergy throw from Woolroom. Available in eight colours, it's crafted from 100% Merino wool and has been given the UK allergy stamp of approval.
Slumberdown Anti-Allergy Pillows, £12
To complete your set, don't forget pillows. Slumberdown's Anti-Allergy Pillow Pair available on Amazon has been given the stamp of approval and at £12, you can't go wrong.
One review reads: "Good pillows and helping my son (who always seems to have hay fever symptoms) to sleep better." What more could you ask for?
How else can you prevent hay fever this spring?
According to the NHS, you can follow the below steps to prevent hay fever this spring:
- Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
- Wear sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat to prevent pollen getting into your nose and eyes
- Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash any pollen off
- Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible, especially in the mornings and evenings
- Vacuum and dust your home regularly to prevent the build-up of pollen
Common symptoms of hay fever:
As per the NHS website, common symptoms of hay fever to look out for include:
- Sneezing and coughing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- Loss of smell
- Pain around the sides of the head and forehead
- Headache
- Fatigue
Symptoms tend to be at their worst between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.
Topics: Health
Danielle Fowler