Allergy Awareness Week 2023

From 24th to 30th April it is Allergy Awareness Week. Did you know that the bedroom is the most allergic room in the house? Seeing as the average person shares a bed with over two million house dust mites, indoor allergies often occur!

Sleeping with the Enemy

According to national charity Allergy UK, the bedroom is the most allergic room in the house. Research conducted by the charity has revealed that people spend on average, 52½ hours in the bedroom per week. For those who experience indoor allergies – which is a reaction to house dust mites, mould or pets – the nation can literally be sleeping with the enemy.

Lindsey McManus, Deputy CEO, Allergy UK says: “House dust mites, like us, need food water and warmth. While we sleep, these microscopic creatures absorb moisture from our breath and sweat, feed on our dead skin and thrive in our warm beds.”

In the autumn and winter months, many of us start snivelling and sneezing. Yet 72% of those questioned in Allergy UK’s research said they have cold-like symptoms throughout the year, which, may be indicative of an indoor allergy and perennial allergic rhinitis.

House dust mites are regularly undetected; they live in soft furnishings and are often the cause of severe and persistent allergic symptoms all year round. They are the major trigger of indoor allergies, followed by pet dander and mould. And when it comes to pets, 71% of cat owners and 47% dog owners allow their pets to go anywhere in the home, meaning allergens are everywhere.

As well as causing standalone allergies, pet dander and mould also provide additional food for house dust mites.

Rid your Room of Allergens

Allergy UK stresses the importance of knowing what you are allergic to, with the advice being for those who are suffering from persistent allergic symptoms to visit their GP who will be able to refer individuals for appropriate diagnosis.

For those suffering from an indoor allergy, follow the tips below to lessen your reaction and help rid your bedroom of allergens:

• House dust mites can’t stand light, so throw your covers and duvets back every morning
• Keep the room well-ventilated and have the window slightly open, ensure window frames are free from mould
• Choose an anti-allergy mattress and bedding or enclose the mattress, duvet and pillows with allergy barrier covers which prevent the escape of the house dust mite allergen
• 83% of indoor allergy sufferers have curtains in their bedroom, which house dust mites love. Replace curtains with roller blinds, or wash curtains each month at temperature of 60 degrees or above
• Carpet harbours house dust mites, which 73% of indoor allergy sufferers have in their bedroom. Instead choose an Allergy UK approved flooring. If you need to keep your carpet, use a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtration and vacuum daily
• Keep all children’s toys in a toy chest or cupboard and wash soft toys at 60 degrees, or put in the freezer overnight to destroy the allergen and then wash at the recommended temperature
• Using an air purifier in the bedroom can help to trap allergens

And So To Bed

And So To Bed in The Pantiles stock a wide range of mattresses, beds and accessories – many of which are anti-allergy. Their sleep consultants also make sure your mattress is 100% correctly designed for your personal body shape and size. This includes the option of a mattress variation on each side of the bed, personalising the comfort for you and your sleeping partner.

Book a consultation with them today to discuss your allergy-free and sleep easy options.

Imperial pharmacy

Should you want further advice about indoor or outdoor allergies, head in-store to Imperial Pharmacy at The Pantiles. Imperial Pharmacy is an independent pharmacy that dispenses both NHS and private prescriptions. Their aim is for you to achieve the maximum benefit from your medicines alongside other vital services and the range of health and beauty products that they stock.