Blog

August 30, 2019

Posted in Allergies, allerzip, Asthma, bedroom, buglock, dust mites, eczema, Healthy Sleep, protectabed, sensitive choice, sleep

Minimising Dust mite allergens in the bedroom

Did you know approximately 30% of people are allergic to dust mite waste, a common cause and trigger of asthma and allergies

Dust mites are everywhere, including in our mattresses and bedding, and despite their tiny size a dust mite produces 10-20 waste particles a day. Each of which contains a protein known to trigger allergic reactions and asthma from which about 10% of the population suffers from.

Attempts to eradicate dust mites is likely to be unsuccessful, however if allergic there are a number of ways in which you can reduce your exposure.

Among others these may include:

Vacuuming carpets and soft furnishings weekly using a good quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter.
Dusting hard surfaces with a damp or electrostatic cloth.

Keep in mind that these activities may stir up the dust mite allergens. And although they don’t stay airborne for long, if allergic consider having someone else do these tasks for you if an option.

Clean window coverings regularly. Consider venetian or flat blinds rather than curtains.
Wash bedding, weekly in water hotter than 55°C. This will kill the dust mites and wash away any allergens.
Cover your mattress and pillows with Protect-A-Bed® dust mite resistant cases and also wash these regularly at 55 °C.

Best for severe asthma and allergy sufferers, the fully encased Protect-A-Bed® Allerzip® Mattress and Pillow Encasement's feature a unique BugLock® system.

The fully encased BugLock® system has a dust mite proof flap and Secure Seal® which provides total protection. Preventing dust mite, mould and bacteria allergens entering or escaping through the zipper.

Simply Fit n’ Forget by layering a Protect-A-Bed® Fitted Mattress Protector over the top for regular washing and drying with other linens.

You can find out more about Dust Mite allergens and how these can be tested for at the National Asthma Council of Australia’s Sensitive Choice website. https://www.sensitivechoice.com/dust-mites/

April 08, 2019

Posted in allergies, Asthma, cat, dog, eczema, Healthy Sleep, mattress protector, pets, pets sleep, pillow protector, protectabed, sleep

Do your pets share your bed?

Pets are part of our family and many of them sleep with us in our beds. Snuggling up to us, providing affection, comfort and security, but is it healthy?

Although an adult cat sleeps for about for 12-16 a day and an adult dog 12-14 hours they can be up and down in the night. Scratching, washing, having a midnight snack, or wanting to go outside. All things that may disrupt your sleep leaving you feeling tired the next day.

And while the risks are low, cats and dogs carry bacteria that can be passed to us when in close contact. They also shed dirt, pollen from running around outside, and pet dander a common cause or trigger of asthma and allergies.

So for a healthier night’s sleep, whilst enjoying the company of your pets here are some tips you may wish to follow:

Avoid waking up with them enjoying more of your pillow than you. Train them to sleep at the end of the bed. Perhaps on a blanket of their own.
Keep them and any dirt or bacteria they may be carrying above the covers and not under the doona with you.
Make a potty run with your pets before bed. This will lessen the likelihood of them waking you in the night to get up and access their kitty litter or want to go outside.
Ensure you have Protect-A-Bed® Mattress and Pillow protectors on your beds. The Protect-A-Bed® Miracle Layer™ will stop any drool, bacteria, dander and accidental spills from staining your mattresses and contributing to the growth of mould and bacteria.
Associate bedtime with sleep time not play time. Avoid having any kitten or puppy toys in the bedroom.

If you have a puppy, consider how big it is going to get. Sleeping with it while it is young might be comfortable but what happens when it gets older and bigger. Training a dog, which is going to outgrow the ability for you to comfortably share a bed, to sleep somewhere else, is much easier when they are a puppy and before habits are formed.

And if you suffer from allergies or asthma which can be triggered by pet dander, consider giving your pet lots of affection before bedtime and keeping your sleep areas separate.

Always avoid letting pets sleep with babies and young children.