So much in your home can trigger allergies. To stack the odds in your favor against a reaction, here'swhy using hypoallergenic fabric in your home is simply a smart idea.
What does “hypoallergenic” mean?
The prefix "hypo" means “less.” So when a product is hypoallergenic, it’s being promoted as less likely to cause an allergic reaction. The term is commonly used in cosmetics, medicine, foods and fabrics.
- It is often interpreted by consumers as a guarantee for safety, although there are no guarantees involved.
- A hypoallergenic product aims to reduce the risks of allergies, but it doesn’t promise to eliminate them.
Allergy-free fabric
People who suffer from allergies are encouraged to rely on hypoallergenic fabrics in the home and workplace. It is now possible to find a plethora of items that are made from fabrics bearing the hypoallergenic label: sheets, mattresses, cushions, carpets and more.
- Keep in mind that if you have sensitive skin, you may still experience a reaction that isn’t caused by an allergy in the strictest sense of the word.
Cotton
In addition to being soft and comfortable, natural cotton has hypoallergenic properties. Because it’s such a popular material, it’s relatively easy to find bedding or clothing made from 100 per cent cotton.
- Even if it’s made of cotton, always read the manufacturer’s label and ensure the thread wasn’t chemically treated.
The same goes when you’re shopping for home decor elements or furniture upholstery.
- By avoiding textiles that contain chemical compounds, you’re reducing the chance of having allergic reactions.
Bedding
Given that you spend so much well-deserved time in bed, it’s important to equip yourself properly with hypoallergenic fabrics. These days, you should be able to find all that you need for your bedding in a neighborhood store: mattress, box springs, pillows, sheets, throws and quilts of all sorts. These items are made with germ-repelling fabric to prevent allergic reactions.
- Hypoallergenic bedding is easy to wash, even if it’s made of a 100 per cent natural fiber such as cotton.
Green fabrics
The choice of hypoallergenic fabrics is not only good for you, it’s also good for the environment. Surrounding yourself with natural materials while avoiding synthetic blends helps you live in a more environmentally friendly home.
- Linen, cotton and hemp are a few examples of natural materials that could replace the synthetic fabrics in your home.
A final selling point: natural fabrics don’t attract pet hair and allergy-triggering dander as much. After all, how could you ever live without your furry friends?
