What is the best hypoallergenic bedding?
If you’ve ever experienced a restless night due to uncomfortable bedding retaining heat, causing friction, or making you feel itchy, this may be because you are experiencing irritation as a result of an allergy. Most bedding sets are made from non-hypoallergenic materials which harbour bacteria, dust mites, and other irritants that cause redness and breakouts and can even trigger asthma for some sufferers.
Hypoallergenic bedding can provide relief from these irritants by repelling them, allowing you to get a more comfortable night’s sleep. Keep reading as we discuss what hypoallergenic fabrics are, and how they can assist you in improving your sleep quality.
What is hypoallergenic bedding?
Hypoallergenic bedding is made from materials that reduce the risk of inducing an allergic reaction during the night. Typically, anti-allergy bedding refers to materials that have been treated to repel dust mites. However, some naturally hypoallergenic fabrics will also repel mould, mildew, mites, bacteria and more, which makes them ideal for sleepers with sensitive skin. As a general rule, any bedding made from synthetic fibres like polyester or acrylic will not be anti-allergenic and those with skin conditions are better suited to one of the following fabrics.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the most popular materials for bedding as it is very soft and comfortable. In its purest form, cotton is naturally hypoallergenic but the rigorous processing it endures utilises synthetic chemicals that can make it irritating to the skin. Cotton bedding is usually blended with other materials such as polyester to keep manufacturing costs down which alters its hypoallergenic status. However, organic cotton is not treated in the same way and retains much of its anti-allergen properties. Due to organic cotton being processed without the harmful chemicals that trigger reactions, this can make for a good bedding material for those with allergies, skin conditions, and asthmatics, but it does have some downsides, as its tendency to absorb moisture and oils often results in an uncomfortable night’s sleep.
Bamboo
100% bamboo is another good bedding material for those with allergies as it is antimicrobial, antibacterial and moisture-wicking. However, the process of transforming bamboo cellulose into a soft bedding material is intense and can use harmful chemicals. Organic cotton is likely to be the more natural and skin-friendly option unless the Bamboo is oeko-tex certified. Oeko-tex-certified bamboo bedding doesn’t use harsh chemicals but still repels dust mites, working well to prevent allergic reactions from occurring and is typically softer than cotton. Additionally, the moisture-wicking properties help the body to regulate its temperature through the night.
Silk
Silk is the softest hypoallergenic option of all, providing a luxurious feel and reducing friction-based irritation. It is naturally moisture-wicking, antibacterial and antimicrobial, repelling mould and dust mites. It can help to maintain body temperature and healthy skin as silk naturally contains 18 essential amino acids that promote skin hydration and regeneration, however, the downside is that it is the most expensive option due to the labour-intensive process. Silk bedding naturally presents several desirable properties that can help those with allergies to achieve a blissful night’s sleep, and very few people have a reaction to this material. When looking at the overall picture, silk is the best choice for hypoallergenic bedding.
How to create an allergen-free sleeping environment
Some sleepers may suffer from minor surface-level irritations caused by friction, using silk pillowcases and duvet covers offers a straightforward solution. For more complex sensitive skin issues there are additional products available to help you achieve restful sleep, we’d recommend investing in a full silk bedding set to reap the benefits that this material presents and protect your skin from any potential triggers that can disrupt your sleep or cause discomfort.
Best anti-allergy duvet
The Gingerlily 100% silk-filled and silk-covered duvet offers only the highest-grade mulberry silk, featuring a long-strand silk floss filling contained within a pure silk casing. This ensures full protection against bacteria, mould, dust mites, and other allergens. Not only will the natural protective properties help you to rest easy, but the sumptuously soft feeling will be echoed throughout your entire bed, significantly reducing friction whilst amplifying comfort. Silk will also maintain your body temperature through the night, so if you struggle with feeling too hot or too cold, this option is ideal for combating the problem. Unlike polyester which is a common filling in duvets, silk acts as both an insulator and a thermal conductor without trapping heat, and draws sweat away from the body. This minimises bacterial growth and problems associated with body temperature regulation.
100% Silk Filled & Silk Covered Duvet from £895.00
Best hypoallergenic pillow
A silk duvet is best accompanied by a silk-filled pillow. Similarly to the duvet, this pillow features a silk floss filling and pure silk casing. Helping to stabilise your body temperature, the silk won’t absorb and retain heat or oils from your hair, protecting your skin against any bacteria and minimising friction to elevate your sleep quality.
100% Silk Filled & Silk Covered Pillow from £285.00
Silk bedding
To complete your set and minimise the risk of an allergic reaction as much as possible, we recommend that you opt to keep your duvet and pillow encased in a silk bedding set. At Gingerlily, we have a wide range of opulent styles and colours to suit your interior design preferences. For a truly relaxed and tranquil space, we’d suggest opting for the Summerhill Blue collection which features a serene blue with a white border, reflective of the stunning views of the Ashdown forest. This collection features both fitted sheets and flat sheets as well as duvet covers and pillowcases to help you create the best hypoallergenic bedding set.
Discover luxury hypoallergenic bedding at Gingerlily
If you’re ready to take the leap and take your bedding to the next level, pure silk is the best way to ensure you get a comfortable night’s sleep without having to worry about allergens and irritation. Additionally, with our collections, being kind to your skin doesn’t have to stop there as we also offer silk accessories including eye masks, nightwear, and headbands that are suitable for even the most delicate skin. Discover how silk can help you with Gingerlily.