If your allergies are triggered at bedtime, you may already know there are no standards or regulations for how bedding brands can use the term “hypoallergenic.” As a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) explains to Mic, “It’s a word many consumers have become comfortable with. It makes some believe anything with this label is better for them and less likely to trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.” According to AAFA, the best hypoallergenic pillows are easy to wash so you can remove allergen accumulation, and they’re free from potentially irritating chemicals.
Dust mites are a major cause of nighttime allergies, and they “live practically everywhere, especially in fabric-covered items in your house and bedroom,” says AAFA. That’s why hypoallergenic pillows have an outer cover that creates a barrier against dust mites and other allergens, and the pillow covers are often removable and machine-washable to reduce allergen buildup. If you choose a pillow without a removable cover, make sure the pillow itself is machine-washable or add your own washable cover to make it more allergy-friendly.
