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Fill
When it comes to duvets and pillows, it is important to consider the filling material. There are generally two types of filling: Natural and Synthetic.
Each has different qualities and drawbacks and varies in price. Natural fillings such as down are warm in winter, cool in summer and snuggly soft. Synthetic fillings tend to be lighter in weight and are great if you are looking for something that is easy to wash and quick to dry.
Fabric
The fabric symbol shows what fibres the fabric has been constructed from.
Waterproof
Bedding that is waterproof comes with a waterproof backing and is ideal for children, and for protecting the mattress against night time accidents and spillages, and are particularly good at guarding against mould spores and damp, which can trigger off asthma and rhinitis attacks.
Season
It is important to select the right type of bedding depending on the season you will be using your bedding. A winter duvet for example, will keep you warm during the colder months, but will be too hot for you to use during the summer.
Enclosed
This is particularly important if purchasing allergen proof barrier covers. Covers that fully enclose the pillow and mattress are recommend as there is no way for the allergens and those dreaded dustmites to escape, keeping you fully protected while you sleep.
Guarantee
The guarantee indicates the time in years or washes that the products will be effective for. Products with a longer guarantee tend to be of much higher quality and will need to be replaced less often.
Chemical free
The chemical free symbol shows the Oeko-tex certification and shows that the product being rated has been certified to be skin friendly and free from any harmful substances, including formaldehyde and carcinogenic dyestuffs.
Certification
There are many different certifications that will guarantee the product does what it is supposed to do. E.g. The Nomite certification guarantees that dustmites cannot penetrate the fabric of the product. This type of certification is essential in informing you of the capabilities of the product.
Suitability
Our allergy symbols denote whether the product is suitable for those who suffer with allergies: Eczema (dermatitis), Dustmite, and Asthma.
Momme Weight
Because silk is such a fine fabric, it is generally measured by “momme weight” instead of thread count. Momme (pronounced “mummy”) is a Japanese unit of weight used to measure and describe silk fabrics. The higher the momme, the heavier the fabric.
For example, 8 momme silk is extremely light and would not be durable or heavy enough for use in sheets while 22 momme silk is quite heavy and would typically be used in products such as men's suits.
Your bedding could make you ill
Beds can hide allergy causing particles
Almost half of households in the US have levels of dust mites in their bedding which can cause allergies and asthma, research suggests.
Researchers used vaccuum cleaners to suck up samples of dust from more than 800 homes in 75 different areas of the US.
A large number of US homes contain dust mite allergen levels which pose a significant risk for the development of allergies and asthma
They found that 45% of households had bedding with concentrations of dust mite allergens above 2 micrograms per gram of dust - the level at which allergies begin to develop.
And 17% of households reported problems with cockroach infestations.
The results suggest that 44m homes in the US are running the risk of asthma and other allergies because of their bedding.
And 22m of these homes have dust mite concentrations of 10 micrograms or higher, enough to trigger asthmatic attacks.
Figures on cockroach infestations of kitchens are due next year and are expected to show high levels.
Dr Patrick Vojta, who carried out the research, called the First National Allergen Survey, for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, said the results were a source for concern.
"This study suggests that a large number of US homes contain dust mite allergen levels which pose a significant risk for the development of allergies and asthma," he said.
"For people who are not allergic to these allergens, steps to reduce exposure may reduce the chance of developing allergies and asthma.
"For those who are already allergic and/or asthmatic, steps to reduce exposure may decrease the frequency and severity of the symptoms of these diseases."
Good housekeeping and the use of allergen proof bedding covers could reduce the risks, he added.
Results of the study were presented at the 96th International Conference of the American Lung Association/American Thoracic Society and their Canadian counterparts in Toronto.
The National Asthma Campaign said it was not aware of any similar research having been carried out in the UK.
A spokeswoman added: "It is likely that house-dust mites are present in most homes in the UK. Most modern, centrally heated homes are the ideal breeding ground for the house-dust mite.
"There are various measures that can be taken to reduce exposure to high levels of this allergen and potentially reduce the chance of developing allergic asthma. We are currently funding a major research project that is investigating exactly this."
Dust mites could also be found in carpets, fabrics and upholstered furniture.
