Do you sneeze or itch a lot when you sleep? Your sheets/bedding might be the problem. Some fabrics can trap dust mites, pet dander, and mold—all things that cause allergies. Not only people with serious allergies need hypoallergenic bed sheets and covers. Anyone can benefit from them. They help reduce allergens, thus making anyone feel better, including people with sensitive skin, eczema, and breathing problems.

But what are hypoallergenic sheets? They are made from materials that help block dust mites and other allergens. These include hemp, bamboo, cotton, linen, Tencel Lyocell, and silk. 

In this post, we talk about the best hypoallergenic sheets and allergy bedding that block all types of allergens.

WHAT ARE HYPOALLERGENIC SHEETS?

Bedrooms often have allergens like pet dander, dust mites, and mold. Also, pollen and other tiny particles can come in through windows. Dust mites are a major cause of allergies. They hide in pillows, sheets, curtains, and carpets and feed on dead skin.

Allergy symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and wheezing. These can keep you up at night.

BREATHABILITY OF HYPOALLERGENIC BEDDING

Hypoallergenic sheets and covers are made to keep out things that cause allergies, like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold. These fabrics let air pass through and don’t hold moisture, which makes them great for people with allergies. Because they dry quickly, it's harder for bacteria and mold to grow. Most hypoallergenic sheets are made from hemp, bamboo, cotton, linen, Tencel Lyocell, and some silks.

Some synthetic fabrics can also be hypoallergenic and antimicrobial agents can be added to get rid of bacteria and fungi. These sheets are not naturally antimicrobial like sheets made from natural fibers. They receive special treatments to stop bacteria and fungi from growing. However, synthetic bed sheets don’t breathe well and might feel itchy. Also, harsh chemicals are added to these sheets to soften and unwrinkle them. This is not good for the skin.

Read more on what causes allergies and the common types of allergens.

WEAVING AND THREAD COUNT ON HYPOALLERGENIC BEDDING

When choosing hypoallergenic bedding, the weave and thread count also matter. Sheets with a count between 200–400 and breathable weaves like percale are usually better for people with eczema. As for linen, hemp, bamboo, and Tencel Lyocell, it is important that the threads are not too loose to let allergens in. And because the fabric is densely woven, it's hard for allergens to get through. 

Essentially, you are also using the hypoallergenic sheets and covers to keep dust mites off your mattress; and you use hypoallergenic pillowcases to block out dust mites from entering the pillows and permanently hiding in there. Pillows that zip up all the way are best. All you have to do is wash the pillowcases and sheets each week to help keep dust mites away.

TYPES OF SHEETS THAT ARE HYPOALLERGENIC

Hypoallergenic sheets are often made from hemp, bamboo, cotton, linen, Tencel Lyocell, and silk. Some people, however, argue that silk is not easy to use. Below are sheet types recommended for people with allergies:

1| COTTON

Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics for bedding. It’s soft, breathable, and helps keep moisture away from your skin. Cotton can help people with eczema sleep better. Allergies can make sleeping hard, which can lead to other health problems.

Cotton sheets are easy to wash. Use hot water when possible to kill germs. Look for cotton that is breathable and with long fibers—this means it’s high quality. Percale cotton sheets are better for people with allergies as they are breathable but densely enough to block allergens like dust mites from getting through.

2| HEMP

Hemp sheets are a great choice for people with allergies. They are made from the stalks of the hemp plant and are known for being strong and long-lasting. Hemp sheets get softer every time you wash them. Over time, they become very comfortable and are great for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

Hemp fabric is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria. This helps stop allergens from growing in your bed. The fabric also lets air flow easily, so you stay cool and dry while you sleep. Hemp bed sheets don't hold onto moisture. This keeps dust mites away since they like warm, damp places.

Hemp is also good for the environment. It grows quickly and doesn’t need a lot of water or chemicals.

3| BAMBOO

Bamboo sheets are soft and naturally fight germs and allergens. They are also breathable and perfect for people with allergies.

 Bamboo sheets don’t trap moisture, which means mold and bacteria won’t grow easily. This also keeps hot sleepers cool.

4| TENCEL LYOCELL

Tencel Lyocell is made from wood pulp, mostly from eucalyptus trees. It’s soft, smooth, and great for people with sensitive skin.

Tencel Lyocell sheets absorb moisture well and keep germs and dust mites away. They’re also made using an earth-friendly process.

5| SILK

Silk sheets are very soft and smooth. They come from the cocoon of a silkworm. They help control body temperature and keep you cool at night. 

Most of the silk is made from something called fibroin. Fibroin is a special kind of protein made of amino acids—as a result, silk is strong, shiny, smooth, and good at letting air through. Also, the protein helps silk fight germs and bacteria, that is why it's safe and good for sensitive skin and for people with skin allergies. 

However, The National Eczema Society says, normal silk sheets (not the kind used for therapy) aren’t as easy to use as other natural fibers such as cotton. They’re harder to wash, and skin creams can leave marks on them more easily. Also, most need to be washed by hand or on a gentle cycle. Machine washing can damage them. 

HOW TO CARE FOR HYPOALLERGENIC SHEETS/BEDDING

WASHING

To keep hypoallergenic sheets clean and allergen-free, wash them in hot water at least once a week. A temperature of at least 130°F (54°C) helps kill dust mites and remove bacteria. But always check the label first—some materials need cooler water.

If you can’t use hot water, a hypoallergenic detergent helps to clean the sheets and remove allergens.

STORAGE

Storing your hypoallergenic sheets, pillowcases, and covers the right way helps keep them free from dust and germs. Always store them in a clean, dry place. Don’t use plastic bags or bins—they can trap moisture, which leads to mold and mildew. Instead, use natural fiber fabric such as cotton bags that let air pass through.

Keep sheets out of direct sunlight and away from heat so they don’t fade or get damaged. Every so often, take your stored bedding out, shake it off, and let it air out. This keeps it fresh, clean and dry.

ADDRESSING ISSUES WITH HYPOALLERGENIC CLAIMS

1| THE FDA DOES NOT REGULATE THE TERM ‘HYPOALLERGENIC’

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says, “there are no official rules about what the word ‘hypoallergenic’ means. Each company can decide what it means for their own products.” 

What does this mean? Anyone can say anything and this can mislead consumers. Although the FDA is specifically talking about the regulation with regards to cosmetics, the word ‘hypoallergenic’ is also not regulated when it comes to bedding and other textiles/fabrics. 

Background of the issue: In 1974, the FDA wanted to make a rule that companies could only call a product ‘hypoallergenic’ if they did tests on people and proved it caused fewer skin problems than other similar products. In 1975, the FDA made this rule to help people understand what ‘hypoallergenic’ really means and to make sure all companies used the word the same way.

But some cosmetic companies didn’t agree with the rule and took the FDA to court. After a lot of back and forth, a Federal court said the FDA couldn't make companies do those tests. Because of that, the word ‘hypoallergenic’ still doesn’t have a clear meaning. However, all cosmetics now have to list their ingredients, so people can still check what’s inside and compare products for themselves.

Consumers should understand what hypoallergenic products should have by researching before making a purchase. 

2| RESEARCH ON MITE-PROOF COVERS REDUCING ALLERGENS BUT NOT MAKING ALLERGY SYMPTOMS BETTER

In 2003, researchers conducted a study to see if mite-proof bedding covers can control allergic rhinitis. In the study, people who used these mite-proof covers on their mattresses had a big drop in dust mite allergens. After 12 months, the allergen level dropped to about one-third of what it was at the start (0.31 times), while in the group without covers, it only dropped a little (0.82 times). The group with the special covers also had less dust allergen on the bedroom floor, but the other group did not (Terreehorst et al., Evaluation of Impermeable Covers for Bedding in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis, July 17, 2003).

Clinical Outcome: Even though the allergen levels went down, there was no big change in how people felt. There were no big improvements in nose symptoms, allergy scores, or daily symptoms. Both groups had a small drop in their symptom scores, but not enough to show that the covers made a big difference.

When researchers looked at different types of people—like different ages, types of allergies, or home situations—the results were still the same. This means the covers didn’t help much, no matter the person's background or allergy type.

Conclusions and Implications: The study shows that using mite-proof covers can lower dust mite allergens in mattresses. However, it doesn’t seem to help people feel better if they have allergic rhinitis. Even though physical ways to control mites may reduce allergen levels, they don’t always make asthma or allergy symptoms better.

The study also says that since dust mites live in other places—like bedroom and living room floors—just using mattress covers might not be enough to make a difference. Special mattress covers alone don’t seem to help with allergy symptoms, you have to keep the bedroom floors and surroundings clean as well.

ADDITIONAL ALLERGY MANAGEMENT MEASURES IN BEDROOM

• Vacuum rugs, carpets, and soft furniture often
• Use an air purifier with a good filter
• Keep the room dry by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner
• Try to keep the humidity below 50%
• Keep windows closed during high-pollen times
• Brush pets often

See these posts on bedroom allergens and how to control bedroom allergens.

TAKEAWAYS ON BEST HYPOALLERGENIC BEDDING

• If you have allergies, eczema, or sensitive skin, choosing the right bedding can make a big difference
• The best bed sheets for allergies are soft, breathable, and help keep out dust mites and germs
• Natural fabrics like cotton, hemp, bamboo, and Tencel Lyocell are great choices. 
• Some people also use silk but it's hard to wash and skin creams can leave marks on them more easily
• Try to look for a full set that includes hypoallergenic pillowcases, fitted sheet, flat sheet, bed spread/cover, and mattress covers