A hypoallergenic pillow is a pillow which is designed to minimize the development of allergic reactions. Many department stores and medical suppliers sell hypoallergenic pillows, along with pillow wraps which are designed to make ordinary pillows more hypoallergenic. When used in combination with other hypoallergenic bedding and an allergy management plan, a hypoallergenic pillow can be a very useful tool. Even on its own, a hypoallergenic pillow can make a big difference in sleep comfort and overall allergy levels.
Several concerns are addressed in the construction of a hypoallergenic pillow. The first is the material used. Some materials can trigger allergic reactions, such as down and other animal products, or certain dyes. In a hypoallergenic pillow, the materials used are as hypoallergenic as possible. Often, this requires that synthetic materials are used in the construction of the pillow, as natural fibers and animal products can cause allergies. This means that the pillow is less likely to induce allergies straight out of the box.
Furthermore, a hypoallergenic pillow is also designed to repel dust mites, one of the leading causes of allergies. Dust mites gravitate towards shed skin, hair, and oils, all things which tend to accumulate inside the stuffing of pillows over time. Hypoallergenic pillows are sealed so that dust mites cannot get into the pillow, with materials which also repel mold and mildew, substances which can cause allergic reactions.
Many hypoallergenic pillows are also designed to be easy to wash and dry, so that they can be cleaned frequently for hygienic reasons and to reduce allergies caused by accumulated dust and dirt. It is also possible to purchase hypoallergenic pillow cases for use with hypoallergenic pillows, although conventional pillow cases can be used as well.
For people who struggle with allergies, pillows are often a major source of allergy symptoms, given the amount of time spent in bed. Using a hypoallergenic pillow along with an allergy-friendly comforter and other hypoallergenic bedding can make the bed a more comfortable place to be, reducing overall allergies and promoting balanced, healthy sleep. Hypoallergenic supplies tend to be expensive, because manufacturers recognize that they are in high demand, and if one was going to purchase only one hypoallergenic bedding item, it should definitely be a pillow, since pillows are so close to the head.
Consumers should be aware that manufacturers of hypoallergenic products are often not required to independently certify their products. A product labeled as “hypoallergenic” may not necessarily be hypoallergenic, and no hypoallergenic product can completely prevent allergies.