Bedding for Asthma: Simple Changes that Cut Triggers

If your bedroom makes your asthma worse, your bedding is often the culprit. Dust mites, pet dander and residue from cleaners can hide in mattresses, pillows and comforters. The good news: small, focused changes to what you buy and how you wash it can cut triggers and help you sleep easier.

What to buy

Start with covers labeled "allergen-proof" or "dust mite proof." These are tightly woven encasements for mattresses, box springs and pillows that stop mites and dander from getting in or out. Pick zipper seals that close fully — a tiny gap ruins the point.

Choose synthetic fills over feather or down. Feathers trap more dust and can hold moisture. Synthetic pillows and comforters are easier to wash and dry thoroughly. Memory foam and latex pillows don’t trap dust the same way and can be a good option if they’re easy to clean or come with an encasement.

Fabrics matter. Look for tightly woven cotton or microfiber for sheets and pillowcases. Cooling fabrics are fine as long as they’re washable at high temperatures. Avoid heavy throws, lots of decorative pillows or long curtains in the bedroom — fewer soft surfaces means fewer places for allergens to hide.

Care routine that works

Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly in hot water. Aim for at least 130°F (54°C) or the hottest safe setting on the garment label — that temperature helps reduce dust mite levels. Use a regular detergent but choose unscented, dye-free products if your skin or airways are sensitive. Dry on high heat or a hot dryer cycle to finish the job.

Wash comforters, mattress pads and washable pillow inserts every 1–3 months, depending on use and symptoms. If an item can’t be washed easily, use an allergen-proof cover so you only need to clean the outer layer. Vacuum mattresses and upholstered headboards with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter every month, and consider professional steam cleaning if moisture or stains are an issue.

Keep bedroom humidity below about 50%. Dust mites thrive in humid environments, so a dehumidifier or air conditioner can make a big difference. Running a HEPA air purifier overnight can cut airborne particles that trigger asthma.

Small habits add up: no pets on the bed, shower before sleep if you’ve been around pets or pollen, and minimize stuffed toys or wash them weekly in hot water. Replace pillows every 1–2 years if they’re flat or smell, and consider a mattress encasement that stays on for years to protect the core mattress.

These steps don’t cure asthma, but they reduce common bedroom triggers. Try one or two changes and see what helps your symptoms the most—people often notice better sleep and fewer nighttime flare-ups within weeks.