Survey Shows Allergy Sufferers are Losing Out on Sleep, Overlooking Easy Remedies
One in 10 Americans heed allergists' advice
DUQUESNE, Pa., March 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As Spring approaches, allergy sufferers are preparing to manage sniffling, sneezing and watery eyes, but allergens are pervasive in the home year-round, no matter the season. A new consumer survey* from AllerEase®, the leading manufacturer of allergen barrier bedding products, revealed that nearly half of Americans (46 percent) report suffering from seasonal and environmental allergies, yet less than 15 percent utilize the remedies most recommended by experts that could bring year-round relief.
"People become hyper-aware of allergies when seasons change, but the fact is many people are affected year-round by allergens residing in bedding," said Tracie Oechslein, Brand Manager at AllerEase. "Allergy sufferer or not, we spend a third of every day cheek-to-cheek with a surface that may be causing congestion and disrupting our sleep."
Household allergens such as dust mites live in mattresses and pillows, and enter homes through windows and the transference from clothing and pets. Roughly 20 million Americans are allergic to dust mites, one of the most common causes of year-round allergy symptoms (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America).
Feeling Slumber-Jacked?
At least one-third (33 percent) of allergy sufferers believe their sleep is being compromised due to symptoms and another third (33 percent) report being congested upon waking or during the day, a symptom often associated with allergens that collect in mattresses and pillows over time. Of those who attempt to minimize allergy symptoms, only 13 percent report washing their bedding frequently and less than one in 10 people (9%) report using allergen barrier protective bedding, a key recommendation by allergists for symptom relief.
"The body sheds millions of skin cells every day, many of them in bed - the ideal environment for dust mites," added Oechslein. "Dusting, vacuuming and washing bedding frequently, along with using allergen barrier mattress and pillow protectors can offer relief and better sleep."
Roughly seven in 10 Americans (69 percent) report that their mattress is at least four years old or that they don't know the age of their mattress. What's more, younger Americans wash or change bedding less frequently, with those ages 18 to 34 reporting typically washing or changing bedding once or twice a month as opposed to the recommendation of weekly.
Over time, an unprotected mattress can accumulate anywhere from 10,000 to 10 million dust mites inside, and actually double in weight after 10 years due to dust mite infestation.
Find Relief
Eighty-five percent of allergy sufferers report some dissatisfaction or uncertainty about their allergy treatments - they are not effective, only somewhat effective, or they don't know if they are effective. Protect yourself and your bedding from allergens, and unwanted crawling friends, year-round with these tips:
- Wash your bedding at least once per week
- Use allergen barrier mattress and pillow protectors from AllerEase
- Vacuum and dust regularly and change filters in your furnace and air conditioner
- Resist the urge to open the windows and opt for air conditioning
- Minimize direct exposure of your pets to your bedding
For more information on how household allergens could be affecting your sleep – even those who don't have allergies – and how to protect your bedding from the buildup of dust mites, dust, pet dander and more, please visit www.aller-ease.com.
*Survey methodology: One-time survey fielded to the general population in the United States on 1/29/15 via Google Consumer Surveys publisher network on behalf of AllerEase and American Textile Company, receiving at least 1,040 responses.
About AllerEase
AllerEase® is the leading brand of allergen barrier bedding. With technically advanced fabrics and construction, AllerEase bedding prevents allergens from settling in your mattress, pillow and other bedding, where it can collect over time and aggravate allergy symptoms. Available in pillow and mattress protectors, mattress pads, pillows and comforters, all products are third-party lab tested and have the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. AllerEase is a simple and convenient solution to reduce exposure to allergens and provide a clean bed and comfortable night's sleep. Visit www.aller-ease.com for more information.
SOURCE AllerEase
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