If you suffer from indoor allergies, you know that finding the right pillow is crucial for getting a good night’s sleep. There are tons of pillows on the market advertised as hypoallergenic, so you may be wondering if memory foam pillows also fit that bill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we will explore how hypoallergenic memory foam pillows really are and give you some tips on how to find the best pillow for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, are memory foam pillows hypoallergenic? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While memory foam is not natural by any stretch of the word\u2014no matter what the label says\u2014 it is naturally hypoallergenic. That means the material itself is resistant to mold, mildew, and by extension, dust mites. These are all common allergens that can cause congestion, sneezing, and general discomfort. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you are someone who is allergic to these things, a memory foam pillow may be a good option for you. If you already use a memory foam pillow and are still experiencing symptoms of indoor allergies, it could be due to something else present in the room (your bedding, mattress, etc.), or your pillow may actually be the culprit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
While memory foam pillows are naturally resistant to the buildup of bacteria that cause most indoor allergies, it is possible that you may be allergic to the material of the memory foam itself. Memory foam is made with various chemicals, and some people may have an allergic reaction to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are three potential causes of allergic reactions to memory foam pillows, which include the smell, toxic materials in the filling, and allergen buildup on the surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people may find that the smell of memory foam triggers allergy symptoms. This is because memory foam is made from various chemicals and materials, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can release chemicals into the air. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This release is known as off-gassing. These chemicals can be irritating to the respiratory system and may cause sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and even nausea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While not all memory foam pillows are made with latex, many of them are. If you are allergic to latex, whether synthetic or natural, you may experience an allergic reaction to a memory foam pillow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The same goes for other materials used in memory foam, such as polyurethane. These materials can also contain VOCs, which can cause the same symptoms mentioned above. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another potential cause of allergic reactions to memory foam pillows is allergen buildup on the surface. While memory foam is resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites, it can still collect these allergens over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don’t wash your pillow regularly, these allergens can build up and cause symptoms to flare up. Washing your pillow frequently will help to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you suspect that your memory foam pillow is causing your allergies, try removing it from your bed and see if your symptoms improve. If they do improve, it\u2019s possible that your pillow is the culprit. But there are still things you can do before going out and purchasing a new pillow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try covering the pillow with an allergen-proof plastic pillowcase. This will help to trap the off-gassing VOCs and prevent your skin from coming into contact with any of the other materials that may trigger an allergic reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Memory foam pillows are becoming increasingly popular, but they can be tough to clean<\/a>. Unlike traditional pillows, memory foam is not machine-washable and must be spot-cleaned to avoid damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
