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Anti-Allergy Bedding Frequency
Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does
"allergy relief bedding" mean?
We are really to blame for the dust mite
infestations experienced today. That's right, it is our fault! As we sleep, we
shed millions of dead skin cells which give the bed bugs an unlimited food
source. As they multiply and release their fecal matter into the mattress, an
allergen nightmare is born. These fecal particles and our own skin cells are
what cause the allergies we experience. The only logical way to separate us from
this dust mite breeding ground is to create some kind of barrier. Allergy relief
bedding is defined as "a fabric with some kind of barrier" that has been
independently tested and proven to block the allergens. This can be a membrane
laminated to the back of a specific fabric or a sophisticated woven piece of
material so highly engineered that microscopic particles cannot pass through it.
All of our products
are tested and we can provide you with those results upon request.
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Don’t be
misled with covers that are a fitted style! These covers do not
encase the mattress and are a waste of money for people with real
allergy symptoms. Always be sure to ask if the product is zippered to be
sure you are totally protected. Many products like
"protectabed" and others
mislead the consumer and do not clearly explain that the covers are
fitted only.
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Don't be
confused by the term "hypoallergenic" or "resists dust mites".
These terms are used loosely and don't guarantee that you are buying a
dust mite proof product. Many products claim to be hypoallergenic.
Be sure to
ask for lab test results or confirmation of the dust mite barrier
efficacy.
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What is the difference between a
membrane and non membrane cover and how do they protect us?
 Allergy
relief covers with membranes are defined as fabrics with a vinyl or urethane
based coating on the inside. It would be similar to one taking their favorite
sheet and covering the underside with Saran-Wrap. Of course this would not be
comfortable or practical but the concept is the same. The benefit of urethane
over vinyl is that there is no noise and or odor (off gas). The membrane has no
color or feel but it is there doing the work. These coatings have no "pores" or
holes for the dust mites to escape. Thus, nothing can get in or out of your
mattress.
 Allergy
relief covers without membranes are defined as fabrics without any coating.
Without some kind of coating, the woven fabric would act like a sieve. When we
are talking about non membrane fabrics we have to discuss pore size. Pore size
is the diameter of the space or hole between the threads. If the average waste
particle of bed bugs is approximately 9 microns then the pore size must be less
then 9. Typically, any non membrane fabric with a pore size less then 6 or 7
will block all allergens including pet dander. Remember that thread count has
nothing to do with pore size. 1000 count sheets for example have more threads
per square inch but the pore size is not maintained. Thus, these fabric will do
nothing to encase the allergens.
What do I need to know when choosing an allergy
relief protective cover?
Which fabric is really the best? Of course the quality of the fabric and
the efficacy of the barrier are important. Remember, you are sleeping on this
cover every night! You also need to think about how comfortable each fabric is
to sleep on. The characteristics of each fabric and the cost will help you
determine which is best for you. A quick checklist:
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Always remember to buy a zippered
cover only. Fitted versions DO NOT
protect you from the mite allergens since the mattress is not totally
encased. If it doesn't say then it is usually fitted. |
| Are
you a hot sleeper? If yes, look at membrane free cover. |
| Is
waterproof an advantage for you? Maybe there is an incontinent issue or your
mattress is very expensive and you don’t want to risk spilling anything on
it. If so, consider a membrane fabric since it is also stain proof and
waterproof in addition to allergy proof! |
| Do
you plan to wash the covers as often as your basic linens? If so you may
want to consider a fabric with all polyester or more polyester then cotton.
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| Do
you want a softer cover for something like a duvet? Consider the Stretch
Knit with Membrane or Membrane Free Pristine or Cotton. |
What are the differences between the fabric
types?
A
membrane is defined in Webster's as "A thin
sheet of natural or synthetic material that is permeable to substances in
solution." Permeable means moisture can escape. The breathablilty,
however, will not be like the nice sheets on your bed. These types of covers
tend to hold in heat. If you are a sleeper who tends to sweat at night then this
fabric may not be for you. One key component of the membrane is that it is
waterproof. This is an advantage for bed wetters or incontinence. We have the
Poly Cotton, Cotton Terry, Polyester Stretch Knit and Tricot Knit all
with membranes. All these fabrics use the exact same membrane and only the top
fabric is what differentiates them. The cost of these fabrics varies as well as
the individual characteristics of each.
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Tricot- All Polyester. A more lightweight fabric. Good for Colleges and
budget minded consumers. A bit more “scratchy feeling”. |
| Poly
Cotton-Blend of cotton and polyester. Softer and heavier weight fabric then
a Tricot. More body and good for cold sleepers. Also washes well very well.
Much better for absorbency. |
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Stretch Knit-All Polyester but unlike the Tricot it is a circular knit which
means the weave has a soft and silky quality too it. Major difference from
the Poly Cotton is the knit which is more elastic like a jersey sheet which
can make it easier to put on the mattress. |
| Terry
-All Cotton. Similar to the Stretch Knit but the cotton gives it a warmer
feel. |
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Vinyl-Not a
membrane cover per se though the vinyl acts like a membrane. It is totally
waterproof. The vinyl tends to be very noisy and rough which is not ideal
when sleeping directly on it. Vinyl covers are ideal for your box spring
since they are the most economical. SMS covers are also a great cover for
your box spring. |
Non Membrane fabrics
are a more advanced technology in allergy relief bedding. Since there is no
membrane separating you from the allergens, the weave of the fabric must be
woven in such a way that the pore size or space between the threads is less then
6 microns. This is due to the fact that the smallest allergens have been tested
at 10-15 microns. Our Allersoft TM
Cotton and
Pristine TM both have a pore size of less then 5<!
Because there is no membrane, these fabrics tend to have longer lifespans since
there is no membrane to deteriorate over time in the wash. Non membrane fabrics
are also much cooler to sleep with and are much less noisy. It is more like
putting a thick sheet on your mattress.
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SMS-This
non-woven fabric is in fact membrane free. The question is why is it the
least expensive? These covers are built from 3 layers of man made material
which are bonded together. Unlike cotton or poly cotton yarn which is made
from fibers which must be grown, the material to produce these SMS covers
is readily available in the market and very inexpensive to produce. Though
membrane free, the SMS covers are much lighter in weight and are best suited
for traveling or dorm rooms. They tend to deteriorate more quickly and can
only be washed on cold and using an air dry cycle. |
How do I
take care of allergy relief bedding?
Allergy relief bedding does not require any
special care or cleaning agents. Other then vinyl covers which can just be wiped
with a damp cloth; all allergy relief bedding can be washed with warm water and
dried on a low temperature. All the fabrics can withstand temperatures of up to
250 degrees F at which point you can sterilize the product if desired.
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We recommend washing your pillow covers at least
once every 2-3 months while your mattress covers need only be washed
every 3-4 months.
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How should
I measure my mattress so I can get the correct size?
Standard sizes in the mattress and box
spring industry are how we determine what sizes we need to make available to
you. We manufacture most of our covers in the 3 typical depths of 9", 12", and
16". There are only two things you need check:
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your mattress a Twin (39x75), Extra Long Twin (39x80), Full (54x75), Queen
(60x80), King (78x80) or Cal King (72x84)? If you are not sure then just
measure the width and length of your mattress. |
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Measure your depth. It should be either 9-10", 12-13" or 15-16".
Always hedge on the larger size!
You can always be 2-3" over on your size since any excess material can be
tucked underneath. Be sure to measure well since anything more the 3" of
fabric will bulge out from under the mattress and also add to the cost
unnecessarily. |
Is there a difference in the
warranties?
All of our premium allergy relief covers
come with a
LIFETIME warranty. Only our economically priced SMS covers come with
less and we still give you 5 full years on these as well.
What if I don't like the cover I bought and think I would have wanted
something else?
If you are not satisfied with your
choice for any reason we will refund your money for 30 days. Trust us
though, you'll be happy!
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