Ah, the bedroom. It’s where we rest, sleep, binge Netflix, eat (you know you do), hide from guests, hide from our parents, hide from our children, and maybe do other things that must be left untyped to keep this article G-rated. 

Our bedroom is our haven, our refuge, a special and deeply personal space that makes us feel safe and comfortable. But what if we tell you that your sacred bedroom might also be the culprit behind your morning sneezes and that annoying runny nose that you’ve been having since forever? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but even if you dust and clean your bedroom regularly, it could still be the cause behind your frequent allergic reactions and colds because of these things:

Your Pillows

When was the last time you even changed or washed your pillow sheets? 

Think about it; we spend at least 7 hours with our face on our pillow each night. Over time, our pillows accumulate a variety of nasty stuff from our skin and the air such as the oil from your skin, sweat, dead skin cells, bacteria, dust mites... do you need us to go on? All these gross build-ups can cause allergic reactions such as headache, sore throat, the flu, and so on. What’s worse, the dirty surface can also lead to skin problems such as acne.

The best way to keep your pillow clean is by washing it in warm or hot water at least twice a year. Also, don’t forget about your pillow sheets! Wash them once a week to keep both your body and skin happy. Remember that pillows should be changed regularly for hygienic purposes - change your pillows between 6 to 36 months, depending on what they’re made of. You should also invest in hypoallergenic pillows that can keep dust mites at bay, such as Sonno the pillow.

Your House (or room?) Plants

Indoor plants are all the rage these days. We get it, they’re not just for that pop of colour in your room, they help reduce greenhouse gases that are wreaking havoc on our planet’s temperature. *two green thumbs up*

However, despite being nature’s air purifier, your plants can also trigger your allergies if they’re not cared for properly. Plants can fall prey to root rot and be a breeding ground for mold spores if overwatered, so be sure to only water them when the soil is dry. It also helps to place your plants as far away from your bed as possible.

Your Pets

Okay, okay, you’re right, pets are beloved family members and in any case, they don’t count as things. But if you suffer from allergies and keep getting sick, you’ll need to rethink all those nights you’ve been sleeping with Queen Floofy. 

Our pets’ fur - yes, even indoor pets that take their good boi baths regularly - can be full of allergens such as dirt, dust, bacteria, and even fecal matter (exactly, POOP). This doesn’t mean they can’t sleep in the same room as you, though. Just get a pet bed for them instead of letting them sleep on your bed. Trust us, you’ll sleep so much better.

Your Bed Sheet

We’ve covered this in our earlier points about pillow sheets - dead skin cells, dust mites, sweat, body oils, bacteria - basically all the no-no stuff that lead to allergy symptoms, common cold, and the dreaded body acne. Wash your sheets once every week and use an antibacterial detergent for good measure. 

Your (Scented) Candles

Who doesn’t love a nice scented candle? We especially love those with lavender essential oils that can soothe your day’s worth of stress away. But while they smell great and add a sophisticated touch to your bedroom decor, they pose allergy risks to those of you who might be sensitive to harmful chemicals that are common among paraffin candles. 

You can reduce this risk by opting for essential oil-infused beeswax or soy candles. Stay clear of lead or metal-center wicks, and whatever you do, do not sleep with a lit candle.

Your Mattress

Much like your bedsheets, your mattress is as much at risk of being riddled with dust mites (AND their wastes), dead skin cells, mold, bacteria, sweat, and other manners of nasty stuff that make you sick. Of course, you can’t just throw your mattress in the good old washing machine, but you can vacuum it regularly and clean it with baking soda. You can find out how else you can clean your mattress by reading our previous article here.

Another way to protect your mattress is by using a mattress protector that can inhibit dust mites and small particles such as dust. This only works if your mattress is relatively new and in good condition. If your mattress shows visible signs of sagging and you often find yourself waking up with back pain, that means it's past its prime and needs to be changed. The rule of thumb is that you should change a mattress every 5 - 10 years, depending on the wear and tear and the type of mattress you have.

We spend an average of 7 to 8 hours a night on our bed, so having the right (and clean) mattress is very important for your health and sleeping needs. Invest in a mattress that offers good spinal support, hypoallergenic, and made of quality materials that can help you sleep better and give the best bang for your buck. It also helps if you choose a mattress that has a removable cover for easy cleaning, like Sonno mattress.

A Clean Bedroom is a Healthy Bedroom

We know you love to spend your time in the bedroom, it’s just such a cozy space for us to rest and unwind after a long day. That is why it’s important to always keep it clean and well cared to make sure you stay healthy and relaxed.

We hope this article will help you keep your bedroom clean and healthy! If you’re thinking of getting a new mattress, don’t forget to give Sonno a try! We offer a 100-night trial period for you to fall in love in your Sonno mattress, and if you don’t, we give you your money back!

Try a Sonno mattress at our nearest showroom today! Find out more details about Sonno mattress on our website at www.sleepsonno.com.