Mattress Care Practices to Help Improve Your Health

It's common knowledge to flip one's mattress every few years. To keep clean sheets and replace the pillows once they've gone flat. Most of which are to help implement cleanliness and comfort. But what about steps that can also improve health? By being aware of certain mattress care tricks, you can work to keep your body both cozy and working properly.

Tips like:

Cleaning the Mattress

Or securing it in a hypoallergenic cover. You'd be surprised how much dust can build up over time, and a deep steam cleaning can keep your sleeping surface clean. Ideally, this is done professionally, and every other year (if not every year). It's a step that can remove germs as well as allergens (think of all the times you were sick, a pet slept in your bed). When left unclean, you're breathing in these microbes every night during sleep – yuck!

Turning the Bed

You might flip your mattress in order to help offset weight, but do you turn it, too? Get even wear by ensuring both sides of the bed are gaining equal use, and one section isn't becoming too quickly worn. And for those who have one-sided mattresses, turning is especially important. Plan this easy fix for every six months. 

Upgrading Your Mattress Pad

There are all levels of mattress pads available. For some, it's just a thin buffer between the sheets, and for others, it's an entire layer of cushion. No matter your comfort preferences, look for a version that will help protect your bed. A pad that locks out germs or liquids (ideal for small children or anyone who takes a beverage into bed), or is hypoallergenic. Meaning keeps germs or allergy triggers from embedding deep into your mattress.

These and weekly laundry routines can all help you sleep healthier at night. Working toward a longer term, clean sleeping environment. 

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Fall Allergies Are in the Air

Do you suffer from fall allergies? Do you know what triggers are available throughout the fall? And which ones are specific to your area or lifestyle? If you're starting to feel under the weather – or even just a bit "off" every time the temperatures dip – allergies may very well be the cause. Substances like ragweed (the biggest fall trigger), pollen (which is generally more prevalent in spring), dust mites, and even certain types of fruits and vegetables – specifically melons, zucchini, etc. are all there to make you sneeze. Though the latter is far more rare, but nonetheless still an allergy trigger for many – which often goes unnoticed due to its unusual nature. 

No matter what may be the cause, however, these triggers have been known to bring on some seriously unpleasant symptoms. Such as hay fever, scratchy throats, itchy and watery eyes, couching, and noses that can't decide if they're stuffed up or running constantly. Even worse for those who enjoy sleeping with open windows – a move that lets in fresh air and helps cool the house, but also brings in microscopic particles.

It's also likely that you've taken note of fall weather patterns in your area. Some states will fluxgate greatly. Days of heat will see fewer symptoms, while cool or windy days might cause an almost severe cold. (Or at least the need to pack a box of tissues.) A pattern that often continues until a hard freeze is able to settle down triggers for months at a time – except for warmer climates, which might see allergies year-round. (Though citizens of these areas often develop immunities, too.) 

If you suffer from fall allergies, consider looking to natural or over-the-counter remedies to help keep symptoms at bay. And remember that, no matter how severe the season might seem, you're only a few months away from long-term relief. 

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What Hiding in Your Air?

There’s plenty of information circling about air purifiers and how they should be used. And while plenty opt to invest in these devices – whether from allergies, family health, or an additional concern – that doesn’t mean the average person knows what they’re purifying the air from. What exactly is in our breathing space that we’re trying so hard to get rid of?

For the most part, it depends on one’s location. Different areas of the country will have different molds, fungus, plant debris, and more. There can also be dust, leftovers from construction, or anything else that might have been released into the air. It’s important to know what’s in your area, as well as what your family might be most susceptible to. This can be done by talking to local experts, checking the weather (including air quality and pollen and/or mold counts, etc.), as well as checking new for upcoming construction nearby. 

Germs are another culprit to be on the lookout for. If one member of the family is sick, or even if they come in contact with someone who is, those germs can be passed through the air. However, generally these germs are transferred direct before they can be caught by any air purification devices. 

The Perks on an Air Purifier

In contrast, using a purifier can help eliminate allergens, irritants, and more. It can help you breathe clearer and deeper, while getting rid of nighttime symptoms. Or, at the very least, reducing side effects. Over time, this can work to improve your health. 

Changing the filter regularly can also allow you to see exactly what’s been cleaned from the air. And it might surprise you. However, those who can see the actual evidence are more likely to stick to their air purifiers and understand the benefits they can provide.

Start sleeping better and breathing easy with the addition of an air purifier today. 

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Did you Know? High Pollen Levels Affect Air Quality

Chances are, so far this spring, you’ve experienced some allergy symptoms. This time of year, runny noses are prevalent. As are watery eyes and scratchy throats. It’s just part of spring. However, this year in particular, the levels of pollen have been so high, that even those who don’t generally suffer from allergies have been noticing symptoms. This is due to especially high levels, which started earlier than normal. 

Combined, those two factors have been the focal point of some serious suffering. As well as higher sales numbers in relief, such as tissues and anti-histamines. 

This year has proved to be especially brutal, specifically due to high pollen levels making their way into the air. 

What Causes Allergies?

Obviously, a large part of allergies, and how you’re affected by said allergens, comes from genetics. Those with parents who suffered are more likely to develop those same reactions. However, continued exposure can also make a difference. As well as location, weather changes, and more. Specifically, what types of plants are growing in the area, and whether or not you have a strong reaction to those species. One can also develop more severe allergies as they age. 

Warmer temperatures will also trigger allergens to burst forth into the air. Late freezes can help kill them from our breathing air, or at the very least, keep them at bay until the next thaw. A welcome change for those who began suffering early this year.

How to Prevent Allergies

Your doctor is a go-to source on allergy prevention. Natural healthcare professionals will also provide helpful insight, such as how to prevent symptoms without taking medicine. Another tactic is to go to the source itself. By keeping track of local pollen levels, you can be sure and know what to look out for any given day. Google local resources, or check out national websites that are specifically made to monitor counts. 

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