Use allergen-proof bedding in the child's room

What to Do

Cover your child's pillow, mattress, and box spring with allergen-proof encasements (pore size under 6 microns). Wash the encasement covers monthly in hot water.

Why It Works

Children spend 10-12 hours in bed — more than adults — making bedroom allergen control especially impactful. Encasements block dust mites (a year-round trigger that compounds seasonal pollen) from reaching the child. Reducing the total allergen load means the immune system is not already primed when pollen season arrives.

Tips

• Brands: Mission: Allergy, AllerEase, National Allergy all make quality encasements
• Remove stuffed animals from the bed during allergy season (or freeze them for 24 hours weekly to kill mites)
• Hard flooring is preferable to carpet in an allergic child's bedroom
• Combine with a HEPA air purifier for a comprehensive pollen-free sleep environment