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Best Mattress For Allergies In Australia

Sleep soundly with no sneezes in Aussie!
Best Mattress For Allergies In Australia
Tom Greenspan
Updated 
February 7, 2024

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Your bed should be a safe haven where you can relax and unwind after a long day, but allergens can turn it into a nightmare. 

Mattresses often attract dust mites, pet dander, bed bugs, mould, and mildew that can cause severe allergic reactions, including chest congestion, runny nose, coughing, watery eyes, and asthma. These allergy symptoms lead to severe sleep deprivation and snoring by obstructing your airflow. Constant discomfort from such allergies can also cause acute insomnia and hamper your sleeping habits. 

That's why if you're an allergy sufferer, you need to be extra vigilant about checking the mattress material before purchasing the product. A hypoallergenic mattress can be the perfect solution to all your allergy troubles and help you enjoy a healthy and refreshing slumber. 

In today's article, we'll review 4 of the best anti-allergy mattresses available in Australia to help you.

Some of the Best Mattresses For Allergies in Australia are:

1. Emma Comfort Mattress

The Emma Comfort mattress is specially designed for Aussie sleepers featuring high-quality foam layers that perfectly adapt to your body to offer optimal support. Each mattress layer complies with the Oeko-Tex safety standards to maintain the health and safety of you and your family. The Oeko-Tex certification ensures that the mattress doesn't contain dust mites, allergens, or other harmful substances and is 100% safe for toddlers and babies. 

Moreover, the Fresh Air Comfort mattress cover is made from climate-controlled fibre to regulate humidity and keep moisture away, which can be excellent in preventing the growth of mould. The supportive HRX foam contains open pores to enhance air circulation through the mattress layers and helps avert the buildup of dust mites. You will love the innovative Airgocell technology that regulates temperature while the 5-zone support minimises motion transfer.

Drawback 

The foam layers of this Emma Comfort mattress might feel too soft or cushiony for heavy sleepers and can sink too much under their weight. 

Verdict 

The enhanced breathability and superb moisture-wicking qualities of this Emma Comfort mattress can help you enjoy a cool and relaxed slumber without triggering any allergic reactions. Furthermore, the Oeko-Tex certification speaks volumes about the product's efficiency and quality as an anti-allergy mattress and its ability to prevent mould or dust mite buildups in the long run. 

2. The Koala Mattress

This foam mattress from Koala goes through an anti-bacterial treatment to ensure its safety and quality as a hypoallergenic mattress. It contains antimicrobial additives to keep away harmful microbes and allergens, such as dust mites, mould, and mildew. The mattress also comes with a CertiPUR-US certification, highlighting that it contains trace amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and no harsh chemicals like formaldehyde. 

Since it's CertiPUR-US certified and contains low VOC, the mattress won't cause any asthma symptoms, coughing, or lung congestion. The chemical-free, hypoallergenic materials even ensure that you don't suffer from a runny nose, watery eyes, or skin rashes while using it. Along with its hypoallergenic qualities, this all-foam mattress offers excellent 3-zone back support and zero disturbance for you to experience a soothing and restful night's sleep. 

Drawback 

Since the Koala mattress is a high-quality hypoallergenic mattress, it can be a bit expensive, especially if you're on a tight budget. 

Verdict 

The all-natural materials of this Koala mattress might make it an expensive investment, but its superior anti-allergic and antimicrobial properties means it’s a must-have mattress for all allergy sufferers. Its adjustable firmness and Tencel lyocell fibre also provide optimal support and breathability, so you can enjoy a cool and relaxing sleep without feeling even the slightest discomfort. 

3. Peacelily Mattress 

The Peacelily latex mattress is made of 100% natural Dunlop latex, which is eco-friendly, malleable, and extremely durable. Since natural latex can inherently resist dust mites, mould, and mildew, the mattress comes with outstanding antimicrobial properties to keep away harmful allergens. Not to mention, the mattress's latex material is derived from pure rubber sap without adding any harmful chemicals. It's completely non-toxic with no chemical adhesives or polyurethane foams. 

The open cell structure of the latex allows easy ventilation to prevent allergen buildups. Additionally, the mattress pairs its latex comfort layers with a handmade, cushioning cotton cover for a more luxurious feel. It features GOTS certified, 100% organic cotton with no harmful pesticides that can trigger allergies. The natural breathability of the organic cotton fibres also offer a cool and comfortable sleeping environment for a restful slumber. 

Drawback 

Even though it is one of the best eco-friendly latex mattresses, it offers average edge support, so you might roll off the mattress while sleeping. 

Verdict 

When it comes to the best hypoallergenic latex mattresses, this Peacelily mattress can be an ideal pick because of its non-toxic, antimicrobial latex comfort layers and organic cotton cover. Moreover, its natural and non-toxic Dunlop latex layer offers better support, comfort, and breathability than blended, synthetic, or polyurethane memory foam mattresses to improve sleep quality and avoid allergies.

4. The Koala Calm As Mattress

This Koala foam mattress comes with antimicrobial additives to resist the buildup of microscopic allergens, including mould, mildew, and dust mites, to avert allergy symptoms. The CertiPUR-US certification ensures that it has low VOC or other toxic chemicals, which can cause asthma, chest congestion, coughing, or severe breathing troubles. Plus, its Coolmax technology helps improve breathability and keep away moisture for a cool and sweat-free sleep. 

The mattress has a firm support base to avoid excessive sinkage and helps maintain your sleeping posture. You can adjust the mattress firmness between medium-firm and firm based on your requirements. The revolutionary StayPut Edge Support also prevents you from slipping off the mattress in the middle of the night. Additionally, the Zero Disturbance quality helps you and your partner experience uninterrupted sleep with minimum motion transfer. 

Drawback 

The Koala Calm As Mattress is quite expensive compared to other hypoallergenic memory foam mattresses.

Verdict 

The anti-bacterial treatment and the CertiPUR-US certification of this mattress make it ideal for allergy sufferers, so they can enjoy a comfortable sleep even during the peak allergy season. Plus, it's GECA certified to ensure that all the mattress materials can meet the highest ethical, social, and environmental standards to maintain safety and sustainability. 

FAQs 

1. What's the ideal bedding type for allergies?

Hypoallergenic bedding materials are usually tightly woven to avoid the buildup of microscopic allergens and dust mites inside the fabrics. Natural materials, such as cotton, bamboo, linen, silk, and wool, can resist dust mites to avert severe allergy symptoms. 

Not to mention, these all-natural bedding materials are extremely lightweight and enhance air circulation to dissipate moisture. Thanks to their superior breathability and moisture-wicking quality, they can prevent the growth of mould and mildew inside the bedding. 

You can also try using a latex or foam pillow that naturally resists dust mites and other allergens. Breathable pillow covers can be an excellent addition because they prevent the buildup of heat and moisture. Moreover, if you're prone to allergies, always go for washable bedding materials. 

Look for hypoallergenic beds with removable and machine-washable mattress covers. It's best to wash all the bedding materials once a week with hot water to remove the dead skin cells that attract microscopic allergens. 

The high water temperature can easily kill dust mites and prevent them from inhabiting your bedding. But remember to check the manufacturer's instructions before washing the bedding materials. 

2. Which bedding type should you avoid if you're prone to allergies?

Most mattresses, pillows, and comforters having a loose fibrefill attract allergens, and dust mites that can easily grow between the mattress fabrics. Down-filled bedding materials also retain moisture and facilitate the growth of mould and mildew, triggering allergic reactions. 

Moreover, synthetic materials containing harsh chemicals cause skin rashes and asthma if you have sensitive skin. There are also higher risks of off-gassing with synthetic bedding materials because of their high chemical content, which affects breathability. 

Such mattresses can cause severe allergy symptoms, compromising your health and safety and must be avoided at all costs. 

3. What features to consider while choosing the best mattress for allergies?

A. Quality Materials 

The quality of the mattress materials determines its hypoallergenic properties more than anything else. Natural and organic materials like latex, cotton, and wool are best for allergy sufferers because they prevent dust mites, mould, mildew, and other allergens from growing inside the mattress.

Choosing a premium-quality mattress with hypoallergenic materials will automatically help avoid allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, and lung congestion. You can also look for mattresses featuring anti-bacterial and antimicrobial fabrics to fight off allergies for better sleep. 

Mattress companies, like Koala, even provide anti-allergic mattresses with anti-bacterial treatment to guarantee your health and safety in the long run. 

B. Mattress Construction 

Mattress construction determines the breathability of a mattress to reduce exposure to harmful allergens. For instance, the construction of foam and latex mattresses greatly prevents the growth of allergens and can be a much better option for allergy sufferers compared to coil mattresses. The individually wrapped spring coils have plenty of space between them to allow allergens to breed in these open spaces, especially dust mites. 

Moreover, the metal coils of traditional innerspring mattresses can trap moisture, causing mould and mildew growth. But latex and foam mattresses are much denser and leave no room for mites or bed bugs to burrow. These mattresses also lack fibrous materials on which the bed bugs or dust mites can nibble. 

C. Certifications 

Internationally recognised certificates guarantee the hypoallergenic efficiency of a mattress and its overall quality. The CertiPUR-US certification ensures the mattress is free from toxic chemicals and contains low VOC that won't cause asthma or congestion in your respiratory system. 

Similarly, the Oeko-Tex certificate makes sure that each comfort layer is thoroughly tested for toxins and allergens to make the entire mattress safe for you and your family. In fact, an Oeko-Tex certified mattress comes with hypoallergenic qualities that are perfectly safe for even babies and toddlers. 

D. Temperature Regulation 

Mattresses with poor breathability and temperature control tend to trap body heat and lead to sweat and moisture buildup inside the comfort layers. If you sleep hot, this constant accumulation of moisture in the mattress can create an ideal environment for mould and mildew growth or cause allergies. 

It's best to choose natural mattress materials, like organic cotton or wool, to wick away moisture and heat. Gel-infused memory foam mattresses can also be quite effective in preventing moisture buildups, thanks to their advanced cooling gel material. 

E. Sleeping Position 

Even though the best sleeping position is when you sleep on your back, it can worsen allergy symptoms. Back sleepers with allergies experience increased sinus pressure due to more mucus buildup compared to side sleepers. The back sleeping position is also more likely to cause random episodes of sleep apnea.

It's better to sleep on your sides to avoid excessive mucus buildup during allergies. However, you might need to change sides to facilitate better sinus drainage if you have a runny nose or persistent allergic cough. You can also consider sleeping while sitting up by using a neck pillow if you have severe sinus congestion because of allergies. 

F. Affordability 

Depending on the quality of materials and mattress construction, the price of a hypoallergenic mattress can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Typically, slightly expensive mattresses are much more durable and offer better comfort and support. 

The best hypoallergenic mattress materials, like natural latex and plant-based foams, are more expensive than synthetic materials. That said, there are some brands that offer high-quality and anti-allergic mattresses at affordable prices, such as Emma and Pricelily. 

Other high-end mattress brands, like Koala, offer attractive discounts on their mattresses if you purchase from their online stores. Buying mattresses online is much cheaper than purchasing them from a brick-and-mortar store. 

4. Which mattress types are best for allergies?

A. Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress is a blend of innerspring, latex or foam mattresses because it has innerspring support paired with foam or latex comfort layers. The thick comfort layers are often made from natural, hypoallergenic materials, which are resistant to mould, mildew, dust and reduce allergen exposure. 

On the downside, the innerspring support core contains individually wrapped metal spring coils that have too much open air in-between and can become the breeding ground for dust mites. You might also find dust mite faeces between these spring coils when you have an old hybrid mattress. 

B. Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses have a traditional mattress construction with thick coil support and thin comfort layers of foam padding or latex. Although modern innerspring mattresses come with hypoallergenic comfort layers, their fibrous padding and coil designs can attract dust mites. You can use an anti-allergic mattress protector to avert allergy symptoms. 

Furthermore, these mattresses are quite budget-friendly, thanks to their simple design. It becomes easier to replace an innerspring mattress with a new mattress after a few years if it sags or shows allergen buildups inside the coil support core. 

C. Latex Mattresses

These mattresses are made entirely from latex and contain natural, synthetic, or blended latex in different layers. Since latex is naturally breathable, it keeps away moisture and prevents the growth of mould and mildew inside the mattress.

However, synthetic latex might not offer the same breathability or pressure relief as natural latex, so it's best to check the mattress material carefully. Not to mention, people allergic to latex must exercise caution while purchasing this mattress type and look for hypoallergenic latex models to avoid severe allergic reactions. 

D. Foam Mattresses

A foam mattress features multiple layers of polyfoam or memory foam to offer superior body contouring and pressure relief. This mattress type resists common allergens, including dust mites, bed bugs, mould, and mildew, because of the dense foam layers, leaving no open space for the allergens to grow. 

Additionally, memory foam models are usually hypoallergenic and can be suitable for allergy sufferers. But they tend to trap body heat, so you can experience night sweats if you're a hot sleeper when using these mattresses. 

5. How can allergies affect your sleep?

A. Insomnia 

Itchy skin, rashes, chest congestion, coughing, watery eyes, and runny nose can keep you up all night. In fact, people with congestion experience chronic sleep deprivation because of their blocked sinuses, which disrupts the airflow. 

Itchiness and constant coughing can also cause severe discomfort and might lead to insomnia. In certain cases, the allergic reactions are seasonal and usually disappear with proper medication. However, if your mattress is triggering the symptoms, the allergies can last throughout the year, causing chronic insomnia. 

B. Daytime Drowsiness 

It's natural to feel drowsy and fatigued during the day if you are constantly sleep-deprived because of your allergies. Moreover, over-the-counter anti-allergy medications often worsen drowsiness and make you feel sleepy throughout the day. 

C. Sleep Apnea 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is directly related to allergies or allergic rhinitis, where you experience an obstruction in your breathing airway. Under such circumstances, your body is jerked awake to resume normal respiration. You might wake up several times because of OSA, which can ruin REM sleep. 

Allergy sufferers with chest congestion are highly prone to OSA because the congestion narrows their breathing airways. They tend to snore loudly because of the obstructed airway and often wake up in the middle of the night feeling suffocated. 

6. Can latex trigger allergic reactions?

Natural latex is the sap harvested from the rubber tree and contains certain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions, like rashes and skin irritations, in some people. Typically, people with latex allergies experience these minor skin irritations from direct contact. You shouldn't face any allergies if you use a cover or the mattress has a flame-retardant coating.

At the same time, you can look for mattresses made of processed natural latex with no allergy-triggering proteins. But if you're severely allergic to the material, it's always safer to choose synthetic latex and consult your doctor before purchasing a latex mattress to avoid allergies. 

7. Are memory foam models suitable for allergies? 

High-quality memory foam mattresses are known to be hypoallergenic and can be excellent for allergy sufferers. However, the cheaper models can cause off-gassing and create an unpleasant chemical odour. This off-gassing can trigger asthma symptoms or breathing problems, especially if you're sensitive to chemicals. Always look for memory foam models having Oeko-Tex and CertiPUR-US certifications to avoid such allergic reactions. 

8. Are hypoallergenic mattress protectors effective in preventing allergy symptoms? 

Yes, absolutely! Using a mattress cover or mattress protector prevents dust mites from causing allergies by creating a barrier between you and the mites inside the mattress. Since the mites can't access or feed on your dead skin cells because of the mattress cover, they'll die eventually. 

Moreover, hypoallergenic mattress covers protect you from latex allergies by preventing direct contact with the mattress material.

Verdict 

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, not a breeding ground for allergens and choosing the right bedding mattresses can help in preventing such allergen buildups. That said, selecting the best hypoallergenic mattress can be a tiresome task. So, we've only featured premium-quality anti-allergic mattresses to help you in your quest to find the most suitable bedding option. 

If you're still reluctant about making a purchase, try out the Emma Comfort Mattress because of its hypoallergenic foam layers and natural materials. The mattress is also Oeko-Tex certified and ensures your health and safety by offering restful sleep without triggering allergies. 

Also, go through the other products included in our list before selecting a relevant option. Remember nothing's more important than your health, so choose a mattress that offers a relaxing and comfortable sleeping environment.