Buyer's Guide

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. We have all our product tested and can provide you with those results.

• 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.
• 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.

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 than 9. Typically, any non membrane fabric with a pore size less than 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 fabrics 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:

• 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 than cotton.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 than 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 than 5<! Because there is no membrane, these fabrics tend to have longer life spans 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.

• Cotton Allersoft is 100% Cotton. Not to be confused with the older poly cotton (60/40 blend) offered at many retailers. The Cotton offers the same level of protection yet is the softest feeling possible.
• Many retailers offer different styles of Pristine and confuse the issue by giving the product a unique name. There are basically three levels of Pristine fabric and they can be identified by pore size. If you know the pore size you can easily know which fabric you are buying. All our mattress and pillow covers are 2.8 microns.

Tip for choosing between Allersoft and Pristine: The cotton Allersoft is the softest and coolest product you can purchase. Remember that the Pristine is a synthetic so it feels very slick like an umbrella. These products are designed to be washed just a few times per year as they lay underneath your sheets. Some people, however, desire to wash the product as often as a few times per month. If this sounds appealing to you, we recommend purchasing the Pristine since a synthetic fiber will be durable in the laundering. If you plan on following the guidelines and washing 3-4 times per year maximum, then the Allersoft will be the preferred fabric since it has the best feel and is the cooler one to sleep on. The difference in the pore sizes which is about 2 microns is negligible so both are comparable in terms of protection. Anything under 5 microns is viewed as premium.

• 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.

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.

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:

• Is 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.
• 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!