Which Rugs Are Best When Your Child Has Dust Allergies And Asthma
As a child I didn’t suffer from allergies at all.
I remember that one of my friends used to suffer from a dust allergy
And I didn’t understand her.
One year when I was 26, it started:
Happy and joyful spring days became different for me…
This blog is for those kids who are dealing with allergies.
When youve got allergies in the house, you need to take extra care when choosing rugs, as specific types can worsen symptoms. With this in mind, we are here to explain which is the best way to deal with allergens in your rug, and to present a new and special alternative.
If your kids have allergies, you might have noticed that their symptoms increase when theyre around rugs, carpets, and curtains made from specific textiles. These furnishings can often catch particles that cause allergy symptoms, whether thats pollen, dust, or other potentially harmful microorganisms. The harmful particles can be released into the air and begin causing disturbance.
These particles are almost unseen to our eye and can be easily inhaled without knowing about it, leading to asthma and allergy symptoms, including a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and difficulty in breathing. Allergies are not something that many people think about when choosing a rug. But, if your kids do have allergies, its important to understand how different textiles may trap particles and make symptoms worse. It is also great to know that now there is a new option for rugs that are suitable for kids with allergies.
What To Look For In A Floor
Rather than burn the place to the ground after reading those horrifying lists of allergens and where theyre found, were going to look at some options on which flooring is best for allergies, and honestly, which one is the worst.
It helps to have some general guidelines as to what makes a good, hypo-allergenic flooring and what might not be so great. In the case of allergies, this is a short list, however, well get into more detail as we go through each option.
Generally speaking, soft surfaces are not going to be your best option, so stick with harder surface floor products and avoid rugs. That opens you up to a wider variety of flooring options than many other project considerations . Stay toward natural products, rather than man-made, to avoid chemicals.
All that said, if youre not confident or unsure of where to start, reach out to your flooring experts at The Good Guys. Theyre here to help with all your questions from allergy-friendly product selection, to installation and maintenance.
Will Having A Hypoallergenic Carpet Eliminate Allergies Issue
As much as hypoallergenic carpets are useful when it comes to reducing allergens, it is important to remember that they, unfortunately, are not the ultimate solution. The carpets just prevent allergens from being trapped and making them easily removable.
With hypoallergenic carpets and rugs, your home will be more comfortable but you still need to put in some work in keeping them that way.
For this reason, you need to clean the carpets regularly. Just make sure you invest in a good vacuum cleaner when you have one of these carpets at home. Choose a vacuum cleaner that has a good filtration system that at least uses a HEPA.
You need to vacuum very often. In fact, you could do it daily if thats possible. You should also steam clean every six months. This will help get rid of any embedded allergens. When you observe these cleaning habits in your home where you place the hypoallergenic carpets, you will have a better result in managing allergies.
Related:
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What Do Others Say About Carpet And Asthma
But, I’ve always been one to question conventional wisdom. Just because everyone else is saying something doesn’t necessarily make it true. In fact, if everyone is thinking the same thing, then something is probably wrong. Its moments like these that get me to thinking things like: does this make sense? Are hard floors really ideal for asthmatics?
Personally, I have always had carpet in my homes. The type of carpet I use is low shag. I have never had an issue with this. My kids havent even had an issue with this. Plus, when you sweep wood, tile, and linoleum floors, dust gets airborne then too. Dust and debris creeps up no matter what kind of flooring you have.
My hypothesis here is this is that low shag carpet is fine for people with asthma. So, I set off on to investigate in the wide, wide world of Google.
Which Rooms In Your Home Harbour The Most Allergens
Bedrooms are the worst culprit for harbouring allergens such as dust mite faecal pellets, in mattresses and bedding as well as carpets. Removing carpets will not cure the problem, but you can certainly reduce their impact by choosing the right one.
But other tricks can make a huge difference, such as keeping rooms airy, opening windows and controlling temperature and humidity. For hay fever sufferers you need to take care not to let in allergens from outside, so exercise caution in the summer months when pollen levels are high.
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Choosing A Hypoallergenic Underlay
Underlay offers many benefits which include increasing the lifespan of your carpet, providing heat insulation and some types of underlay offer hypoallergenic properties too.
For example, the pockets in waffle sponge rubber underlay trap dust and other allergens which helps create a hypoallergenic environment.
We supply SpringBond underlay which has many eco-friendly qualities as well as being given an official seal of approval by Allergy UK. SpringBond is made from recycled plastic bottles and is anti-microbial, containing no toxic chemicals or VOCs.
Another underlay which we recommend for customers whod like to limit VOCs is Natrulay by Texfelt. This underlay contains no harmful VOCs and is manufactured from sustainable natural fibres. It is dust free and is a great environmental alternative to PU foam.
Wool Removes Indoor Air Contaminants
Polluted indoor air can lead to discomfort, reduced efficiency and even ill health amongst employees and residents. Wool carpet has been shown to rapidly neutralise formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, common contaminants in todays indoor environment.Not only does wool neutralise these contaminants more quickly and completely than synthetic carpet fibres, it does not re-emit them, even when heated.Wool carpet may continue purifying the air for up to 30 years.
Recommended Reading: Clinical Practice Guidelines For Asthma
Wool The Best Carpet Choice For Allergy And Asthma Sufferers
There are many benefits to natural wool fibre. Not only is it incredibly soft and comfortable, there is also the benefit of natural wool fibre being fire retardant, eco-friendly and biodegradable. Above all of this, the biggest benefit of natural wool fibre is to your health.
Image by weewoolies.com
The two main health issues that seem to affect a persons decision on floor coverings are allergies and asthma and both of these health issues are influenced by the quality of air we breathe. There has been a long held perception that carpet has a negative impact on air quality and that perception has led people to make drastic changes in their flooring and avoid carpet all together. So, it was great news to finally have this perception put to rest when in 2005, The German Asthma and Allergy Foundation released their findings showing conclusively that carpet reduces dust in the air to more than half that found above hard surfaces. Some people with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as Eczema react to synthetic fibres but for allergy and asthma sufferers, it is the VOCs and overall particulate matter which is of main concern. So whether it be sensitive skin or sensitive airways you cant go past natural wool fibre for optimal health.
How does natural wool fibre help those with allergies?
What Is Hypoallergenic Carpet
There is no formal industry standard for hypoallergenic carpet, so its worth talking to a flooring expert and also doing your own research on carpet brands youre interested in to see if they will meet your needs. Carpet is inherently hypoallergenic, but there are types of carpet that enhance the hypoallergenic environment.
What your carpet is made of
Some carpet materials are more hypoallergenic than others. Certain man-made fibers are naturally mold- and mildew-resistant, which can help cut down on allergic reactions.
Some natural fibers, such as wool, may have a natural hypoallergenic effect . Wool is kind of a wonder fiber that counteracts allergies in several ways. It creates a hostile environment for dust mites, and it creates less dust particles than other fibers as it wears. It can also potentially absorb harmful toxins and VOCs.
The tightness of the weave and the length of the carpet fibers
A tightly woven carpet is easier to clean than looser, shaggier carpets with thick piles. Carpets with a tighter, denser weave will trap less dust and harbor less dust.
The amount of VOC emissions
One of the worst, and most often overlooked, allergy issues with new carpets is the off-gassing of potentially harmful chemicals produced by the manufacturing process. These chemicals, known as Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs, can be serious triggers for people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.
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Which Carpet Material Is Best For Allergies
The best carpet material for allergies is one that does not create a conducive environment for mold, dust mites, mildew, and bacteria to thrive in.
Materials that repel moisture and allergens and are easy to clean are the best for people who suffer from allergies.
The following are some of the best materials:
Carpet Cleaning To Avoid Allergies
Clean your existing carpet regularly to help reduce allergy-related problems. Truth be told, the best carpet for allergies to dust mites is to not have carpet at all. But in the event that is not possible, frequently vacuum the carpeting in high-traffic or pet areas of your home daily to remove dust, pet dander and other allergy-inducing particles. For medium-traffic spaces, vacuum about two times a week and light-traffic areas weekly. Acquire a professional carpet cleaner at least once a year to clean your carpets via hot water extraction to effectively remove embedded dirt that regular vacuuming can’t extract.
The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan suggests covering carpet with throw rugs if you can not remove the wall to wall carpet completely. This allows you to vacuum, wash or shake out the rugs more frequently. Place a heavy-duty mat outside each entry door to wipe your shoes before entering the interior spaces. In addition, get in the habit of removing your shoes upon entering your home to track less dirt on the carpets.
References
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Nuloom Vintage Lindsy Distressed Area Rug
This is a beautiful carpet from the nuLOOM company. The nuLOOM carpet is made up of 100% polypropylene making it good for people with allergies. It comes in a distressed blue and cream pattern that is very beautiful to look at and makes a room look instantly different from the nice color combination.
The weaving is carefully done using machines in order to achieve that amazing finish that gives the room a boost in appearance. This carpet is made in Egypt
The Best Flooring For Asthma Sufferers
Some types of flooring may breed unhealthy conditions for asthma sufferers. Carpeting with long fibers, for instance, traps dust and dirt. If pets share the space, pet hair and dander may remain in the carpet even after high-powered vacuuming. Flooring options that are easy to keep clean, such as hardwood floors, are best for asthmatics since potential asthma triggers can be removed with ease.
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How To Choose Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory disease that inflames and narrows the airways. It can affect people of any age, but it’s often diagnosed during childhood. Some asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. For some, asthma is an inconvenience, but for others it can lead to life threatening asthma attacks. Asthma can be triggered by allergens, exercise, or workplace irritants.
Asthma can affect people of any age, but it usually starts during childhood. Limiting exposure to asthma triggers and creating at home environment that reduces the possibility of an asthma attack is important. Something as simple as the flooring in your home could be a trigger. There are carpeting options, even for asthma and allergy sufferers.
Do Hypoallergenic Carpets Work
Hypoallergenic carpets will keep allergens at bay when looked after correctly, following the manufacturers instructions.
You should vacuum carpets regularly and consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning company occasionally to provide a deep clean that you cant achieve with a domestic hoover. We recommend Conway Cleaning for our customers as they are our local carpet and upholstery cleaning specialists.
If you have a family member who suffers with allergies then there are other things you can do around the home to keep the air clean. For example, keep windows open as much as possible to circulate clean air, or in colder months open the trickle vents which are often found in modern double-glazed units.
Good ventilation will also prevent damp and mould spores from forming and being released into the atmosphere. However, hay fever and other allergies caused by external factors could worsen with more air circulation.
Consider using an air purifier which filters many irritants from the air, which could be useful during the colder months when you are less likely to open windows. Its also helpful if you suffer from hay fever and cant ventilate the house as much as youd like. The different types of air purifier are discussed in this articleas well as how to choose the best one for your situation.
Other ways to limit allergens inside your home include,
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Laminate & Vinyl Flooring
Laminate and vinyl flooring meets the criteria of hard surface vs. soft, moving you away from some of the pitfalls of carpet. However, theyre not completely impervious to allergens either. Laminate and vinyl plank flooring dont trap allergens like carpet and theyre generally much easier to clean.
Luxury vinyl plank and vinyl tile flooring are one of the hottest new trends in flooring in recent years. Its durable, easy to clean and comes in a variety of trendsetting colors, patterns, and looks.
Vinyl is a good allergy-friendly alternative as its hard surface qualities make it easy to clean of dust and debris and dont lend towards trapping allergens. Be sure to check the VOC content of both the flooring and the adhesive used to install it, as these can be potent sources of allergy-inducing fumes. Higher-end vinyl products typically are the better option for both durability and VOC content. Truly a you-get-what-you-pay-for situation.
Laminate is a manufactured product and contains limited natural materials. The majority of laminate plank and rigid-core vinyl flooring products require click-lock and floating installation, eliminating the need for adhesives.
Summary Of Best Flooring Options For Those With Allergies Or Asthma
Best options:
- Tile flooring (stone, porcelain, ceramic
- Linoleum flooring
Other suitable options but be wary of quality
- Laminate flooring
Regardless of which flooring surface you use, its important to keep the floors clean. Even solid hardwood , can result in sneezes if you dont keep it clean. Thankfully, dust that has settled on hardwood is far easier to wipe away than dirt that has settled into the carpet .
Its also wise to stay awayfrom lower end products as those tend to have more chemicals and fumes. There are so many flooring options available, so dont feel limited just because you have allergies or asthma.
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Potential Problems With These Studies
The authors note potential problems with this data. And thats good, of course, because it shows modesty. It shows that the intent is not to be biased. It shows the intent is not to be sheep and go with conventional wisdom.
The problem noted is that most of the literature reviewed failed to note the type of carpet, nor how well ventilated rooms studied were. Still, despite this rather significant flaw, they decided an accumulation of the evidence was not enough to overturn past recommendations. The authors wrote:7
To reduce the burden of disease, avoidance of widespread use of carpets should be among factors considered. For this reason, use of carpeted floors in schools and kindergartens should also be avoided, at least until more scientific knowledge is provided.”
Fine. I can agree with this conclusion.
Other Natural Flooring Options
Linoleum might seem similar to some types of man-made flooring, but it is made of natural materials — primarily linseed oil, pine resin and powdered wood with a jute fiber backing. It offers a durable option for just about any room in the house and is relatively easy to clean since it is smooth. Bamboo flooring, similar in look to hardwood and wood laminate flooring, is another natural choice for an asthma-friendly floor. When installing either linoleum or bamboo floors, use low-VOC adhesives. Otherwise toxic chemicals may off-gas for a while, making the room unsafe for asthma sufferers.
References
Recommended Reading: Allergy And Asthma Care Of West Michigan
How To Clean Your Carpet To Control Allergens
Even if you choose one of the above allergy-friendly carpet types, you still need to take action to keep your carpet free of any allergens such as dust and dust mites.
Aim to vacuum any carpeted areas daily if possible as this will prevent dust from settling and flaring up your allergies. It can also be a good idea to consider wet-vacuum cleaning when possible as this not only helps to remove allergens but also cleans the carpet at the same time.
Finally, try to steam clean your carpet at least once a month, as the heat of the steam will kill any present dust mites.
Although it will take a bit of effort, if you really want carpets in your home, you shouldnt let your allergies hold you back. As well as choosing the right type of carpet to minimise your risk of aggravating your allergies, you will also need to implement a consistent cleaning routine and be vigilant of any dust, mould, and mildew on your new carpet.