Choose the best anti-allergy pillow for a sneeze-free snooze

With the best anti-allergy pillows, hypoallergenic has never felt so comfortable. For those of us who suffer from a sniffle and sensitive skin, choosing the correct pillow can be beneficial to our bedtime. As for allergies, they can disrupt sleep, says Director of Buying at Dreams, Fabio Perrotta. So, an anti-allergy alternative may help improve sleep quality by lessening symptoms, which can manifest as congestion, sneezing and itching. A restful night, free from disruption, will get you ahead for the day.

When it comes to sleeping aids such as pillows, many are designed with different people in mind, whether to improve personal comfort to provide specialised support with memory foam pillows. As for the hypoallergenic variation, they forgo the typical, synthetic materials that can “lead to a build-up of dust mites and cause irritation,” says Fabio. Instead, they are filled with special microfibres. Like anti-allergy bedding, these special pillows are designed to conquer sensitive skin at its root cause.

Best anti-allergy pillow at a glance

• Best anti-allergy pillow for all sleepers: Emma Microfibre Pillow – View on Emma Sleep
• Budget-friendly anti-allergy pillow: Habitat Anti-Allergy Medium Pillow Pair – View on Argos
• Best anti-allergy pillow for neck pain: eve, The Memory Foam Pillow – View on Eve Sleep
• Highly breathable memory foam: Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow – View on Panda London

Perhaps, you’re wondering: how do they work? Fabio from Dreams says that anti-allergy pillows have been “created to have a special barrier that aims to reduce exposure to allergens”, which could prevent any sneezing or itching when in bed with fillings that “are less likely to trigger allergies”. Lightweight and inexpensive for any sleep position, synthetic fibres are thought to be less likely to home all of the nasty dust mites and allergens that set you off, in comparison to feather or down pillows.

Whether you require a pillow for neck pain or require something that can adapt to your fidgety nature, we’ve found some of the best anti-allergy pillows for a dust and mite-free kip. An anti-allergy pillow is just one cog in the overall strategy to reduce those nasty allergens in your home, says Fabio. For a home free from allergens, you need to regularly wash bedding, as well as thoroughly vacuum your bedroom. This way, your back, side or front-sleeping pillow will keep you safe from sneezing.

Best anti-allergy pillow

Verdict: Which is the best anti-allergy pillow?

A masterclass in comfort, the versatile Emma Microfibre Pillow is our top hypoallergenic pick.

Buyer's guide

Thanks to Fabio from Dreams, we can answer the question, "What do I need to look for when choosing an anti-allergy pillow?" Fabio points out: “It certainly depends on your specific needs and circumstances when choosing any anti-allergy products.” Here are some thoughts…

Research – before making a purchase, says Fabio, and “check reviews for those who have similar allergies to you and make sure you understand the materials they are made from.”

Remember – that anti-allergy pillows are just “one part of an overall strategy to reduce allergen exposure in your home,” says Fabio. Maintain good interior air quality to lower allergen levels.

Recommendation – can come from a healthcare professional – if you have asthma or severe allergies. Your local GP or pharmacist will point you in the right direction on the best strategies.

Requirements – as mentioned above, will influence your decision. If you sleep on your back, a pillow for side sleepers isn’t going to provide support. Think about how you sleep and choose wisely.

FAQs

Can old pillows cause allergies?

Yes - your old reliable pillow may prolong your sniffles or dry throat. After all, over time, pillows can accumulate dust mites, dead skin cells, pollen, pet hair, and other allergens, which can trigger allergic reactions. So, what can be done? Well, to reduce the risk of allergies from old pillows, consider the following...

Regular cleaning - can help reduce the build-up. For sufferers, we recommend that pillowcases should be washed weekly. However, the pillows themselves should be washed once a year.

Hypoallergenic covers or protectors - are a great option if you can't afford to fork out for a pillow; they create a barrier between your pillow and allergens, reducing your exposure.

Investing in a hypoallergenic pillow - is your best bet. Luckily, we've done the hard work for you.

Vacuuming - your pillows and the surrounding area can help remove dust and allergens.

Sunlight and fresh air - can help kill dust mites and reduce allergen levels - believe it or not.

How do I wash an anti-allergy pillow?

Though synthetic pillows are generally easy to care for, there are a few drawbacks to this variation. Often coming with a short lifespan, the filling can become clumped, as well as damaged after repeated washing – which is not ideal if you need an orthopaedic pillow for supreme support. So, it’s best to stick to washing instructions for your precious new addition.

As for an anti-allergy pillow cover, it is recommended to wash it once a month to remove allergens. When it comes to the pillow itself, washing it twice or three times a year should be sufficient at a lower degree or anti-allergy setting on your washing machine. After all, you want to ensure it keeps its shape and gives you the comfort you need for a decent sleep.

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.