(ARA) - The fall months offer the joy of playing football in the backyard and quailty time in the outdoors. For allergy sufferers, these fall activities mean sneezing, sniffling and watery eyes. Unfortunately, many of these people also suffer from year-long allergies and even being indoors can bring its share of discomfort. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergies prevent nearly 75 percent of sufferers from getting a good night’s sleep.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reports that 45 percent of U.S. homes have bedding with dust-mite concentrations that exceed allergic sensitivity levels. The Ohio State University Extension Office reports that a two-year-old pillow holds 10 percent of its weight in dust-mites, which can make a good night’s sleep unattainable for allergy sufferers.

By following a few simple tips, the bedroom can become an allergy-free sleep haven.

1. Select the right mattress and cover it. For many allergy sufferers, the mattress is an unknown culprit for dust mites and mold. One product recommended by most allergists is an allergy relief mattress protector. Another key to a better night’s sleep during allergy season is the Sleep Number bed by Select Comfort which, unlike traditional beds, can be easily unzipped and vacuumed clean on the inside to remove dust-mites and other allergens.

2. Replace pillows every five years. A new pillow will provide better support and allergy protection. Hypoallergenic pillows are available for back, side and stomach sleepers at www.selectcomfort.com.

3. Protect your new pillows. To increase longevity and prevent new allergens from growing, Select Comfort offers an allergy relief pillow protector featuring an allergen barrier that is 100 percent cotton with a luxurious 240-thread count. The patented tight weaving process provides a natural barrier to dust and dust-mites.

Once the bedding has been cleaned or replaced, the following tips can help create an allergen-free sleep environment.

* Wash bedding weekly in 130-degree temperature water to kill dust-mites

* Use a HEPA air purifier to remove allergens, and change the filter as recommended

* Keep pets and dirty shoes out of the bedroom

* Remove rugs, carpet and window coverings wherever possible, and clean any remaining carpet and curtains frequently

For more information about the Sleep Number bed or other allergen-barrier bedding, call (800) 535-BEDS or visit www.selectcomfort.com. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, the firmness of a Sleep Number bed can be personally adjusted for comfort. The dual-adjustable air chambers allow each individual to set their side of the bed to their firmness preference -- their Sleep Number -- without affecting their partner’s choice. A Sleep Number is a number between zero and 100 that represents each person’s ideal combination of mattress comfort, firmness and support.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Courtesy of ARA Content