The Truth About Woollen Bedding and Dust Mites

If you have asthma or suffer from allergies, you may already be aware that sleeping in hypoallergenic bedding can reduce allergic reactions. However, you may have discounted the idea of a wool quilt as you’ve heard that woollen bedding provides a great environment for dust mites. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth; so, let’s dispel this myth once and for all.

Unfortunately, dust mites are a fact of life. Although we can’t see them without a microscope, they do exist in all types of bedding. Contrary to the suggestion implied by their name, dust mites don’t eat dust. Neither do they eat wool. They do, however, love beds. They love the warm and humid conditions created by our hot and sweaty bodies. But they prefer bedding that’s made of feathers, down or synthetic fibres. This means that wool quilts are a much better choice.

Dust mites love warm and humid environments

It’s a well-known fact that dust mites require a warm and humid environment to survive. So, the suggestion that your wool quilt may be home to an extra-large colony of dust mites is unlikely to be true. The natural properties of wool ensure that any moisture that’s released from your body as you sleep is absorbed by the wool fibres and then released into the atmosphere to keep you and your bedding dry and cool. This is not the kind of environment that helps dust mites to thrive.

The idea that dust mites thrive in wool comes from a 1970’s study

A study carried out in the 1970s suggested that dust mites were able to survive and thrive in woollen fibres. However, if we tell you that this study was carried out on a tropical island in temperatures of around 40^oC and humidity not far short of 80%, you can perhaps see why there is a problem. These temperatures and levels of humidity provide an excellent breeding ground for dust mites in any kind of material. It’s not necessarily because they used woollen blankets.

Woollen bedding has fewer dust mites than other types of bedding

As we’ve already said, you’ll find dust mites in all types of bedding. The mites themselves are harmless. It’s the protein they produce that causes the typical allergic reactions such as wheezing, sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and itchy skin. So, while there may be dust mites in your woollen bedding, there won’t be as many as found in bedding made of synthetic fibres, duck or down.

Choose Woollen Bedding for Better Health

Wool quilts not only have fewer dust mites than other types of bedding, but they can absorb harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are found in a wide range of things from paints, varnishes and glues to cleaning products and cleaning products, and can be problematic for anyone with allergies or asthma. So, there’s another great reason to choose woollen bedding for your home.

Feeling Uncomfortable During the Night? Invest in Wool

Do you struggle with your sleep? Do you find it hard to get comfortable and find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night? If so, you are not alone, and you do not have to suffer.

While many of us can underestimate the importance of putting time and effort into choosing your choice of bedding, it can make all the difference to you getting a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

A wool quilt can change the way you sleep. If you want to find out more, keep reading.

Regulate your temperature

One of the reasons for poor sleep could be that you find yourself getting too hot or cold during the night. On a cold winter’s night, there is nothing better than getting into a warm and cosy bed.

However, if your bedding is made from synthetic fibres, it can cause you to overheat, which may result in you sweating and feeling uncomfortable. Halcyon Dreams has the answer: wool.

Wool is temperature regulating, which means that it keeps you at the right temperature. Should you sweat, the wool will wick away any additional moisture, keeping you cool and comfortable. Did you know wool can retain up to 30% of its body weight in moisture and only releases it when the conditions are dry enough?

Of course, it also works the other way around. Should you often feel the cold, wool will keep you warm and cosy, so that is one more thing off your mind.

It keeps allergies at bay

For those who suffer from allergies, the type of bedding you choose is imperative to how you sleep at night. Wool quilts are naturally resistant to dust mites, which can help to keep your allergies at bay. You can look forward to a peaceful night’s sleep without any sneezing or sniffling. Your partner will thank you for that as well!

Wool is natural

As a natural material, wool is gentle next to your skin. If environmental factors are important to you, it is good to know that you are choosing a sustainable option.

Wool is durable, and you can expect to enjoy your wool quilt for many years to come. When it does eventually reach the end of its life, it can naturally be broken down by the earth in a way that synthetic fibres cannot.

Find your wool bedding at Halcyon Dreams

If you want to have better sleep, choose wool for your bedding, and you will not look back. At Halcyon Dreams, we can supply all your wool bedding, and as our wool is 100% Australian, you can be sure of its quality.

You can also feel good knowing that you are supporting the local economy and Australian farmers. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Why Choose a Wool Quilt Rather Than a Polyester Quilt?

 

Choosing a new quilt for your bed can sometimes seem a little daunting. There are so many options on the market, and you want to make sure that you choose one that will keep you comfortable as you sleep. Plus, you may also want it to have eco-credentials and be as environmentally friendly as possible.

With that in mind, it’s logical to assume that a wool quilt is a better option than one made of polyester. But just in case you need a little more persuading, here’s the lowdown on the difference between polyester and wool quilts.

What is Polyester?

We all know what wool is – it’s a sheep’s natural coat but what exactly is polyester? Polyester is the universal name given to any textile or fabric that’s made from polyester fibres or yarns that are knitted or woven into a fabric. The fibres are made from a thermoplastic that is developed from a chemical reaction between petroleum, water, and air.

Does Polyester Work Well for Bedding?

One of the big advantages of polyester bedding is that it is relatively lightweight which is a bonus if you prefer a light covering as you sleep. However, it does have some downsides.

·         Polyester is not a breathable fabric – this means that it’s likely to trap moisture and prevent it from escaping into the air. This can lead to an increase in body temperature as you sleep and you may feel damp, clammy, and uncomfortable. On the other hand, as a natural fibre, wool helps to regulate your body temperature and can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture that will keep you cool and comfortable as you sleep.

 

·         Polyester may cause allergic reactions – this may sound strange, but due to its lack of breathability, polyester creates the perfect environment for dust mites and allergens to thrive. Plus, as it’s made from petroleum, it may cause skin irritations. In contrast, wool is naturally hypoallergenic, so it won’t cause skin or breathing problems and, as it releases any absorbed moisture into the air, it deters those dreaded dust mites.

 

·         Polyester can be hard to recycle. Although many companies are now finding ways to recycle polyester and create new fabrics with recycled polyester, some polyesters are still extremely hard to recycle and often end up in landfill. This leads us to our next point – polyester is a non-biodegradable fabric and can take anything from 20 to 200 years to decompose. As you can imagine, as an entirely natural product, wool is both biodegradable and sustainable. As long as we have sheep, we will have wool and if the wool does end up in landfill it will degrade naturally without polluting the environment.

 

·         In some cases, polyester is flammable; however, polyester bedding is likely to be treated with chemicals to make it fireproof. Wool is naturally fire-retardant so is a much safer and healthier choice for your bed.

The Bottom Line

While polyester may be a popular choice for many, it isn’t necessarily the best option if you value your health and the environment. 

5 Simple Ways to Get Your Bedroom Spring Ready

 

Spring has heralded its arrival and we can’t wait to get back outdoors again but spare a thought for your home. It’s been the place of safety and comfort, especially as we’ve all been spending more time there over the last few months due to the Pandemic. So now it’s time to give it a bit of special attention and a traditional spring clean. If you’re not ready to tackle the whole house, let’s start with the bedroom! We show you five simple ways to get your bedroom spring-ready without breaking the bank.

Spruce up the Walls

An easy way to make your bedroom feel brighter and lighter is with a fresh coat of paint, particularly on the woodwork. If your budget doesn’t run to paint, simply clean the woodwork and walls with a damp cloth paying particular attention to dirty or marked areas. While you’re at it, clean the windows and light fittings too so that they let in the maximum amount of light.

Deep Clean the Carpet

If you have a carpeted bedroom now’s the time for a deep clean. Make sure you give the carpet a thorough vacuum and then use a carpet cleaner to remove stains and refresh the carpet fibres. Throw open the windows to dry out the carpet after cleaning and let some fresh air into your room too.  If you have wooden flooring, give it an extra deep clean and polish or treat the floor as required.

Remake Your Bed

Warmer nights call for lighter bedding and what could be better for a good night’s sleep than a wool quilt? Naturally hypoallergenic, wool quilts have the ability to wick moisture away from your body as you sleep to give you a better night’s sleep and ensure that you wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to face the day. Use this time to check your mattress and pillows too. Do they need a deep clean or are they ready for replacement? You may also want to change your bedding to a lighter weight and colour too to reflect the lighter and longer days.

Bring the Outdoors In

Adding greenery to your bedroom with plants is very on-trend right now. Choose a few large statement plants or allow hanging plants to drape from the top of cupboards or a shelf above the bed. Plants not only help to remove toxins from the air, but they contribute to a sense of calmness – a necessity for every bedroom.

Add a Scentsational Scent

Your bedroom should be a haven where you can relax. One way to encourage your body and mind to switch off and unwind is to introduce scent into the space. You can do this with fragranced sticks or candles or how about using an electric oil diffuser that will fill the air with the scent of your choice?

And there you go – five easy ways to get your bedroom ready for spring.

Is Wool the Right Choice for Your New Bedding?

 

Have you decided that you want to invest in some quality bedding? The market is full of options for your bedding from synthetic fibres to natural materials, so how do you know the best quilt type to choose?

Here at Halcyon Dreams, we believe that wool quilts make for a great night’s sleep every night, and there are plenty of reasons why you should choose one for your bed!

Do you want a quilt that can regulate your temperature?

We are all different, so it can be hard to find a quilt that suits everyone, particularly if you share a bed with someone else. With a wool quilt, that choice is made easier. Wool naturally regulates your body temperature and keeps you cool when it is warm and warm when it is cooler.

What’s more, not only does wool keep you at the right temperature throughout the night, it also keeps you feeling fresh. If you produce any sweat while you are sleeping, the wool will wick it away. It can retain up to 30% of its body weight in moisture, and it will only release the moisture when the environment is dry enough for it to do so.

Do you suffer from allergies?

If you are an allergy sufferer, you are not alone. Common allergies often cause sleep trouble, but your choice of bedding can have an impact. Wool is naturally hypoallergenic. Along with this, it is resistant to dust mites, so you can look forward to a night free from sniffing and sneezing. Your partner will thank us too!

Do you want a quilt that is easy to care for?

Choosing a quality quilt does not mean that you are in for a complicated cleaning routine. Wool is incredibly easy to take care of. It resists odours and stains, and it is even self-cleaning! Designed by nature to keep sheep clean and dry, it works the same way when it is on your bed.

At Halcyon Dreams, many of our wool doonas are also washable, so even though your quilt may not need it, it is good to know that you can wash it. Follow the care instructions on the label for the best results.

Support Australian farmers and choose sustainable wool

When you choose a wool quilt from Halcyon Dreams, you are continuing to positively impact the Australian economy and support our farmers. All our wool comes from Australian sheep, and we always source the best quality.

You can also feel good that you are choosing a sustainable option. As long as there are sheep, there will always be wool.

Check out the range of wool quilts at Halcyon Dreams today.

New Bed? Make Sure You Dress It Well

 

Is there any better feeling than sinking into a comfortable bed at the end of a long day? If you have splashed out on a new bed, you are probably looking forward to it arriving, as well as getting some new accessories to make the bed your own.

Here at Halcyon Dreams, we help you to get a great night’s sleep every night with our range of wool quilts. Why do we love wool? Read on to find out why it makes the best choice for you.

Wool works with your body temperature

In your new bed, the last thing you want to do is sweat through to your mattress. Luckily, wool has you covered as it is temperature regulating. It can retain up to 30% of its weight in moisture, absorbing any sweat created while you sleep. You can wake up feeling clean and refreshed, and it is good news for your new bed too!

If you are someone that feels the cold, a wool quilt will also work perfectly for you. It will keep you warm and snug no matter what the weather is doing outside.

Best for allergies

For anyone that suffers from allergies, wool is a great choice for your bedding. It is naturally hypoallergenic. As well as this, it is resistant to dust mites, which means less of the annoying sneezing attacks and sniffing.

It is natural

Nowadays, many of us are searching for natural products rather than synthetic manmade fibres. After all, they have been designed by nature to do a job perfectly. Wool is a natural material designed to keep sheep warm and dry while offering them the best protection.

When you buy wool from us, you will also be helping Australian farmers and the economy. Wool is a sustainable choice. Wool can even biodegrade when it reaches the end of its life!

Finish your new bed off with some beautiful covers and accessories

Of course, once you have your wool bedding, you will need covers to protect it. Opting for a natural material, such as cotton, will mean it is breathable, and you will be able to get all the benefits from your wool quilt.

Whether you are after something bright and fun, neutral or crisp white, there are many options out there, so hunt around and find something that you love. Add a few scatter cushions, and your bed will feel like something out of a magazine.

Shop today at Halcyon Dreams

When you are searching for your perfect quilt, look no further than Halcyon Dreams for woollen bedding that is sourced from Australian farmers. Get the most from your new bed with Halcyon Dreams, and you can look forward to sleeping on a bed of dreams each night.