The Lowdown on Woollen Bedding and Dustmites

Anyone who suffers from allergies to dust will know that your sleep can be disrupted by a stuffy nose, itchy eyes and even issues with breathing. 

That said; it’s important to find bedding that doesn’t exacerbate this problem. Woollen bedding is known for its hypoallergenic properties, which makes it an ideal choice for anyone with an allergy or for asthmatics. 

But why is woollen bedding so good – and would adding a wool underlay to your bed help you to have a good night’s sleep? Read on to find out more.

Myths Surrounding Woollen Bedding

Let’s start with the most common myth surrounding woollen bedding – that it’s a great home for dust mites. This myth comes from a study carried out way back in the 1970s that suggested that woollen fibres were a great habitat for the dust mite. 

However, to understand the results, it’s necessary to look at the conditions of the study, in that it was conducted on a tropical island where temperatures regularly reached 40^oC, and humidity levels of 80% were experienced on a day to day basis. 

The fact that dust mites love very warm, humid environments meant that they did thrive in the blankets that the study participants were given to use. However, this was down to the conditions rather than the wool itself.

The Truth About Dust Mites

While dust mites love the kind of conditions presented in this study, the truth is that they don’t actually feed on dust or wool. However, as we’ve said they do love hot and sweaty conditions. 

Therefore, if you’re sleeping on and under synthetic fibres – you’re more likely to be sleeping with large colonies of dust mites than you would be if your bedding is made of natural, breathable fibres such as wool.

Sadly, dust mites are a fact of life. However, they themselves are harmless, but they do produce a protein that causes all the wheezing, sneezing and itching.  

So, while there may be dust mites in your woollen underlay, there certainly won’t be as many as there would be if you’d chosen an underlay or topper made with synthetic materials such as polyester and memory foam.

Woollen Bedding = Better Health

And that’s not just down to the reduced populations of dust mites. Wool has the ability to absorb the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in many household items, such as cleaning products, paint, glue and varnish which also cause problems for asthmatics and people prone to allergies. 

If you’re thinking of buying new bedding this spring, look out for items that contain wool and you can look forward to improved sleep and better health.

Is it Time to Get a New Mattress?

A mattress is one of the most important purchases you make. It can make the difference between a great night’s sleep and one where you struggle to get comfortable.

Mattresses have a shelf life; unfortunately, they do not last forever, and, at some point, it will become necessary to change your mattress. 

When should I get a new mattress?

Your mattress should be replaced about every seven to ten years. However, this is just a guideline and you can also see if it is time for a new mattress by assessing how you feel after a night’s sleep.

If you are finding that the quality of your sleep has worsened, it could be time to get a new mattress. Perhaps you are tossing and turning more than you used to and finding it hard to get comfortable at night?

Even worse, you may be waking up with an aching back or feeling stiff. All of these are symptoms that your mattress may be past its peak. 

You can also look at the physical state of your mattress. Is it sagging in any areas? Can you feel any loose springs? If so, it is time to change your mattress.

When you wake up in the morning, you want to feel rested and a new mattress could be necessary for you to feel this.

How to choose a new mattress

When you think of how much time you actually spend in bed, a mattress is a real investment for your health.

It is best to see, feel and experience your mattress before buying a new one. Visit some bedding shops, take off your shoes and see how comfortable each of the different types of mattresses feel. You want your new mattress to be comfortable and to last you for a long time, so it is worth taking your time to really discover the best new mattress for you. 

Protect your new mattress

Once you have chosen your new mattress, it is important to protect it so that it can last you for years to come. 

Choose a woollen underlay to give you the ultimate night’s comfort and protect your mattress. Having a wool underlay will not only determine how comfortable you feel when you get into bed but it can also provide you comfort throughout the night. 

Having a natural fibre like wool will ensure you remain cool throughout the night as it will wick away any moisture that is present.

Get your bedding from Halcyon Dreams

Halcyon Dreams stock a wide range of bedding that will work in conjunction with your new mattress to give you the best night’s sleep. 

We can help you to protect your new mattress, stay cool and comfortable and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

Revamp Your Bedroom for Spring

Spring is synonymous with fresh beginnings. It is a time that often sparks people to do their spring cleaning and bring about any change that may be necessary. Your bedroom is no different, and sometimes it can benefit from being revamped along with the new season. 

Refresh your bedding this spring

A great way to revamp your bedroom is by freshening up your bedding. Your bed is the centrepiece of your bedroom, and all too often we can neglect this one key area.

You should replace your duvet about every five years. If you can’t remember the last time you bought yourself a new duvet, it is probably worth investing in a new quality wool doona.

With the average person getting around eight hours sleep a night, you spend a lot of time in bed and therefore it is important to invest in quality bedding that will allow you to get the best possible night’s sleep. 

Is it time for new bedding?

If your duvet is looking a little limp and lifeless, it is probably a sign that it could do with being replaced. Similarly, if your duvet is discoloured and the filling is not evenly spread across the whole duvet, it probably means it is time for a new one. 

Why choose wool for your doona?

Purchasing a washable wool doona has many benefits for your health. This is because it is made from natural fibres and therefore helps to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, as well as offering you the perfect protection for the other seasons. Wool wicks away any unwanted moisture in the night, helping to keep you cool and comfortable, and therefore allowing you to have a restful night’s sleep. 

For this reason, wool duvets are also great for those who share a bed and may like to be different temperatures during the night. As the wool adapts to your body, it will suit both of you. Clever.

Natural fibres also stay cleaner for longer, so they are a lot better for your overall health, especially when you consider the amount of time you spend in bed. 

The other great news is that when you purchase your doona from Halcyon Dreams, our wool duvets are washable so you will be able to keep them fresh and smelling beautiful.

Don’t forget your pillows

Along with your duvet, you should also replace your pillows. Pillows can harbour skin cells and can also house dust mites if they are not regularly replaced. Like your duvet, you can tell when your pillow needs replacing by feeling and seeing if it is looking thin and has seen better days.

Step into spring feeling refreshed

This spring replace your duvet and feel fresh for the season ahead.

What's the Best Bedding for Allergy Sufferers?

Those that suffer from dust and pollen allergies often have a tough time when it comes to getting quality sleep. If this sounds familiar to you and you’re looking for ways to keep your allergies at bay in the hope of enjoying better sleep, it might be time to invest in a different type of bedding.

Wool Quilts Are Perfect for a Cosy Winter Bed

There is nothing better than snuggling down for the night in bed on a cold winter’s night. You might like to curl up with a good book, your iPad or a mug of hot chocolate. In whichever way you choose to wind down for the evening, at Halcyon Dreams, we have got you covered, quite literally, for the best night’s sleep.

The Best Ways to Store Your Seasonal Bedding

Sleeping on and underneath the right type of seasonal bedding allows you to feel and be much more comfortable so you can enjoy better quality sleep when it is time for a rest. 

It is so important to invest in good quality winter bedding with proper insulation abilities to keep you nice and snug when it is cold.  And it is just as important to have cool summer bedding such as a summer quilt if you live in Australia to keep you comfortable yet nice and cool on those hot summer nights.

The only downside to seasonal bedding is that you need to create storage for bedding so you can switch out during season changes without causing a lot of clutter inside your home and closet spaces.  With the right storage solutions for bedding, you can store your beautiful linen with ease so everything can stay in great condition until you need them again.

Here are the best ways to store your bedding when these items are not in use;

Give Everything a Proper Clean

It is better to give everything a proper clean before stashing it in the closet.  You never know when unexpected guests might arrive, and no one likes the idea of dirty blankets in the closet.  A good wash will keep your bedding from getting bad odours and will remove any pieces of dead skin and food pieces that could attract destructive insects.

Choose a Good Spot

The right storage space will keep your bedding safe from insects and pests and will ensure that everything stays dry and damage or odour free.  Keep bedding stored inside the house.  If you don’t have a linen closet, then consider getting a storage ottoman, a bed with hidden storage compartments or install extra cupboards in your pantry.  Don’t store your goods in cardboard because many pests are attracted to these materials.

An Easy Way to Keep Linen Organized

If you hate looking for bits and pieces from your bedding sets, then a good way to keep everything together is by simply stashing everything inside one of your set’s pillowcases.  This keeps items from getting lost and makes it so easy to retrieve the entire set when it is time for a change.

Vacuum Seal If You Can

Vacuum sealing your bedding can save a lot of space, especially if you have comforters and quilts to put away.  This storage method will also keep insects from getting into your fabrics.

These storage tips are excellent whether you are trying to put away big bulky winter blankets or light summer wool quilts in Australia, or indeed anywhere in the world.

With the right storage solution, your beautiful bedding will stay in great shape, and you can enjoy a clutter-free home at all times. 

6 Things to Consider When Buying a Doona

As we head through autumn and glimpse winter looming on the horizon, it’s time to consider upping our game in the bedroom stakes. And by this, we mean buying a new quilt to cope with chillier months ahead. However, before you make your purchase, here are 6 things to consider when buying a new doona.

There are many different types of doona on the market from the traditional Australian made quilt or wool quilt to mass-produced polyester quilts, so how do you know which one to choose? 

1.    Down Quilts for Downunder

For anyone who feels the cold, a down quilt is an excellent choice. Down is lightweight but warm and has the highest fill power of all the fillings available. However, if you prefer a heavier weight doona, a washable wool quilt may be the perfect solution. With its natural insulating qualities, wool will allow your skin to breathe and wick away moisture while keeping your body at the optimum temperature.

2.    The Natural Option

While wool and down are both natural options, if you tend to overheat or live in a warmer area, you may want to choose a cool fibre such as cotton, Tencel or bamboo. They’re not only ultra-absorbent but have a silky, luxurious feel and look.

3.    Synthetic Quilts for Sensitive Souls

While wool may be hypoallergenic, people with allergies may find that microfibre or polyester quilts are the best option. Many modern quilts come have an anti-allergy treatment applied during manufacture and today’s technical fibres also have the ability to wick moisture away while retaining their fullness and softness.

4.    Regular Airing and Cleaning

All quilts will build up dust, dirt, dead skin cells and dust mites during use and so will need regular airing to remain fresh. Simply hang your quilt in the sunshine to get rid of stale smells and dust. You’ll also need to have your quilt cleaned on a regular basis to prevent staining and dust mite infestations. Choosing a washable quilt may mean that it’s easier to clean although most home washing machines won’t be able to accommodate anything larger than a single sized quilt.

5.    Choosing the Correct Size 

While it seems sensible to buy a single quilt for a single bed and so on, if you find that your quilt is in a pile on the floor each morning, you may fare better with the next size up. Choosing a larger size may also help prevent arguments with your sleeping partner if they tend to hog the covers.

6.    Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches

When buying a new quilt, don’t forget the finishing touches. A new set of bedding will make your bed feel fresh and clean, while a few extra pillows and cushions will give your room an air of luxury and make it the place that you love to retire to after a busy day.