Allergy Bedding Comparison and Review

The first problem with laminates is that, although less rigid than vinyl, they do have some stiffness to them. This is especially noticeable on the pillow. Second, they are not only allergen-proof - they are airtight. Although some laminates have been advertised as being "breathable", this refers only to the fact that in some of the better quality laminates a minute amount of water vapor can pass through the membrane. Although this represents an advance over vinyl, the fact is that no laminate is truly breathable; that is, none of them allow the passage of air. Once an encasing of this type is zipped closed around a pillow, the pillow becomes like a balloon, with air trapped in the encasing. And if you force the air out by pressing on the pillow, the air - and probably dust along with it - escapes through the zipper.

The third and perhaps biggest problem with laminate encasings is that they often de-laminate, that is, with repeated washing and drying the urethane membrane separates from the fabric onto which it had been coated, making the encasing unusable.

The problem is that not all microfibers are created equal. In fact, most of the so-called microfiber encasings on the market are not true microfibers at all, according to textile industry standards. Microscope photos taken at 40 power magnification reveal that many of the competitive products are much less tightly woven than ours. The areas of light coming through the fabric indicate pores. In many cases these pores are more than large enough to allow the passage of allergens. (Note: An interesting way of demonstrating the extraordinary tightness of our products is to simply put a few drops of water on it and see what happens.)

Studies done at the Asthma & Allergic Diseases Center in Charlottesville, Virginia have shown that a microfiber fabric must have a pore size of between 2 to 6 microns to block all allergen. Our Pristine Basic barrier fabric has an average pore size of 6 microns. Many encasings on the market have pore sizes of 10 microns or more. Unlike many competitive encasings, ACB barrier fabric blocks all allergens, not only mite allergens but also the smaller animal dander allergens. This is important when a patient removes a pet from the bedroom, and the encasing must prevent the escape of previously accumulated allergen from the mattress. Yet this super tight fabric is the most comfortable on the market, literally as soft as silk.

We offer two lines of microfiber encasings:

Not all encasings are equal! It is, of course, up to the individual to decide what they want to buy and what you are willing to spend. But if the above differences are understood, one will be in a position to make an informed decision.

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