Your carpet doesn't have to make you sneeze.
Allergy sufferers are affected by a variety of airborne allergens. Fearing that carpets trap dust and pollens causes many homeowners to remove carpet and install hard surface flooring. For those who prefer the look and feel of carpet, however, there are alternatives. Keeping the carpet clean and well-vacuumed keeps the allergens out of the air, allowing you to enjoy the comforts of carpeting. In addition, new carpet materials are moisture resistant, preventing the growth of mold and mildew, which affect many allergy sufferers.
Allergens
Not all allergy sufferers are sensitive to the same substances. In homes, dust, pollen and pet dander are common allergens that cause reactions for those with asthma or allergies. The growth of mold and mildew in moist locations is another source of allergens. Using moisture resistant carpeting and carpet pads helps to alleviate this problem. Hypoallergenic carpets and pads allow those who prefer the soft look and feel of carpet to have it without suffering.
Carpet Materials
Hypoallergenic carpets do not eliminate the presence of common allergens, but they can reduce the amount of allergens in the home and result in fewer allergic reactions. Homeowners have a choice of materials that are more suitable for those with allergies. Nylon carpets have high durability and are good for all areas of the home. The material is resistant to dirt, mildew and moisture, making it a suitable choice for those bothered by mold and mildew. Olefin, or polypropylene, is another option for allergy sufferers. Carpets made of this material are not as durable as nylon, but are resistant to moisture and mildew. Another option is polyester carpet made from recycled PET, or plastic soda bottles. The carpets are moisture-resistant, reducing the possibility of mold and mildew growth. VOC, or volatile organic compounds, emissions cause breathing problems for some. Most carpets purchased today have low VOC emissions that dissipate within the first 48 to 72 hours of installation.
A natural fiber area rug used over a hard surface floor is an option for allergy sufferers. Sisal, sea grass or jute rugs, made from natural plant fibers, do not trap dust like other carpet options. The rugs are typically backed with latex for slip-resistance. Anyone with a sensitivity to latex may have an allergic reaction to these rugs.
Carpet Pads
Regardless of the carpet material, if the carpet pad you choose is not hypoallergenic as well, the possibility of allergens persists. Choose a carpet pad that has moisture resistance, giving it anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. If you are gluing the carpet to the floor, choose adhesives with low VOC emissions.
Reducing Allergens
Simply choosing a hypoallergenic carpet does not totally solve the problem for allergy sufferers. Carpets trap dust, pollen and pet dander, keeping them out of the air you breathe. However, the allergens are still present in the carpet. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA, or high efficiency particulate air, filter vacuum removes 99.97 percent of these allergens and traps them in the vacuum so they are not released back into the room. Keeping the carpet clean with regular vacuuming and using a moisture-resistant carpet pad help to keep allergens at bay and allow allergy sufferers to breathe easier.
Tags: hypoallergenic, carpets, allergy sufferers, mold mildew, trap dust, allergy sufferers Carpets, carpet clean, common allergens, dust pollen, dust pollen dander
