Protect-A-Bed Range Approved by Sensitive Choice

News release 15 November 2012

Protect-A-Bed Range Approved by Sensitive Choice® as a Better Choice for People with Asthma And Allergies

Protect-A-Bed’s® mattress encasings and protectors, quilt protectors, pillow protectors, bed linen (sheets), infant mattress protector range and Allergy Relief Fabric Treatment spray have all been approved by the Asthma Foundation and the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice® Program.

The range was reviewed by an expert panel including specialists in allergy and respiratory medicine and was found to be a better choice for the more than 600,000 New Zealanders suffering from asthma and many more with allergies.

Adam Trumble from the National Asthma Council Australia said, “The Protect-A-Bed® range has the potential to improve the health and quality of life for those suffering from asthma and allergies. The protectors create a barrier and reduce exposure to dust mites and mould, which are common allergy and asthma triggers.“

Each night the typical person sleeps with around 100,000 to one million house dust mites. Only 5% of mites are alive but their waste –as well as remaining dead mites –contain a series of proteins that are a major cause of allergic reactions and can trigger asthma symptoms.

In addition, mattresses and pillows can also breed mould and mildew, which are often amongst the most common triggers of asthma.

Protect-A-Bed Co-founder and Managing Director, David Kaplan said the company was delighted to be recognised for the role it plays in asthma and allergy care and urged people with asthma and allergies to look at their bed hygiene to see if improvements could help to lessen their symptoms and improve their control.

“We spend a third of our life in bed so doing something as simple as creating a healthier sleeping environment could really make a difference to the health and well being of you and your family.”

To create a hygienic bed environment follow these simple steps:

1. Use a damp or electrostatic cloth to dust hard surfaces (including floors) - this dramatically reduces the dust in the air while cleaning

2. Vacuum regularly but ask someone who is not allergic to do it, as this increases allergens in the air for up to 20 minutes

3. Invest in quality dust mite proof and waterproof mattress and pillow protectors

4. Remove soft toys from bedrooms, or wash weekly in water hotter than 55°C

5. Air fabrics in direct sunlight to reduce humidity and dehydrate dust mites

6. Reduce indoor humidity by using dehumidifiers/air conditioners and exhaust fans

7. Cover mattresses, quilts and pillows with breathable yet waterproof bedding protectors such as Protect•A•Bed®

8. Use hypoallergenic bedding such as Protect-A-Bed® Elite Mattress, Quilt and Pillow Protectors

9. Wash sheets and pillow cases weekly in hot water (above 55°C ) to kill dust mites and remove allergens from fabric

10. Alternatively, if washing in cold water, use a commercial product containing essential oils such as tea tree or eucalyptus oil, formulated to kill dust mites.

11 . Domestic redesign reduces the available habitat for dust mites and involves the selection of low allergy carpets or vinyl, tiles or timber flooring

For more advice on bed hygiene visit www.protectabed.co.nz Protect•A•Bed®.

Products are available from Harvey Norman, Bedpost and all leading bedding retailers.

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About the Sensitive Choice® Program : The Sensitive Choice Program was developed to help those suffering from asthma and allergies make informed choices about the products and services they and their families use. Approved products are recognized using the Sensitive Choice® blue butterfly symbol and may be better choices for people with asthma and allergies. For further information on the Sensitive Choice Program www.sensitivechoice.com.

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