As pollen season is in full swing, it’s not just watery eyes and sniffling in the day that allergy sufferers have to worry about.
In fact, as furniture retailer DFS has spotted that searches for ‘why is hay fever worse at night’ and ‘how to ease hay fever at night’ up 900% over the last 3 months, it seems many Brits’ hay fever symptoms are proving to be persistent at night too.
And since allergies may cause or worsen nasal congestion, trying to doze off with hay fever yourself, or next to someone with it, could be wreaking havoc on your shut eye.
So, to help Brits get a full and restful sleep, bedding experts at DFS have revealed their top tips to avoid allergens building up on your bed and ease nighttime symptoms.
1. Clean your bed regularly
Whether you pull the duvet right up to your nose or prefer to tuck it under your chin, your bed linen is right next to you all night long. And pollen has a habit of embedding itself into these fabrics, which can increase those pesky hay fever symptoms. So, consider hoovering your bed and mattress each night, or every other night, before you head to bed to get rid of any lingering pollen.
To allow for a deeper clean, regularly wash your sheets on a slightly warmer heat, such as 60°C. Washing your sheets at least once a week is a great way to keep symptoms at bay as well, not to mention tackle the build-up of sweat and body oil that naturally happens when sleeping, particularly in the warmer months.
2. Keep your pets off the furniture
Our beloved pets may bring joy to our lives, but they can also unwittingly bring allergens into our homes.
From exploring bushes to frolicking in grass, our furry friends spend tons of time outdoors, and pollen can find itself deep in their fur. And if your pet then rests on your bed or sofa for a nap, it’s likely they’ve left specks of it behind.
But while we can’t stop our pets from getting dirty, we can up their grooming routine. Frequent baths and brushing will help release any allergens trapped beneath their fur.
However, the best thing you can do to reduce the spread of pollen is to make your bed a ‘Pet-Free’ zone. Keep your pet from kipping next to you and instead invest in their own comfy pet bed or dog sofa instead!
3. Invest in an anti-allergy mattress
Even if your good cleaning habits are reducing the amount of pollen on your bed, over time these allergens can become embedded within your mattress, worsening your symptoms. That’s why picking the right material for your mattress is so important.
Memory foam mattresses can be a game-changer for those struggling with hay fever symptoms. The dense structure of memory foam helps to prevent pollen from penetrating the mattress, creating a cleaner sleeping environment. Plus, memory foam perfectly moulds to your body, so you won’t have to toss and turn as much. This means you’re less likely to kick up any allergens that have settled on your bed, helping you sleep soundly without sneezes and sniffles waking you up.
Another fantastic option are hybrid mattresses. The memory foam layer on top acts as a barrier against pollen, keeping your sleeping area cleaner and reducing nighttime symptoms. Plus, the coil system’s airflow prevents moisture buildup and minimises hay fever triggers.

4. Avoid wearing outdoor clothes on your bed
We all know that pollen is an annoyance when we go outside, but it’s easy to forget that we might be bringing them indoors. Pollen has a nasty habit of hitching a ride on our clothes only to then settle on our bed and other soft furnishings.
To keep your living space allergen-free, avoid lounging around the house in outdoor clothes after being exposed to pollen. As soon as you get home, change into comfy, indoor clothes to prevent spreading allergens to your soft furnishings. Consider taking a quick shower to rinse off any lingering pollen and washing your hands and face for extra protection.
5. Sleep with the windows and doors closed
Even though your house might feel stuffy after being closed up all winter, resist the urge to throw open your windows for a breath of fresh air. Opening windows invites allergens into your home, where they can settle on your soft furnishings and really dig themselves in.
While you can’t completely stop allergens from sneaking in, you can create a barrier. Shutting your bedroom door at night significantly reduces the risk of allergy symptoms disrupting your sleep.
Instead, consider using a fan to circulate air around the room and investing in bedding specifically for the hotter weather. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton and linen will trap less heat and be more breathable than the likes of wool or goose down.
So, there you go, five ways to ease allergy symptoms for a better night’s rest. If you want to discover your perfect new bed or mattress then head over to the DFS website.