What Mattress Is Best for Allergy Sufferers?

It’s hard to get quality sleep when allergies keep you sneezing, sniffling, or congested through the night. And if symptoms seem worse when you wake up, your mattress could be part of the problem. Mattresses can quietly collect allergens over time—things like dust mites, pet dander, and even mold—especially if they’re not made with allergy-friendly materials.

So, what mattress is best for allergy sufferers? To answer that, it helps to first understand what might be hiding in your bed.

Why Your Mattress Could Be Making You Sick

Even a clean-looking mattress can be a hotspot for allergens. Over time, common triggers like dust mites, mold, and pet dander build up in the layers of your mattress, especially if it’s not properly protected. These allergens can make life uncomfortable for anyone, but they’re especially troublesome for people with asthma, eczema, or seasonal allergies.

Older mattresses, or those made with synthetic materials and chemicals, can also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may irritate sensitive noses, eyes, or skin. If you’re waking up feeling worse, your bed might be the reason.

Common Mattress Allergy Symptoms

Not sure if your mattress is triggering your allergies? Here are some common signs to watch for, especially if they tend to get worse at night or early in the morning:

• Runny nose, sneezing, and congestion
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Skin irritation or eczema flare-ups
• Breathing difficulties or worsened asthma at night

If these symptoms improve when you're away from home or after changing your bedding, your mattress might be the source.

What Mattress Is Best for Allergy Sufferers?

If you’re dealing with mattress allergy symptoms, switching to a hypoallergenic mattress can make a real difference. These materials are better at resisting allergens like dust mites and mold, and they often come without harsh chemicals that can trigger sensitivities.

Here are some of the best hypoallergenic mattresses:

• Natural latex – Naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and bacteria. It’s a great option for allergy-prone sleepers. Make sure it’s 100% natural latex if you're avoiding synthetics.
• Organic cotton – Breathable, chemical-free, and gentle on sensitive skin. An anti-allergy mattress made with organic cotton helps reduce your exposure to pesticides and synthetic materials.
• Memory foam with low VOCs – Memory foam can resist dust mites and mold, but chemical sensitivity is a concern for some. If you’re not chemically sensitive, you can use certified low-VOC foams.
• Hybrid mattresses – Combine layers of foam and coils, often with hypoallergenic covers and breathable materials. Choose brands that use certified non-toxic components and allergen-resistant fabrics.

Choose brands that use certified non-toxic components and allergen-resistant fabrics. Tempur-Pedic mattresses are treated with an antimicrobial that helps reduce allergens and dust mites.

Can you be allergic to memory foam?

It’s rare to be allergic to memory foam itself, but some people react to the chemicals used in its production. And that is especially true in low-quality foam. Off-gassing from new mattresses can cause irritation due to VOCs, leading to symptoms like headaches, skin irritation, or breathing issues.

That said, not all memory foam is created equal. Many modern brands use low-emission, CertiPUR-US® certified foams that are much safer for allergy-prone sleepers. CertiPUR-US® certified foams are made without formaldehyde, phthalates, ozone depleters, or certain flame retardants, and they have low emissions for indoor air quality.

Tips for choosing hypoallergenic memory foam:

• Look for low-VOC or CertiPUR-US® certified labels, such as those on our Simmons Beautyrest mattresses
• Let the mattress air out for at least 24–48 hours after unboxing
• Choose a model with a removable, washable cover made from organic or tightly woven fabric

Why Mattress Covers & Protectors Matter

Even the best hypoallergenic mattress needs a little backup. A high-quality mattress cover for allergies adds an extra layer of protection by blocking allergens before they settle into the mattress itself.

What to look for:

• Dust-mite-proof material – Choose tightly woven or allergen-barrier fabrics that prevent microscopic allergens, such as dust mites and pet dander, from passing through.
• Waterproof but breathable – Look for covers that repel moisture without trapping heat. This keeps your mattress dry and reduces the risk of mold or mildew in humid environments.
• Machine washable – Washable protectors make it easy to keep your sleep surface clean. Washing in hot water (at least 54°C/130°F) helps kill dust mites and effectively remove allergens.

Shop mattress protectors for a cleaner, healthier sleep.

Extra Tips to Create an Allergy-Free Sleep Environment

Choosing the best mattress for allergies and asthma is just one part of the solution. To keep symptoms in check, it helps to build an allergy-friendly routine around your entire sleep space.

• Wash bedding weekly in hot water – Use water that’s at least 54°C (130°F) to kill dust mites and remove allergens. Read our guide to how to clean your mattress.
• Use an air purifier – A HEPA air purifier can help remove airborne allergens like pollen, dander, and dust that circulate in your bedroom.
• Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter – Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery to reduce allergen buildup. Make sure your vacuum has a sealed HEPA system for best results.
• Keep humidity below 50% – Dust mites and mold love moisture. Use a dehumidifier if needed to maintain optimal indoor humidity.
• Don’t let pets sleep on the bed – As cozy as it is, pet dander and fur can trigger symptoms—even if you’re not allergic to your furry friend.

Sleep Better with an Allergy-Friendly Mattress

Finding the best mattress for allergy sufferers can make a real difference in how you sleep and feel each day. Whether you’re dealing with dust mites, chemical sensitivities, or seasonal triggers, the right combination of hypoallergenic materials, protective covers, and simple bedroom habits can help you breathe easier and rest better—through allergy season and beyond.