DUQUESNE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the midst of spring allergy season, a new survey shows Americans are dismissive of allergy symptoms that could be easily treated. Thirty-one percent said they take no action when they wake with allergy or cold symptoms because "it's just allergies."
According to allergen barrier bedding brand AllerEase®, almost six in 10 Americans (58%) report suffering from seasonal or environmental allergies, but less than one in 10 heed top treatment recommendations from allergists - like using allergen barrier bedding to minimize exposure.* Bedrooms are full of surfaces that attract and trap pollen, pet dander and dust mites, which can disrupt sleep and cause sniffling, sneezing, itchy eyes and scratchy throats.
While many Americans seem willing to tolerate these allergy symptoms – the survey found more than eight in 10 (82%) would rather suffer morning allergy symptoms than give up their morning coffee, for example – their quality of life could be dramatically improved with a few simple changes at home and to daily routines. Allergy symptoms left untreated can become chronic.
Morning Wake-Up Call
Morning is the best time to start managing your allergies, according to Dr. Neeta Ogden, a board-certified allergist and immunologist.
"Symptoms are often pronounced in the morning, so it's a good time to take stock of your condition and implement a plan for minimizing exposure during the day," says Ogden. "That may mean taking an antihistamine, checking the weather forecast for the pollen count, or wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to prevent allergens from settling in your eyes and hair. If you have allergic skin reactions like hives and eczema, choose clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants to keep your skin protected.”
She recommends keeping good allergy hygiene habits in play at night, too, like showering before bedtime instead of the morning to rinse hair and skin of irritants.
More than half of Americans (51%) say they shower in the morning, which means they may be dragging dirt and dust from the day into bed with them at night.
"Make sure to fully encase your mattress with allergen barrier bedding, like an AllerEase Maximum mattress protector, to prevent sniffle-inducing allergens from building up in your bed," added Ogden.
Just How Dismissive are Americans about Allergies?
When asked what they would give up in exchange for more restful sleep and pleasant mornings during allergy season, people were more willing to part with vacation days than technology. Twelve percent say they’d give up two vacation days for relief, compared with only seven percent giving up TV or streaming services like Netflix or six percent giving up their phone for a month.
Nearly a quarter of Americans (24%) would tolerate an extra visit to the dentist to guarantee restful sleep and pleasant mornings during allergy season, while 15 percent would opt for the middle seat on their next 10 flights.
“The survey outcomes showing people are reluctant to make temporary changes for long-term relief demonstrates that there’s limited understanding of allergies and how to manage symptoms,” said Tracie Oechslein, AllerEase Senior Marketing Manager. “Instead of giving up coffee, your phone or your favorite show for hypothetical relief, make a few changes in the bedroom to give up morning allergy symptoms for good.”
For more information on how household allergens affect sleep and daytime wellness, visit www.aller-ease.com.
Survey methodology: One-time survey fielded to the general population in the United States on 4/8/2016 through 4/10/2016 via Google Consumer Surveys publisher network on behalf of AllerEase and American Textile Company, receiving at least 1,509 responses.
*AllerEase data from an omnibus survey of 1,015 American adults 18+ designed and conducted online by Finn Partners Research, utilizing an online survey panel, developed by ORC International, between July 30 and August 3, 2015.
About AllerEase
AllerEase® is the leading brand of allergen barrier bedding. With technically advanced fabrics and construction, AllerEase bedding prevents allergens from settling in your mattress, pillow and other bedding, where it can collect over time and aggravate allergy symptoms. Available in pillow and mattress protectors, mattress pads and comforters, all products are third-party lab tested and have the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. AllerEase is a simple and convenient solution to reduce exposure to allergens and provide a clean bed and comfortable night’s sleep. AllerEase is available online and in retailers nationwide including Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, Amazon, Kmart, Sears and Meijer. Visit www.aller-ease.com for more information.
