If you've been suffering from itchy eyes, nose and throat, it's very possible that you might be having a seasonal cold, or even this common autumn illness. The number of people getting allergies for the first time has also gone up.
Discover our latest podcast
But, as per a report by First for Women, the reason for your physical discomfort might be coming from a place you least expected: your bed. Yes, while a good night's sleep is extremely important for good health, so too is checking whether what's inside your mattresses might be irritating your nose and eyes.
You mattress might be harming you
According to First for Women, most mattresses these days contain a substance called fiberglass. These are made from glass filaments, and can be woven into fabric-like filling, which is then used for a variety of purposes, such as to insulate walls, adding impact protection to cars, as well as inside mattresses.
Fiberglass is used inside mattresses because its fire-resistant properties make it a safe choice, and it is also inexpensive.
However, the report quotes Michelle Thompson, MD, founder ofEpoche Medical in Coral Springs, FL, who informs us that fiberglass could have many negative health effects. She says,
Fiberglass can irritate your skin, eyes and throat and cause symptoms like coughing and itching when released into the air.
You could inhale fiberglass sediments, which could cause respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing etc, or even aggravate pre-existing conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. The glass fibers are tiny enough to be able to embed themselves in your skin through your mattress and sheets.
How to prevent fiberglass inhalation
It's not necessarily true that all mattresses filled with fiberglass are bad for your respiratory health. As per Michael Kleinman, MS, PhD, co-director of Air Pollution Health Effects Laboratory, University of California Irvine / UCI Public Health, how fiberglass in your mattress impacts your health would depend on the quality of the mattress.
He explains,
The risk comes when the fiberglass material can penetrate through the fabric
How easily fiberglass can break through, and penetrate the external covering of your mattress, depends on how tightly woven the mattress fabric is. Higher quality mattresses have more tightly woven covering which prevent the fiberglass from making their way outside.
To avoid the effects of fiberglass, you can use precautions like layering two mattresses or using two sheets. The doctor explains,
I suggest using a second mattress cover or two fitted sheets. This reduces the wear and tear on the original mattress cover, so fiberglass is less likely to slip through.
If you are waking up in the morning with itchy skin or burning nose, you should ensure the reason isn't your mattress ASAP.
Read more:
⋙ A dentist reveals what you should do before going to bed, and it's not brushing your teeth (VIDEO)
⋙ This is what you should never eat before going to bed
⋙ This is why you should wear only clean socks to bed
Sources used:
First for Women: 'Your Eye Irritation and Chronic Coughing Could Be Due To Your Mattress — Experts Reveal How To Find Out + Easy Fix'
