Bedding is often a contributor to asthma issues or sudden nighttime attacks, but it’s not practical to sleep on a sterile slab of metal without a single blanket for warmth.

You don’t have to give up comfort to prevent asthma issues; sometimes better bedding choices can help you reduce the risks of dusts and other allergens, ensuring you get a goodnight’s rest without driving asthma symptoms.

Here are three ways to prevent asthma (and allergy) issues with better bedding.

1. Choose Bedding That Reduces the Risks of Dust

From pillow encasements to specific mattress types, you can choose bedding that prevents dust mites from building up in the place you lay down. Bamboo mattresses are a great choice because they naturally eradicate dust mites in areas below the sheets while providing breathable material and pressure relief that ensures a comfortable, cool night.

Above the sheets, select pillows and accessories that combat allergens and dust. One of the easiest ways to keep your pillow from promoting asthma issues is to invest in an allergy-controlling encasement. These are specialty cases that you place your pillow in before you put a pillow case on; usually encasements close on some type of folded zipper design to keep even more dust and debris from reaching the pillow inside.

Choose encasements and pillowcases that can be washed in hot water weekly to kill mites. Medical providers at Johns Hopkins note that pillows made with synthetic fibers or Darcon are better for keeping dust out than foam, down, or feather options.

2. Buy Bedding That Holds Up to Regular Cleaning

Weekly washing of sheets and pillowcases is essential to controlling the particles in your bed. While most people only need to wash blankets, mattress pads and comforters once a month, if you suffer from asthma or allergies, you may want to increase cleaning times on those items to every two weeks.

Buying high-quality bedding that allows for machine washing in hot water on a regular basis lets you keep linens free of mites. Warm or cold water won’t necessarily kill these tiny creatures, leading to an increased build up over time.

3. Select Organic Bedding That Reduces Odors and Chemical Exposure

Dust and mites aren’t the only thing that can cause respiratory stress. Odors and chemicals in some types of bedding can lead to asthma attacks, too.

Organic bamboo sheets and bamboo mattresses are made without manufacturing processes that leave chemical residues and odors behind, making them an ideal choice for anyone with respiratory sensitivity. You can also reduce issues with odors by airing out any new mattress you purchase.

If possible, take it out of the package and let it rest in a roomy, airy space; if you must put it directly in the bedroom, don’t place sheets and blankets on it right away. Instead, open the windows and let the mattress and space air out for several hours before you make the bed or sleep on the mattress.

By purchasing better bedding that helps you control dust and odors, you can reduce the chances of a nighttime asthma or allergy attack.