Hypoallergenic – What Does It Really Mean?

What is an Allergic Reaction?

An allergic reaction is triggered by being exposed to an allergen that your body doesn’t like – and you’ll find allergens everywhere around you.

Plants have them, pets, insect bites, dust mites, and even a whole range of different foods.

People have varying degrees of sensitivity to these allergens, as an allergic reaction can be anything from mild to life-threatening.

While some may not be affected at all by a specific allergen, others may experience a full-fledged allergic reaction.

Mild cases usually experience itching, sneezing, wheezing, coughing, watery or runny eyes, headaches or itchy, red rashes on the skin.

In worst case, your body will go into a state called anaphylactic shock (anaphylaxis).

While a bad allergic reaction starts out with the same symptoms as a mild one, they quickly progress to much harsher symptoms, such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Hives
• Swelling of throat, tongue or lips
• Dizziness, confusion, vomiting or even fainting
• Increased heart rate
• Low blood pressure

While only 1.6% of the world population will ever experience a degree of anaphylaxis in their lives, it is important to know that it can be life-threatening.

That is why if suspect that you or your loved one may be unknowingly allergic to something, we highly advise you to immediately consult with you doctor.

Alright, now let’s get into what hypoallergenic really means!

What Does Hypoallergenic Really Mean & What Does It Mean When a Product is Hypoallergenic?

The definition of hypoallergenic can be broken down to two parts.

• Hypoallergenic means that the materials & chemicals used to make a certain product did not cause an allergic reaction in the subjects upon which they were tested.

• In addition, it also means that there are fewer amounts of a certain allergen in the product itself once it hits the shelves.

However, that does not necessarily mean that the products are fully allergy-proof.

The issue is that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have any standards that govern the use of the term “hypoallergenic”.

The reason for that is that there is a huge spectrum of varying degrees of sensitivity between people around the world.

It is essentially up to the company behind the product to decide what they mean with their “hypoallergenic” label.

Are Hypoallergenic Products Good For Sensitive Skin?

Hypoallergenic products are not necessarily safer for sensitive skin.

Generally speaking, hypoallergenic products only decrease the risk of triggering the allergic reaction rather than fully eliminating the risk.

Since there are no federal standards, we advise you to get in contact with both your doctor as well as the company behind the product if you suffer from allergies.

That way you can be sure whether the product is safe to use for your specific and individual case.

What is a Hypoallergenic Mattress, Topper or Pillow?

A hypoallergenic mattress, topper, or pillow is one that reduces the risk of an allergic reaction.

Right, but which allergens do or should they shield you from?

The most common allergy triggers in bedding are dust mites, mold and bacteria.

However, dust mites are usually the main perpetrators behind the “under cover” allergic reactions.

Quick side note: We also have a great article on dust mites on our blog, by the way! Click here if you want to give that one a read!

That’s because we shed about half a kilogram of skin every year and lose over half a liter of moisture every night as we sleep.

Dust mites love and thrive in these conditions – and the little buggers multiply fast.

In fact, up to 3.000.000 dust mites can live in dense foams. Yuck!

Hypoallergenic bedding is usually made of dust-mite resistant materials and at best should also come with anti-allergy covers.

Benefits of a Hypoallergenic Mattress

#1 Reduces Allergies

A hypoallergenic mattress should prevent dust mites from penetrating the surface and settling within.

The higher-end versions, such as those with Vita Talalay latex inside, also won’t allow for dust mites to thrive inside the mattress, topper or pillow – but we’ll get deeper into that in a little bit!

#2 Fights Bacterial Growth

Some hypoallergenic mattresses are also treated with antibacterial cover technology.

They are meant to keep your mattress clean and fresh.

Check with the brand you are buying the mattress from and ask whether it has such a layer.

We also always advise to double check what was used to treat the mattress, as the last thing you’d want is to nestle on something potentially toxic!

#3 Safer for Babies & Children

Plain and simple: a cleaner room is much better for your child’s health.

A hypoallergenic mattress may help to keep your child’s asthma or allergies in check.

Why is Vita Talalay Latex Hypoallergenic?

Vita Talalay latex is hypoallergenic in a few ways, and it is all thanks to the unique round open cell structure.

It essentially all boils down to the unsurpassed amount of breathability that the open cell structure provides the comfort material.

Vita Talalay latex is able to wick away moisture and dissipate heat through the constant optimal airflow.

As a constant airflow is maintained within your mattress, topper or pillow, it creates an unfavorable environment for dust mites, mold and bacteria.

In fact, you’ll find up to 70% less dust mites in a mattress with Vita Talalay latex inside – how amazing is that?

That’s because dust mites hate humidity levels below 50% - and Vita Talalay is far below that.

Can Vita Talalay Latex Trigger a Latex Allergy?

The short answer is: no, Vita Talalay latex shouldn’t be able to trigger a latex allergy.

However, please keep in mind that we all react differently and with varying degrees to each allergen.

There are two different types of natural rubber latex allergies and Vita Talalay latex shouldn’t cause any of the two - even if the person suffers from a latex allergy.

The Two Types of Latex Allergies

The first type of latex allergy is the Type I Natural Latex Allergy, triggered by the proteins which are inside natural rubber latex.

One of the big differences in the production process of Vita Talalay latex, is that it goes through the vulcanization process twice.

This means that the natural latex is heated and baked at 85 degrees Celsius twice: First, for under an hour and then once more for 8 hours.

This destroys all of the potentially harmful latex proteins to those who are allergic to them

A conventional latex bedding product, such as Dunlop latex, does not go through this process.

Secondly, Vita Talalay is rinsed with clear water. Analysis shows that because of our cleaning of the latex blocks the protein levels get extremely low, and are found to be lower than the amount with our latex suppliers.

Thirdly, the latex is tucked away in the mattress, and would therefore also avoid that the material is able to get airborne.

The second type of latex allergy is known as Type IV Natural Latex Allergy, which occurs when one comes into direct contact with the material.

Also here it must be said that there is usually no direct contact with the material since Vita Talalay is inside a mattress or pillow.

In addition, the latex itself does not create the inflammatory allergic reaction.

It is the chemicals used in the process of producing the natural latex mattress, topper or pillow.

Vita Talalay latex has a toxicity score of ZERO and is free from any harmful chemicals or additives.

This is proven and controlled every year by both Eco-Institut and the OEKO-Tex 100 certification.

Other Benefits of Vita Talalay Latex

If you would like to know more about hypoallergenic mattresses, toppers, or pillows, please feel free to contact us at Vita Talalay and we will get back to you shortly!

Apart from being hypoallergenic, Vita Talalay latex also comes with many other benefits.

To find out more, simply click here!