Helping Allergy Sufferers Get Some Sleep

We are a family of allergy sufferers. My allergies are year round, usually consisting of dust, some pollens, and mold. Aaron's allergies are mostly specific to ragweed, making late July to September a miserable time for him with a stuffy nose and watery eyes. He's also slightly allergic to our cats. Cordy has skin allergies and we have to be careful what touches her skin for worries she'll break out in dry, itchy patches or red bumps.

While we do a lot of combat allergens in our home, I never really thought about our beds. I mean, I wash the sheets regularly, but other than that I didn't do anything specific to combat allergens. Did you know that it has been estimated that two million dust mites can thrive in an unprotected mattress? Combine that with other allergy triggers such as pet dander and pollen, and your mattress can become a haven for allergens.

I was recently sent a Protect-A-Bed mattress protector and pillow protector to try out. The mattress protector works just like a mattress pad, stretching over the mattress but under the sheets. It's soft, breathable, waterproof and prevents stains on your mattress. But this mattress protector also provides a barrier against dust mites and allergens and prevents bacteria from multiplying. The pillow protector is a zippered case that encases a pillow, underneath the actual pillowcase, and serves the same function.

I'm impressed at how soft the Protect-A-Bed products are. We have always used a mattress pad between the mattress and sheets, but this one is far more comfortable. I've never used a pillow protector before, but I'm completely sold on it now - it keeps my pillow clean and I've noticed I'm not waking up with a stuffy nose as often. The true test will be in the fall, of course, but for now they are doing a good job to keep allergens to a minimum.

The Protect-A-Bed mattress protectors are available in sizes from crib to King. They also have a line of mattress encasements that completely surround the mattress for ultimate protection.

WIN ONE!

I have one set of Protect-A-Bed mattress and pillow protectors to give to one lucky reader! The winner can choose between the AllerZip mattress protector, the Premium mattress protector or the Crib mattress protector. One Premium pillow protector will be included.

To enter, leave a comment below telling me what allergies you or a family member has. You can also earn additional entries in one of the following ways.

Extra entries:
1. Tweet about this contest on Twitter.
2. Subscribe to my blog or let me know you're already subscribed.
3. Write a post on your blog linking to this contest.

For each of these additional entries, please leave a separate comment. For #1 and #3, also give me the link to your tweet or blog post.

Also be sure I have a valid e-mail address to contact you if you should win. Entries will be accepted until Saturday, January 31 at 11:59 pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random after that date and contacted via e-mail.

Good luck, and be sure to watch for my other giveaways being held this week on this blog and my other blog in participation of the Bloggy Giveaways carnival!

This contest is now closed - thanks to all who participated!