HealthGoods

Features

• Made for a 9" depth mattress.
• 100% Polyester fabric for performance and durability.
• Unique Microweave fabric with exclusive AllerBlock™ Technology provides complete protection against Dust Mites, Bed Bugs and Animal Allergens.
• No chemical treatments or synthetic membrane coatings are applied to fabric that can cause sensitivities or hot clammy feeling.
• Breathable and moisture permeable fabric provides cool and dry comfort.
• Triple Tested and Certified for Fabric Pore Size, Effectiveness and Comfort.
• The most tested Allergen Barrier available. Air and moisture permeability, fabric, seams and zippers are fully tested.
• Mean pore size of fabric is 1.01 microns for maximum allergen protection. The lowest in the industry for uncoated barriers.
• Unnoticeable under your sheets and pillow cases. No crinkle noise like synthetic membrane barriers.
• Quality construction includes YKK® brand zippers, high strength thread and reinforced stitching wrapped and sealed with an additional layer of allergen blocking fabric.
• Easy care machine washable, withstands high washing temperatures.
• Zippers lock in place and won't open unless pulled.
• Fabric and product are Made in the U.S.A.
• Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Simply return the product for repair or replacement.
• Try these barriers for 30 days. If these aren't the highest quality, most comfortable and effective allergen barriers you have ever experienced, just return them for a full refund.

View our Dust Mite Allergen Barrier Buying Guide

About AllerHealth^™ Allergen Barriers

After three years of research, testing and manufacturing adjustments, the AllerHealth™ allergen barrier was introduced to the consumer. Quality construction combined with the finest of materials along with thorough independent laboratory testing assure you that your AllerHealth™ pillow and mattress encasements will deliver many years of effective allergen control. We are so sure no other allergen barrier of this type can compare to the features, performance and quality of construction that each AllerHealth™ pillow and mattress encasement comes with a Lifetime Warranty and is Satisfaction Guaranteed with a 30 day money back return policy.

Pollen, Dust Mites and other Allergens are blocked while Air and Moisture pass right through.	Incredibly tight weave blocks even the tiniest Allergen particles from passing through.	Stitching is wrapped and sealed by an additional layer of Allergen blocking fabric to further prevent the passage of Allergen particles and provide seam strength.

AllerHealth^™ Independent Third Party Testing

AllerHealth™ Allergen Barriers are the most laboratory tested Allergen Barriers available. We believe that no single allergen barrier test by itself will indicate the quality and effectiveness of a pillow or mattress encasement due to the variability of fabrics and construction of the finished product. For example a fabric can have a low pore size which is good, but have poor air/moisture permeability making the product uncomfortable. A product's fabric can test well, but seam and zipper construction may be poor and lead to reduced effectiveness and durability. When evaluating an Allergen Barrier, look for products that are tested in multiple ways as an indicator of high performance.

Fabric Pore Size Analysis

Test Facility

Porous Materials Analytical Services Division

20 Dutch Mill Rd.

Ithaca, NY  14850

Ph: 607 257-4267

http://www.pmiapp.com/

Test Description

The pore size of a fabric is the measurement of the air space between the fibers of the fabric or in the case of a membrane type barrier, perforations in a material. A very specialized piece of equipment is used for this type of test. A wetting liquid is used to fill the fabric pores and a pressurized gas is then used to displace the liquid. The gas pressure and flow rates through wet and dry samples are accurately measured. From the measured gas pressure and flow rates, the pore diameters and distribution can be calculated.

Test Results

Use Simulation Test

Test Facility

IBT Reference Laboratory

11274 Renner Boulevard

Lenexa, KS  66219

Ph: 913 492-2224

http://www.ibtlabs.com/

Test Description

A reference dust material containing a known quantity of allergen is loaded into one side of the special dual chamber apparatus as reported by JH Ransom and JF Halsey (JACI 1996 97:223) Allergen transfer chamber: A new method for testing allergen barriers. The fabric material to be tested is inserted between the empty container and the dust sample container. The area between the vials two vials is 1.13 cm2. Two 1/8” steel bearings are added to the allergen dust sample vial to simulate the pressure of normal use. The dual chamber device is rotated 25 rotations per minute for 18 hours at room temperature. The 1/8" steel balls move back and forth in the dust chamber and impact the fabric. At the conclusion of the testing period, the amount of allergen transferred across the fabric barrier to the other chamber is then determined by a sensitive immunoassay method (ELISA). The transfer experiment is set up in duplicate and each run includes positive and negative controls. With the use simulation method, the limit of detection is 0.313 ng (nanograms) of Der fl (dust mite allergen).

Test Results

Sample	Allergen Tested	Allergen Transferred
AllerHealth™ 100% Polyester	Der f1	<0.313 ng (below detection limit)
Control Fabric	Der f1	4.3 ng
Reference Der f1 = Dust Mite Allergen (size ranges from 10- 40 microns) ng = nanogram 1 nanogram = 0.0000000000035 ounces

Use Simulation Test Result Summary

Statement from IBT Laboratories - "When the results of the Use Simulation Test for a fabric are less than 0.313 ng Allergen transferred, it can be concluded that the fabric being tested is an effective barrier to dust mite allergen transfer." AllerHealth™ Allergen Barriers have met the standard for certification as an allergen barrier product per the Use Simulation Test. Results show no detectable Dust Mite Allergen was detected by the test.

Air Flow Panel

Test Facility

IBT Reference Laboratory

11274 Renner Boulevard

Lenexa, KS  66219

Ph: 913 492-2224

http://www.ibtlabs.com/

Test Description

This method uses an apparatus to test allergen barrier properties of fabrics based on the design reported by JW Vaughan et al (JACI 1999; 103:227-231) Evaluation of materials used for bedding encasements: Effect of pore size in blocking cat and dust mite allergen. Airflow measurements were calibrated against a fabric control with know airflow rate. This design uses controlled air pressure to force the allergen dust sample through the fabric barrier. Five hundred milligrams of a dust sample with known amounts of the indicated allergens were pulled across each fabric. A filter cassette mounted downstream from the fabric collects any allergen that is able to penetrate the fabric being tested. These filters are then extracted and the resulting extracts are assayed the following day with a sensitive ELISA.

Test Results

Air Flow Panel Test Result Summary

Statement from IBT Laboratories- "When the results of the Air Flow Test for a fabric are less than 0.31 ng detected for Fel d1 and 1.3 ng detected for Der f1, it can be concluded that the fabric being tested is a highly effective barrier to Fel D1 and Der f1 allergen transfer. It is difficult for non-membrane fabrics to have negative results for both Der f1 (Dust Mite allergen) and especially Fel d1 (Feline allergen) as it is a smaller allergen protein than Der f1. If low measurable amounts of Der f1 (<1.3 ng) and Fel d1 (<5.0 ng) are detected, it can be concluded that the fabric tested is an effective barrier to both Cat and Dust Mite allergen."

AllerHealth™ Allergen Barriers have been tested for Fabric, Seams and Zippers. In each instance, no detectable Dust Mite and the smaller Cat allergen were detected. As IBT Laboratories has stated, "it is difficult for non membrane fabrics to have negative results for both Der f1 and especially Fel d1", but the AllerHealth™ Allergen Barrier has done it!

Skin Model Testing

Test Facility

Hohenstein Institute
Schloss Hohenstein
74357 Bönnigheim
Germany

ph: +497143271

http://www.hohenstein.de/

Test Description

This analysis takes the air and moisture permeability testing to another level to determine if the allergen barrier fabric will provide human comfort when used. The Hohenstein Skin Model simulates the way the skin emits heat and moisture. It consists of a sintered, porous metal plate that can be warmed electrically and to which water is supplied. It is located in a climate-chamber, a space where the most diverse environmental conditions can be simulated. Temperature, humidity and the movement of air can be set as desired. For substances and fabrics, measurements taken using the skin model supply specific parameters such as, for example, thermal insulation and moisture transport resistance, a measure for "breathability," perspiration transport and sweat buffering, and drying time, etc. These parameters characterize the thermo-physiological quality of textile materials. The Skin Model is based on significant research and has lead to the formation of international standards ISO 11092 and EN 31092.

Test Results

Sample	Test Rating
AllerHealth™ 100% Polyester	Very Good
Reference Test conditions according to DIN EN 31092 or to ISO 11092. Test result was based on the mean value of 6 single measurements with three different specimen items of the sample.

Skin Model Test Result Summary

Statement from Hohenstein Institute - "Generally, from a physiological point of view a textile has to be judged the better, the lower its water vapor resistance R_et, and consequently the higher its water vapor permeability, because thus the better the possible evaporation of moisture (sweat) from the wearer's or sleeper's body. Fundamental tests have shown that for the judgment of the physiological quality of barrier textiles for encasings, tight to dust, the following criteria can be applied"

• Very Good

• Good

• Acceptable

• Not Sufficient

AllerHealth™ Allergen Barriers have obtained the highest category rating of "Very Good" in the Skin Model Test. Along with effectiveness testing, this product can demonstrate that it will be comfortable to use. Allergen barriers have to be both effective and comfortable to provide maximum benefit to the user.

Quality Product Details

AllerHealth™ Allergen Barriers are have many quality details. Unique zipper construction provides for more comfort in pillow encasements and helps provide advanced "through the Zipper" protection. YKK Zipper coil and Zipper pulls are used and are considered the best in the industry. Locking Zippers prevent the Zipper from opening during use and movement, Zippers only open when pulled. Zipper openings have a backing Allergen barrier flap to provide further "through the Zipper" protection. All seams are reinforced for strength and Allergen protection. Stitching has a high stitch per inch count and use high strength thread that is sewn in a way that won't unravel and come loose should one stitch break. Pillows have a full length zipper cover to make the zipper imperceptible against your head. Mattresses have a closed Zipper pocket to keep the metal zipper concealed when closed and keep it from touching the bed sheets. 

Washing Instructions

It is not necessary to wash your Allergen Barriers every time you wash your bed sheets and pillowcases. Allergen Barriers need to be washed if they get soiled. Bed sheets and pillowcases should be washed once a week in hot water (at least 140°F) to kill dust mites and remove allergens. The Allergen Barrier can be vacuumed with a HEPA vacuum or use a vapor steam cleaner to steam the surface of the Allergen Barrier every time you wash your sheets. Once every 2-4 months is adequate for washing your Allergen Barrier.

AllerHealth™ Allergen Barrier - Machine wash hot. No chlorine bleach, Tumble dry low heat, permanent press cycle, Do not iron, Use no fabric softener. Do not dry clean.

Your bedding is a prime living environment for the dust mite. Unable to be seen by the naked eye, Dust Mites live on human skin flakes that accumulate on your bedding, carpeting and other fabrics throughout the house. Humans shed about 1/5 ounce of dander (dead skin) each week. Dust Mites require a moist environment to thrive and this is provided through water vapor released from breathing and perspiring while sleeping and high humidity room conditions. We spend close to one third of our lifetime in the bedroom and therefore have a considerable long term and close exposure to this indoor allergen.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that Asthma is the leading chronic illness of children in the US and is the major cause of school absenteeism for a chronic illness. Every year there is an increase in the number of deaths due to asthma and the amount of Americans that have been diagnosed with asthma also increases. According to the American Lung Association, about 15 million Americans suffer from asthma and it is the seventh highest chronic condition in America. A 61% increase in asthma rate, from 1982 to 1994 was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Asthma can be a very serious illness and kills over 5,600 people a year.

Allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, affect one out of six Americans. An Allergy is a response to a substance, called allergens, that produce a reaction in the body. When the immune system is exposed to allergens, it produces antibodies which attach themselves to certain cells in the body called "mast cells."  These mast cells see the invading particle as a threat and release substances such as Histamine to destroy the intruder particle, but these substances also produce undesirable allergic reactions. When the reaction takes place in the nose and sinuses, it is called Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis. When the reaction to allergens occurs in the skin it is called Hives. An allergic reaction that occurs over the whole body can be life threatening and is called Anaphylaxis. A reaction in the stomach is a Food Allergy and when an allergic reaction due to allergens happens in the lungs, it is called Allergic Asthma. Asthma is a chronic illness that causes breathing problems and is considered a lung disease. It is still unknown what exactly causes asthma, but it is known that once you have it, your lungs react to "triggers" which can start an asthma attack.

In a study led by scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), indoor dust from five or six different sites in each of 831 homes from 75 different areas across the U.S. was collected, along with demographic and health information of home occupants. Survey results suggest that over 45 percent of the U.S. housing stock, or approximately 44 million homes have bedding with Dust Mite allergen concentrations that exceed 2 micrograms per gram of dust, a level that has been associated with the development of allergies. Of these, over 23 percent of U.S. homes or about 22 million dwellings, are estimated to have bedding with Dust Mite allergen concentrations that exceed 10 micrograms per gram dust, a level associated with the trigger of asthma symptoms in asthmatics who are allergic to these allergens.

"This study suggests that a large number of U.S. homes contain Dust Mite allergen levels which pose a significant risk for the development of allergies and asthma," Patrick Vojta, Ph.D., of NIEHS, said. "There are housekeeping practices as well as allergen proof bedding covers that can be used to reduce exposures to high levels of allergens. For people who are not allergic to these allergens, steps to reduce exposure may reduce the chance of developing allergies and asthma. For those who are already allergic and/or asthmatic, steps to reduce exposure may decrease the frequency and severity of the symptoms of these diseases."

Since the bedroom provides the greatest exposure to Dust Mites and other allergens, one of the major recommendations in the control of Dust Mite allergens is to encase your mattress, boxspring and pillows with Dust Mite proof barriers. These barriers totally surround (encase) or cover (fitted) a mattress or boxspring and pillows, providing an impermeable layer between you and dust mites and their wastes. The primary allergic reaction from the dust mite is not only the Dust Mite itself, but the fecal matter that comes from the Dust Mite. Considering there may be millions of Dust Mites in your bedding and each one produces 20 or more fecal pellets a day, this can be a substantial allergen exposure. This is important, as these fecal pellets are substantially smaller than the Dust Mite and get broken down into minute particles as we toss and turn on our bedding. These minute particles then come in contact with your skin and are inhaled in the lungs. Additionally, females can lay up to 40 - 80 eggs starting the 2-4 month life-cycle all over again!

Some common "triggers" of asthma and allergies include:

• Cold air.
• Tobacco and wood smoke.
• Strong odors or chemical fumes such as paints , hair sprays and perfumes.
• Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander, pollution and molds.
• Respiratory illness such as the common cold or influenza.
• Certain drugs.
• Substances that come in contact with the skin such as cosmetics, perfumes, hair dyes and chemicals.
• Foods such as cow's milk, eggs, chicken, shellfish, peanuts, wheat products and various chemical food additives and preservatives.

When changes occur in the lungs, the air tubes narrow and make it difficult to breathe. This condition can develop very quickly or take days to manifest itself. These attacks may have various levels of severity.

An allergic reaction in the lungs, or asthma attack, causes three things to happen: