Help keep hayfever symptoms at bay
Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes? It must be pollen season
While some of us welcome beautiful buds on trees, others approach springtime with trepidation.
Kicking off with tree-pollen season – now in full swing – mother nature then turns her hand to grass pollen season from mid-May; with weed-pollen season gaining momentum from the end of June… and so the cycle goes.
Our natural instinct is to seek refuge inside, but how safe is your home if you’re suffering from hay fever?
Here, experts share their top tips for pollen-proofing your surroundings….
Create a pollen-free zone: “Transforming your home into a pollen-free safe-place is not just about cleanliness; it’s about creating a lifestyle that prioritises your wellbeing, especially during peak allergy seasons,” says Alex Gluhovsky, spokesperson at iWardrobes.
With over half of hay fever sufferers stating the allergy disrupts their sleep, your bedroom should be free from the intrusion of pollen, advises Gluhovsky. “So begin by keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons to prevent allergens from drifting indoors.”
Enhancing your sleep environment further by adorning your windows with blackout curtains, not only creates a cosy ambiance, but also acts as a barrier against pollen infiltration, he says.
Opt for allergy-friendly materials in home furnishings: Gluhovsky says that opting for allergy-friendly materials such as leather, vinyl and hardwood for furniture and flooring will reduce pollen retention, compared to fabric and carpets.
Strategic indoor greenery placement: “While indoor plants can enhance the aesthetics of your home, certain species can exacerbate pollen allergies,” notes Gluhovsky. “Some plants release high volumes of pollen into the air, which can contribute to allergies and respiratory issues for hay fever sufferers.”
Think low-pollen indoor plants such as ferns, palms and orchids, as they produce minimal amounts of pollen compared to others, suggests Gluhovsky.
Know when to air your home: “If you don’t know exactly what type of pollen you are allergic to, it can be difficult to know what time your allergens are the highest; however most flowers pollinate in the morning, between 5am and 9am,” advises Williams. It’s recommended to keep your windows closed at these times and rely on ventilation to keep the temperature down, says Williams. “If needed, you can open your windows towards the end of the day to let air in, which is when there is less pollen circulating in the air.”