As the monsoon clouds gather and raindrops pitter-patter on your windows, another unseen threat is brewing within your home: the humble mattress, which is frequently an unwitting breeding ground for moulds and mildew during this damp season. This hidden threat not only endangers your health but also disrupts your precious slumber. ABP Live understands the value of a good night's sleep, so we sought expert advice to ensure that your mattress remains a haven of rest even in the midst of the monsoon. Read on to discover essential tips that will protect both your sleep and well-being.
As the monsoon season sets in, the increased humidity provides an ideal environment for the growth of moulds and mildew within mattresses, posing significant health risks and disrupting sleep patterns. Mould and mildew, according to Dr J Harikishan, a Senior General Physician at Kamineni Hospitals in Hyderabad, emit airborne spores that, when inhaled during sleep, can cause respiratory issues, especially in people who have allergies or asthma. This can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Dr Suhas HS, a Consultant Pulmonologist at Manipal Hospital Sarjapur, stresses the potential health risks associated with damp and mouldy environments. These symptoms can range from a stuffy nose, cough, and wheezing to more severe reactions such as fever and difficulty breathing, particularly in people who have asthma or mould allergies. Fungal infections become more common, affecting those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions.
Anand Nichani, Managing Director of Magniflex India, notes that rising humidity during the monsoons can turn mattresses into breeding grounds for moulds and mildew, disrupting your sleep and potentially leading to respiratory diseases like allergies and asthma. He offers several steps you can take to protect your sleep and overall health during the monsoon:
Invest in a high-quality mattress: Many mattresses on the market are made from substandard materials and are challenging to maintain. Investing in a mattress made from patented memo foam with open-cell technology is a wise choice, as it requires no special care during the wet season and maintains high hygiene standards.
Ensure proper bedroom ventilation: Regularly open windows and doors or use a fan to circulate air in your bedroom. Adequate ventilation can prevent moisture buildup.
- Use a waterproof sponge mattress protector: This protector acts as a barrier between your mattress and the moisture in the air, keeping your mattress dry and free of mould and mildew. Look for protectors that are hypoallergenic for added safety.