 |
Allergy Terms Defined
Q: What is the difference between hypoallergenic and anti-allergen? Which type of product is best to buy?
A: Both terms are used frequently in the world of allergies, and their meanings are actually quite different. However, both types of products are important for creating an allergen-free environment.
A HYPOALLERGENIC product is one which produces little or no allergic reaction. It is not likely to cause allergies… but of course, there is always the possibility that someone may have an allergic reaction to it. Our 100% cotton pillows are an example of this… they are made in very pure and natural conditions, with no irritants, and they are made from hypoallergenic materials. But for someone with an allergy to cotton, a 100% cotton pillow would not be hypoallergenic – quite the opposite. There are very few substances to which no one in the world is allergic.
Hypoallergenic products are usually products made in such a way that irritants or allergens which would normally be in the product are removed. As such, they play an important role for allergy sufferers. A typical example is a hypoallergenic down comforter. Unlike most down, which can cause an allergic reaction, a Hypodown comforter is filled with down that has been washed repeatedly in a special process to remove dust, dirt, and other allergens from the down, rendering it hypoallergenic.
An ANTI-ALLERGEN product is one which will actually control allergens, by removing or denaturing existing allergens in the environment. Allergens exist as part of nature… dust mites, animal dander, pollen, mold spores, all are difficult to avoid simply by purchasing hypoallergenic products. That is where anti-allergen products come in – anti-allergen products work to remove or control the allergens which are inevitably present in your environment. A good example is an anti-allergen dust mite encasing. This product will control dust mite allergens and prevent allergy symptoms, by protecting you from the dust mite allergens in your pillow. Another example is an anti-allergen spray, which you might use on your carpet or upholstery to denature allergens, affecting the allergen to render it harmless.
Ideally, an anti-allergen product is both anti-allergen and hypoallergenic. You wouldn't want to spray an anti-allergen spray which would denature pet dander and dust mite allergens, but then irritate your sinuses with a strong additive fragrance. However, the reverse does not generally apply – a hypoallergenic product is not necessarily anti-allergen as well. Both types of products are important for keeping your environment allergen-free.
Products mentioned:
100% Cotton Pillow
Hypoallergenic Down Comforters
Dust Mite Encasings
Anti-Allergen Spray
Posted by Desirina on Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Leave a Comment | Read Comments (0) | Email This | digg it
|
No Comments
Leave a Comment
Register
Forgot your password?
|
Email to a Friend
Seed Newsvine
