What Rugs are Good for Allergies?

When choosing an appropriate area rug or carpet for your house, there are several factors to take into account. Such factors include, considering what size and style of rug best complements your space. However, we occasionally forget about another crucial aspect, whether or not a certain rug is appropriate for allergy sufferers.

You may be thinking to yourself, "rugs naturally collect dust so they must all be bad for allergy sufferers". Right? While this does make sense logically, it is not always the case. Many do not know that area rugs can act as natural air filters, making them a good choice for homes with allergy sufferers. A point to note however, is that some rugs can be better at filtering out air than others.

Adore Rugs has curated a list of hypoallergenic rugs that can enhance the air quality in your home and trap allergens to assist you in finding the best carpets for allergies.

1. Synthetic Rugs: Polypropylene, Polyester

Synthetic, polypropylene rugs can be the one of the most dependable rug option for allergy sufferers. These fibres are designed to reject allergens and hinder mould growth, which means they will neither trap or release allergens into the air. This is why polypropylene carpets are ideal for use in the outdoors, as well as in homes where allergies must be addressed. Another advantage of polypropylene rugs is that they have a low pile, which means that they are tightly woven or looped rather than shaggy. Shaggy carpets tend to shed their loose strands, which can be irritating to sensitive nostrils. 

In a study published in the journal Contact Dermatitis, researchers tested the allergic reactions of patients to a range of synthetic and natural fibers, including polypropylene. The study found that polypropylene was one of the least allergenic materials tested, with only a small percentage of patients reporting allergic reactions to it.

Another study, published in the journal Allergology International, looked at the use of polypropylene carpets in homes and schools. The study found that polypropylene carpets were less likely to cause allergic reactions than carpets made from other fibers. The researchers also found that polypropylene carpets were easier to clean and maintain, which can help reduce the build-up of allergens over time.

Overall, these studies suggest that polypropylene is a hypoallergenic material that is less likely to cause allergic reactions in people than natural fibers like wool or cotton. Its hypoallergenic properties, combined with its durability and ease of maintenance, make it an attractive choice for people with allergies or sensitivities.

Adore Rugs 'Sunset' and 'Finca' collections are a great example of polypropylene rugs that can be used both outdoor and indoor and are great for allergy sufferers. These rugs are low pile and lightweight which makes them easy to vacuum and move around the house if need be.   

2. Natural Rugs: Wool, Jute

Being hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial. Wool rugs are an excellent choice from a health perspective. Wool has special properties that set it apart compared to other natural fibres. It's ability to 'breathe', ensures that your wool rug will draw moisture away from your body. regulating body temperature which can maximise comfort within your home. It can also absorb natural everyday odours helping to improve the indoor air quality of your room. However, keep in mind wool rugs can be subject to shedding more so than other fibres, so make sure to regularly vacuum to minimise shedded fibres from becoming airborne. 

Other natural fibres like jute are also anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic. These can be another good selection when you are looking to manage allergies in your home. Jute rugs are known to be one of few type of rugs that can repel dust mites, they are lightweight and are tightly woven which ensures that fibres do not become airborne which can vastly improve the air quality for allergy sufferers. 

In addition to being hypoallergenic, jute is also biodegradable and environmentally-friendly. Unlike synthetic materials, which can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment, jute can be easily decomposed by bacteria and other microorganisms. This means that jute products are less likely to contribute to pollution and other environmental problems.

Overall, wool and jute's hypoallergenic and environmentally-friendly qualities make it a good choice for a rug or other home furnishings. They are a natural, sustainable material that is less likely to cause allergic reactions and is better for the environment than some synthetic alternatives.