Spring sneezes: How the right carpet underlay can help ease seasonal allergies

It’s that time of year again.

The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and the pollen count is at an all-time high.

From tree and grass pollen, to weed pollen in the late summer months, there are many irritants for hayfever sufferers. But the good news is, if you’re one of the millions of people in the UK who suffer from hayfever and are looking for that sweet release, there are many things out there that can help.

We’re not talking antihistamines here, though (although they are a Godsend!). We’re talking about carpet underlay.

How are the two connected, you may wonder?

Discover everything you need to know about how choosing the right carpet underlay can help ease your seasonal allergies with our experts at British Flooring.

So, how can carpet underlay help reduce allergies?

Choosing the right carpet underlay can minimise seasonal allergies in several ways, because:

It acts as a barrier

Carpet underlay acts as an effective barrier, creating a protective layer between the carpet laid on top and the subfloor beneath.

This prevents everything from dust and pollen to pet hair and other irritants from becoming airborne and triggering your symptoms.

It has anti-microbial properties

Some carpet underlays are designed with built-in treatments that inhibit the growth of mould, mildew, and dust mites.

This helps contribute to a healthier, more hygienic indoor environment, ideal for hayfever and general allergy sufferers.

It helps improve air quality

By trapping dust and allergens and preventing them from becoming airborne, carpet underlay significantly improves indoor air quality.

Some underlays are even designed with built-in hypoallergenic properties or made with hypoallergenic materials, like rubber and treated felt, which are naturally resistant to irritants.

It can enhance vacuuming efficiency

Carpet underlay provides a cushioned layer that keeps carpet fibres upright, preventing them from being crushed.

This makes carpet much easier to hoover, which further reduces the risk of dust, pollen and pet hair becoming airborne and causing your symptoms to flare.

What are the best carpet underlay materials for allergy sufferers?

When on the hunt for hypoallergenic carpet underlay options, keep a lookout for the following materials:

• Rubber– Made from latex-free rubber, these underlays help prevent allergic reactions caused by mold, mildew, dustmites, pollen, and other irritants. Rubber underlay also provides excellent support and protection for your carpet laid over top, ensuring unmatched durability for decades to come.
• PU (polyurethane) foam – This synthetic option is designed with built-in hypoallergenic properties, making it great for hayfever and general allergy sufferers. We highly recommend our Plushwalk 10 and 12mm options, which are both A+ air quality rated.
• Wool felt – Wool felt carpet underlay is a natural and sustainable option. Being soft yet dense for great cushioning, it’s a hypoallergenic and breathable material that reduces moisture buildup in the air, improves indoor air quality, and reduces symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Can I install underlay and carpet myself?

Once you’ve chosen your underlay to go with your brand new carpet, and have got all the essential tools and accessories like a carpet gripper and carpet rods, it’s time to get everything installed.

Installing carpet underlay is a relatively simple DIY job, even for beginners. Just make sure you have all the right tools and a spare couple of hours to get the job done properly.

Fitting carpet, on the other hand, can be a challenging task, so if you’re new to DIY projects, you should consider consulting a professional carpet fitter to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting result.

Need help finding the perfect carpet underlay?

If you’re planning ahead for the worst of your spring and summertime allergies, we have a range of carpet underlays in stock that can help make the coming months more bearable.

We have a range of options available here at British Flooring, so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect pairing for your new carpet.

Browse our collection online today, or get in touch with our team for expert advice and recommendations!