Best Blinds for Asthma and Allergy Sufferers
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For many asthma and allergy sufferers, every day is cleaning day. The kind of dust particles and mites that trigger these conditions tend to accumulate on textured, soft and warm materials like the ones that are used to create many household items and fixtures.
While people that are aware of this problem mostly focus on things like mattresses and carpets, there are other items that can accumulate great amounts of dust and other problematic particles. Among the main offenders are window treatments such as blinds.
Being dust hotbeds, window blinds need to be cleaned often. It’s worth noting that it’s best to clean them in a specific manner. For example, dry cleaning is ill-advised because it uses chemicals that can also negatively affect asthma and allergy sufferers.
Luckily, in the last couple of decades, there has been a rise in the offer of dust-free window curtains, shades and other types of dust free window treatments. Among this kind of treatments, dust-free window blinds are among the most demanded.
With that in mind, the present article will go over the best five dust-free window blinds for asthma and allergy sufferers, pointing out their pros and cons. At the same time, it will provide general information regarding the topic at hand, helping readers make an informed decision.
Contents
- Quick Comparison: 5 Blinds for Asthma and Allergy Sufferers
- Things to Consider Before Purchasing Blinds for Asthma and Allergy Sufferers
- The Best Five Blinds for Asthma and Allergy Sufferers:
- 1. Nicetown Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain – Tie Up Shade for Small Window
- 2. Lewis Hyman Oval Vinyl PVC Rollup Blind
- 3.Original Light Filtering Pleated Fabric Shade
- 4. US Window And Floor Faux Wood Blind
Quick Comparison: 5 Blinds for Asthma and Allergy Sufferers
Things to Consider Before Purchasing Blinds for Asthma and Allergy Sufferers
As any interior design enthusiast knows, window treatments can truly make a difference in a home. Apart from enhancing the decor, they provide privacy and even help control the temperature inside the house.
However, as mentioned earlier, they have the potential of increasing exposure to allergens.
Unfortunately, the dust that window treatments collect is likely to be crawling with dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and other potentially harmful particles.
It goes without saying that this represents a huge problem for asthma and allergy sufferers alike.
Even though there is no such thing as a 100% allergy-free window treatment, there are various choices of window treatments that collect less dust and are easier to clean, resulting in a dramatic reduction in allergy flare-ups. Some of the most interesting are:
Vinyl Roller Shades: For someone who is looking for anti-allergic, cleanable roller shades, vinyl roller shades are a great choice. Because they have a very limited surface area, the amount of dust that they collect is equally limited.
Additionally, the nature of vinyl makes them easy to clean with a damp rag. As if that was not enough, unlike fabric window treatments, vinyl roller shades will not become infested with dust mites.
Roman Shades: Another strong option for asthma and allergy sufferers is installing roman shades. Even though some amount of dust can collect in the folds, it’s usually a small amount that can be easily controlled with regular cleaning.
However, it’s worth noting that roman shades do require more cleaning than roller shades. To help make the cleaning easier, it’s best to choose roman shades made of vinyl, plastic or bamboo.
Vertical blinds: Even though vertical blinds can collect a certain amount of dust, it will typically be much less than what’s accumulated in horizontal blinds. Again, in order to avoid dust mites, it’s best to opt for those made out of vinyl, plastic or bamboo.
Wood Shutters: Despite having horizontal slats where dust can accumulate, wood shutters are wider than vertical blinds, making them easier to be cleaned. At the same time, the hard texture of the wood is less welcoming than fabric for dust mites.
Aluminum Blinds: Because of their hard, cold and smooth texture, aluminum blinds are among the easiest types of window treatment to clean. Durable and versatile, they constitute a modern and elegant solution for asthma and allergy sufferers.
Cellular Shades: Perhaps the most advanced type of window treatment out there is the cellular shade. Made entirely with cellular plastic, these energy-efficient shades collect very little dust and easy to clean.
The Best Five Blinds for Asthma and Allergy Sufferers:
1. Nicetown Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain – Tie Up Shade for Small Window
Unlike most allergy free curtains, this thermally insulated tie up shade can be machine washed and tumble dried. Easy to adjust and beautiful, it fits small windows, making it perfect for studies, playrooms and bedrooms.
Coming in a variety of styles and colors, it’s one of the most versatile hypoallergenic window shades in the market.
Pros
- 100% hypoallergenic polyester.
- Its triple weave technology impedes 85%-99% light and UV rays.
- Versatile enough to be used in most rooms.
- Can be machine washed and tumble dried.
- Can be ironed and steam cleaned.
Cons
- Being mostly hand-stitched, this product can sometimes show some finishing imperfections.
Verdict
Without a doubt, this is a high-quality product that will make most asthma and allergy sufferers happy. Being hypoallergenic and completely machine washable, it is as user-friendly as it is effective in keeping allergies at bay.
Additionally, coming in a variety of colors and styles, it’s a product interior designers and home owners will love.
2. Lewis Hyman Oval Vinyl PVC Rollup Blind
Available for both inside and outside use, this roll-up blind is perfect for creating a private or semi-private environment that is not conducive to allergy flare-ups.
Like other blinds that don’t collect dust, it does not need to be cleaned too often. Elegant and expensive-looking, PVC vinyl is also incredibly easy to clean without using chemical products.
Pros
- Moisture and humidity resistant.
- Completely washable.
- Can be used inside and outside.
Cons
- Its lightweight material makes it somewhat flimsy.
- Some colors fade after being in the sun for a few months.
Verdict
Although somewhat flimsy, this is a resilient product that can be washed repeatedly without being destroyed or ruined. For obvious reasons, this is greatly advantageous for asthma and allergy suffers. Elegant and versatile, this is definitely a product to consider.
3.Original Light Filtering Pleated Fabric Shade
Easy to install without tools of any kind, this shade will make the life of asthma and allergy sufferers a bit easier. Made entirely of nonwoven polyester fabric, it’s both dust-resistant and easy to clean.
Unlike most allergy free window coverings, it features no cords or visible adjustment devices of any sort.
Pros
- Light control and UV protection.
- No cords.
- Versatile enough to be used in any type of home or office.
Cons
- Its material is soft enough to be considered flimsy.
- It can be difficult to remove from the window frame.
Verdict
This is a good-looking shade that helps control lighting in a room without becoming the source of allergies. Being easy to install, it’s definitely an instant solution for people who are interested in blinds that do not collect dust. However, its flimsiness makes it an (ideally) non-permanent one.
4. US Window And Floor Faux Wood Blind
This 35-inch blind fits most windows perfectly, making it perfect for domestic use. Sober and elegant, its faux wood appearance does a lot to dress up the interior of a home.
Apart from accumulating very little dust, its long, smooth and hard horizontal slats are easy to wipe down using a wet rag.
Pros
- Great balance and window frame grip
- Includes tilter and lift cords.
- Durable steel head rail.
Cons
- Somewhat difficult to install.
- Heavier than most window blinds.
Verdict
This is a well-balanced, elegant and useful blind that will surely improve the home of any asthma or allergy sufferer. Without sacrificing sturdiness or solidity, its 2 inch PVC slats are easy to clean and perfectly manageable. Even though it can be harder to install than most similar products, the final result is worth the work.
Final Verdict
While they are all fantastic, the last two products in this list are, without a doubt, the most outstanding. Both of them provide a great balance between style, functionality and anti-dust protection, making them a smart choice for asthma and allergy sufferers.
The US Window And Floor Faux Wood Blind is an elegant, sturdy and durable product that accumulates very little dust and is easy to clean.
Although it’s not washable, its ample body does not leave any room for dust to build up unnoticed. Additionally, its has a solid construction that uses high-quality materials.
On the other hand, the Nicetown Tie Up Shade for Small Window provides an elegant touch to interior windows without using as much fabric as a curtain.
The little fabric it uses can be machine washed, tumble dried and even ironed. Without a doubt, these are two products that asthma and allergy sufferers need to get their hands on.
