Is there flooring to help alleviate allergies?

Q: "Is there flooring to help alleviate allergies?"

A: For years, people with asthma and allergies were told to avoid soft surface flooring like carpet and area rugs since carpet fibers would trap particles that could aggravate their condition. Hardwood, luxury vinyl tile, laminate, porcelain and stone tile flooring were all said to be the best choices for people with seasonal allergies or allergies to dust mites, pet dander and other common household allergens.

A number of major flooring manufacturers have taken notice of this trend and have worked to debunk this common misconception. While leading flooring manufacturer, Mohawk Flooring, has introduced to consumers a hypoallergenic soft surface flooring that’s perfect for people suffering with asthma and allergies.

According to recent studies conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine Inner City Asthma Study, carpet does not cause or increase the symptoms of asthma and allergies. That’s great news for people who carpet in their homes!

In fact, Mohawk Flooring’s Air.o is a hypoallergenic soft flooring option that works to alleviate symptoms of asthma and allergies. Created from 100% recycled materials, Air.o's fibers don't absorb moisture, which helps prevent the growth of allergens and microbes.

Shaw Floors, manufacturers of luxuriously soft flooring like their beautiful Bellera carpet collection, also proved that properly maintained carpet actually helps reduce symptoms of asthma and allergies in a series of scientific studies.

According to these studies, carpets trapped allergens to a greater extent than hard surface floors, resulted in fewer particles escaping into the air. Allergens that were trapped by carpet did not actually return to the carpet's surface or the air, even when walking or other daily activities disturbed the carpet.

Of course, proper maintenance of your flooring is the ultimate stopgap to ensure no asthma or allergy flare-ups. Frequent vacuuming with a manufacturer approved vacuum cleaner and periodic deep cleaning should all be part of your regular carpet care and maintenance routine.

If you are an asthma or allergy sufferer, would you choose carpet or prefer a hard surface flooring? Let us know in the comments!