Should CPAP Users Allow Their Cat and Dog in the Bedroom ?

What the In-Crowd Won’t Tell You About Should CPAP Users Allow Their Cat and Dog in the Bedroom?

Aaaaaaachoo!

Sneezing? Wheezing? Nose runny, eyes itchy? You may be suffering from the common cold. But if the condition has been hanging on for two weeks, or more, you may be suffering from an allergy as opposed to a cold. Your doctor may be the only one who can conclude if you are experiencing an allergic reaction.

There are many types of allergies but being allergic to animals is quite common. What happens if you discover you are susceptible to pet allergies?

Does this mean that your faithful dog, loving cat or beautiful rabbit has to go?

Some people that have allergies can continue to live with their pet. It depends on the severity of your allergies and whether or not you are prepared to make some changes and live within a few rules.  If your allergic reaction to your pet is on the moderate side, you may be able to reduce your suffering by reducing the number of animal allergens you come in contact with. That means keeping them out of the bedroom, your sanctuary, the one place you rest your head at night.

Up to 15% of the population is allergic to domestic animals and approximately one-third of those continue to live with their pet. For many, the pleasure of owning a pet outweighs the burden and discomfort of pet allergies.

If your allergies make life miserable for you but are non-life threatening, you may be able to reduce the symptoms by taking the following actions.

If you suffer from allergies and share your living space with an animal, it is extremely important to keep dust and dust mites to a minimum in your home. The microscopic skin particles that are cast off by dogs, cats, hamsters and other pets are known as dander, and can quickly spread throughout your home and cause allergic reactions for anyone who has a pet allergy.

Never sleep with your pet. You would be breathing in dander for the whole time that you are asleep. Best make your bedroom a no-go area for your pets, keep your bedroom door closed and don’t allow your pet in. Although you cannot completely prevent dander from getting into your bedroom, keeping the animal out will greatly reduce the level of pet allergen in that room. Buy a low-cost vinyl encasing for your mattress, this will keep down the dander that resides in your bed. Wash blankets, sheets and pillowcases frequently.

Where you can replace your carpets. A non-porous flooring such as hardwood, tile, vinyl or linoleum will contain far less allergen than carpeting. Where you do have carpets have them cleaned regularly and vacuum frequently – and use a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum filter.

Consider replacing fabric furniture covered with leather or vinyl furniture and replacing your curtains with plastic blinds, an expense but doing so will help reduce the effect of your pet allergies.

Bath your pet frequently, at least once a week and you will greatly diminish the amount of dander residing in your pet’s fur (by up to 80%). Contrary to popular belief cats can be bathed, get someone to help and ask your veterinarian for advice on how to do this properly.

Damp wipe all surfaces once per week, pet allergens are airborne and will stick to most anything. Don’t forget to wipe down your pet’s toys they will be harboring allergens.

Washing off or changing the filter in your heating cooling system will help. Consider purchasing a HEPA air cleaner, they can reduce allergens in the home and increase comfort for those who suffer from pet allergies.

Likewise, cleaning your CPAP will help you in your goal of keeping things allergy free.  You can easily do this with the SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer available for purchase online at Breathe Easy CPAP. If you are on the go you can also have a canister of Sunset CPAP Cleaning Wipes in your travel gear.

Talk to your doctor about your commitment to keeping your pet. If he/she considers that your pet allergy is not life-threatening he/she may understand your reluctance to part with your animal companion. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be prescribed and may help you, together with the steps above, to continue to enjoy the company of your cat, dog, hamster or rabbit. Just remember the bedroom is a “NO GO ZONE” for your beloved animals.

Breathe Easy CPAP is proud to offer a complete line of CPAP machines, CPAP humidifiers, CPAP masks, CPAP headgear and all cleaning and CPAP accessories.

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