Restful sleep: the importance of bedding and indoor air

Restorative sleep depends on several factors. The first will surprise no one: the quality of the bedding. Another, less known, is: the quality of the air we breathe.

Proper bedding — pillows, duvets or breathable and ergonomic mattress toppers — ensures good body alignment and optimal temperature regulation, reducing micro-awakenings and promoting deep sleep. Natural materials such as organic cotton or latex also limit the accumulation of allergens and fine dust, contributing to a healthy sleeping environment.

Air is also an important, yet often overlooked, companion during your nights. A growing number of recent medical studies show that indoor air quality directly influences sleep.

Indoor air quality in the service of sleep quality

The majority of our daily time (around 80%) is spent indoors, whether at home, at the office or at school.

Despite some improvements—such as the decrease of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde in homes over the past 20 years—certain pollutants remain at concerning levels, including particles, mold spores, radon or some persistent chemical compounds¹.

Polluted indoor air can cause irritation, allergies or respiratory issues, all factors that can disrupt sleep. These observations remind us that quality sleep also depends on the respiratory environment, an aspect that is often overlooked.

A 2023 U.S. medical study shows that PM2.5 particle pollution has a measurable impact on sleep quality deterioration, on the same level as noise, temperature and CO2².

An even more recent study³, examining over 25 studies covering 1.2 million adults, found that a 10 µg/m³ increase in fine particles (PM2.5) is associated with a higher risk of sleep disorders, including a reduction in sleep efficiency or difficulty staying asleep.

Stacking the odds in your favor: some useful guidelines

If you want to improve sleep quality by acting on indoor air quality, here are a few suggestions based on current studies:

1. Ensure good indoor air quality

Ventilate regularly, especially before bedtime, to renew the air. Using an air purifier can improve sleep even in people without diagnosed sleep disorders.

2. Monitor pollutants and fine particles

PM2.5 or PM10, as well as NO2, are frequently cited in studies linking them to poor sleep quality. Reducing indoor pollution sources—such as tobacco, candles, highly emissive materials or certain chemical products—helps limit exposure. It is also possible to measure fine particle levels with an air quality sensor.

3. Create a healthy and suitable bedroom environment with proper bedding

Choose breathable and simple bedding, and avoid excessive fabrics that can trap dust, mites or allergens. Several sources warn about the role of allergens in mattresses, pillows or blankets when maintenance is neglected.

4. The importance of humidity and temperature levels

Adjusting temperature, humidity and ventilation is also essential, as air that is too dry, too humid or stale affects breathing and therefore sleep.

Complementary bedding and sleep: pillows, duvets and mattress toppers

Well-chosen bedding — combining suitable pillows, duvets and mattress toppers — enhances the effectiveness of ergonomic accessories. The use of natural materials such as organic cotton or latex in Kipli products improves breathability, limits the accumulation of allergens and fine particles, and contributes to creating a healthy, comfortable environment that supports restorative sleep.

Towards a holistic approach to sleep

Thinking in terms of “air + bedroom + bedding” maximizes the chances of restorative sleep and long-term well-being, especially in enclosed spaces such as urban apartments. This global approach shows that sleep depends on many factors, such as the respiratory environment, materials, and ventilation and maintenance habits.

Sources:

• ¹ Observatoire de la qualité des environnements intérieurs (OQEI) – Campagne Nationale Logements 2 (CNL2), premiers résultats, 2025.
• ² Basner M, Smith MG, Jones CW, Ecker AJ, Howard K, Schneller V, Cordoza M, Kaizi-Lutu M, Park-Chavar S, Stahn AC, Dinges DF, Shou H, Mitchell JA, Bhatnagar A, Smith T, Smith AE, Stopforth CK, Yeager R, Keith RJ. Associations of bedroom PM2.5, CO2, temperature, humidity, and noise with sleep: An observational actigraphy study. Sleep Health. 2023 Jun;9(3):253-263. doi: 10.1016/j.sleh.2023.02.010.
• ³ Wang M, Cho Y, Li J. Air pollution and sleep health in middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev. 2025 Oct;83:102136. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2025.102136.