What are the best tissues for allergies?

From the heyday of the handkerchief to today’s trusty tissues, it’s always been wise to keep something handy for blowing your nose. Disposable tissues come in all sorts, from our simple bleach-free sheets in card boxes to fancy plastic packets. And that’s before you get into added fragrances, balms, and dyes.

But the most important thing is having them close by when the sneezing starts. With spring giving way to summer here in the UK, we’re rounding up the issues with tissues, in dealing with atishoos.

What makes one tissue better than another when it comes to allergies?

First, let’s look at what causes allergies in the first place.

What causes allergies?

Before we talk about tissues, it’s worth knowing what actually triggers allergic reactions. If we can understand what’s bothering us, we’re in a better position to choose the right tissue for the job.

Most everyday allergies begin when the immune system overreacts – mistaking something harmless, like pollen, dust, or pet hair, for a threat. It then tries to fight off and expel the intruder. One way it does this is by producing mucus, which traps allergens so they can be sneezed, blown, or coughed out.

The most common culprits include:

• Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
  

• Dust mites, which live in bedding and carpets
  

• Pet dander, tiny flakes of skin that animals shed
  

Some of these come from outdoors, like pollen or car exhaust, while others live inside our homes, no matter how much we hoover. And sometimes, the tissue you’re using to wipe your nose can make things worse – not exactly what you want.

Can tissues make allergies worse?

Not all tissues are created equal when it comes to allergy-friendliness. Perfumes can be common triggers, so scented tissues may be problematic if you’re sensitive.

Then there’s texture. Tissues designed to be extra soft or thick are sometimes made from materials that break down into tiny fibres when used. If they go up your nose, these fibres can actually aggravate allergy symptoms rather than soothe them.

Naked Paper tissues are made from bamboo, which is naturally hypoallergenic and grows in huge forests without the aid of fertilisers or pesticides. It produces fibres that are long and strong, meaning they don’t shed fine particles. So you won’t get tickles from tiny bits of tissue left behind when you blow your nose.

And there’s one last common ingredient in most tissues that’s known to cause skin sensitivity. We don’t use it at all in Naked Paper.

You guessed it: bleach.

Does bleach in tissues irritate skin?

If you’ve had a bad cold or a rough allergy season, you’ll know what we mean when we say “tissue burn.” It’s the raw, red patch that appears around your nostrils after a few days of blowing your nose.

What you might not realise is that this redness isn’t just from the illness or allergy, it’s often caused by the tissues themselves.

Here’s a quote from our lovely customer Mary on Facebook:

“When I was recently felled by the ‘it’s not covid but a really heavy cold’ bug that’s going around, I went through an entire box of NP tissues but for the first time ever, as the sneezing and streaming got better, I realised that I didn't have the sore, red nose that usually comes with it.”

Mary isn’t alone. Many of our customers tell us they no longer experience that red nose effect with Naked Paper tissues, and members of our own team have found the same.

So, what’s the difference?

We’ve mentioned above that smooth texture of bamboo helps, as it avoids the short fibres that can irritate skin. But we believe a key factor is that we don’t bleach our tissues.

Many conventional tissues are bleached to achieve a bright white appearance. But bleach is a known skin irritant. Medical journals have linked bleach in tissue and toilet paper to skin problems and possibly more serious health concerns.

So if your nose is already irritated by allergies or a cold, smooth, bleach-free tissue is probably your best option. It’s not the main reason we skip bleach, but it fits our overall approach: avoiding harsh chemicals altogether. If we can make something with less impact on the planet – and our bodies – we will.

Conclusion: What tissues are best for allergies?

Hopefully that clears things up.

We all have our own preferences when it comes to tissue size and softness. But at the bare minimum, the best tissues for allergies shouldn’t make your symptoms worse.

For a clean sneeze and a calm nose, steer clear of:

• Extra-soft tissues that shed fluff
  

• Any added perfumes
  

• Bleach
  

We don’t think that’s asking too much from a tissue. Naked Paper tissues are soft, smooth, and bleach-free. They do the job quietly, with no extra fuss and no added sneezes.

Whether you keep a box on your desk, by the sofa, or in the car, we hope they make your day that bit more comfortable and your nose a bit less red.