Latest news with #hypoallergenic
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The 5 Best Hypoallergenic Pillows To Combat Nighttime Allergies
For many allergy sufferers, preventing symptoms isn't solely a daytime battle, but a nighttime struggle, too. Down and feather-filled pillows can harbor household allergens like dust, dirt and dander, prompting congestion, itchy eyes and overall irritation, among other symptoms. The best hypoallergenic pillows, like our top pick the Avocado Green Pillow, can help curb nighttime allergies to allow for a less fitful night's rest because of their premium, eco-friendly materials and antimicrobial designs. The Avocado Adjustable Pillow is named one of the best hypoallergenic pillows, alongside choices ... More from Coop Goods, Saatva and more. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer 'If you're in the market for a new pillow, materials like latex or memory foam are solid choices because their dense structure is less inviting for mites,' says Dr. Kara Wada, M.D. and founder of Immune Confident Institute. Besides materials, when choosing the best hypoallergenic pillow, it's also important to consider your sleep style and preferences, which is why we found hypoallergenic pillows that cater to a variety of different needs. Take a look at our editor-approved choices below. Our Top Recommendations Best Hypoallergenic Pillow Overall: Avocado Green Pillow (Standard) Best Soft Hypoallergenic Pillow: Buffy Cloud Pillow (Standard) Best Firm Hypoallergenic Pillow: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow (Small) Fill: Organic latex and kapok fibers | Firmness: Medium-plush | Trial period: 100 nights Pros: Includes additional fill for adjustability to suit most sleeping positions Three sizes to choose from (standard, queen and king) Multiple third-party certifications including GOTS Cons: Cover is spot clean only Achieving the right amount of fill can take time The Avocado Green Pillow is filled with GOLS-certified organic latex foam and GOTS-certified organic kapok fibers, the latter a vegan alternative to down that's hypoallergenic and grown pesticide free. Latex foam is also a hypoallergenic and antimicrobial material, which means it helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and other household allergens. The fill is wrapped in an organic cotton jersey liner and zipped inside an organic cotton cover, which is easily removable for spot cleaning. For those concerned with not only the potential allergens they're breathing in but also any chemicals, the pillow is Greenguard Gold Certified for low emissions and Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified. Because the pillow is zippered, accessing the fill and adjusting it to your desired support and plushness is easy, and the pillow includes a refill package to add even more fill if needed (you can also purchase more fill separately). Side sleepers should consider keeping most of the fill inside, while back and stomach sleepers should remove fill to their liking. While the pillow's cover is spot clean only, the brand does sell pillow protectors, all of which are machine washable. Fill: Cross-cut memory foam and microfiber | Firmness: Medium-firm | Trial: 100 nights Pros: Available in three shapes for different sleep styles Machine washable cover Additional half pound of fill included Cons: Some reviews report a strong odor at first The Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow is an extremely versatile pillow that we named one of our best pillows overall, not just because of its adjustability, but due to its three available shapes (classic, crescent and cut-out) that support different sleep styles. For example, side sleepers may prefer the cut-out shape for enhanced neck support while the crescent makes a good option for back sleepers. The pillow's fill is made from a non-toxic, hypoallergenic blend of memory-foam and microfiber that's cross-cut rather than shredded for improved consistency, circulation and non-clumping. Included with the pillow is a half pound of extra fill that can be added or removed to achieve the proper spinal alignment and pressure relief for your preferred sleep position and body type. The fill itself is medium-firm and can be fluffed up when needed by tossing the pillow in the dryer for ten minutes. The included 'Lulltra' jacquard knit cover is wrinkle-resistant, machine washable and dryer friendly, which allows for easy cleaning to prevent the accumulation of dust and other allergens. Fill: Shredded natural latex | Firmness: Plush | Trial period: 45 nights Pros: Available in standard or high loft Removable and machine washable fill layer Suitable for those with latex allergies Cons: Both lofts might be too high for petite stomach sleepers For side sleepers looking for proper support, this hypoallergenic latex pillow from Saatva is available in a high loft version that's around 6 to 7 inches in height, providing cushiony responsiveness and pressure relief that makes you feel like your head is floating. Our editors even named it the best option for shoulder pain because of its unparalleled support. Underneath the hypoallergenic down-like microdenier fiber fill is a shredded latex core that's dust mite- and mildew-resistant, and is more breathable than synthetic foams. Saatva's latex goes through a washing process to remove allergy-causing proteins, and the latex core never comes into contact with the skin, making it a suitable option for those with latex allergies. Both the moisture-wicking organic cotton cover and the microdenier fill are machine washable, and the brand recommends washing the pillow at least twice a year. Fill: Recycled fibers | Firmness: Soft, medium or firm | Trial period: 7-night trial, 50-night return policy Pros: Inexpensive Available in three firmness levels Free 7-night trial Cons: Doesn't include a washable cover Spot or dry clean only If you're seeking a cloud-like sensation, we think this aptly named pillow from Buffy is your best bet. The brand sources Global Recycling Standard (GRS)-certified fibers for its pillows, and each one is made with around 24 to 30 recycled plastic bottles. So rather than ending up in the landfill or ocean, they're converted to super fluffy fill. Depending on how soft you like your pillow and your preferred sleep style, it's offered in three firmness levels, with the firm-level still proving soft yet supportive. The shell is made from Tencel lyocell fibers that are sourced from eucalyptus and more absorbant than cotton to keep you dry and cool as you sleep. The fibers are also free of essential oils, making the pillow safe for kids and pets and less irritating on the skin. The pillow doesn't include a case and the brand recommends spot or dry-cleaning only, so be sure to use a machine washable cover. Fill: Tempur-Material | Firmness: Extra-firm | Trial period: None Pros: Contoured design promotes spinal alignment Available with cooling technology (at a higher cost) 5-year warranty Cons: No trials or returns Not for stomach sleepers The ergonomic, contoured design of the Tempur-Neck pillow, our choice as the best pillow for neck pain, follows the natural curve of the body, lending support to the neck and head for back and side sleepers. Available in three size profiles, you can choose between higher and lower side depending on your preference, mattress size and/or body type. The Tempur-Material contours to the shape of your body while maintaining its profile, extra-firm feel and the necessary support back and side sleepers need to keep their spines properly aligned. In other words, no fluffing required here. The hypoallergenic polyester knit cover is machine washable to better prevent buildup of bacteria, dirt and other allergens, and is also available with cooling technology for an additional $20. The Forbes Vetted sleep and mattress team consists of writers and editors with years of experience testing and researching mattresses, pillows and other sleep products, all with the goal of helping our readers achieve their best sleep. Lee Cutlip is an editorial assistant at Forbes Vetted and the author of this article. She has covered several topics for the sleep team, including the best mattress pads and the best mattress protectors. The editing and publishing of this story was overseen by mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon. Dillon holds a certification as a sleep science coach and has been covering the topic of sleep for over six years. She has also tested more than 20 different pillows, including several models on our list. We spoke with Dr. Kara Wada, M.D. and founder of Immune Confident Institute. Wada is a board-certified allergist and immunologist who provided insight on choosing the best hypoallergenic pillow. The Forbes Vetted team is committed to keeping our content updated and relevant to suit our readers' needs. This story was published in July 2025. We first turned to reputable, familiar brands trusted by the sleep team and that we know use hypoallergenic materials in their products. We then focused on other key factors like third-party certifications and care instructions, pored over customer reviews and consulted an allergist. For this list, it was important we include pillows that use materials explicitly labeled as hypoallergenic like latex foam and memory foam. We also took into consideration other factors like height, firmness, certifications and trial periods. We understand that everyone's sleep styles and preferences are different and we made sure to include pillows that work for a variety of sleepers. To gather real-world experience, we took into account customer reviews and focused on products with at least a 4-star rating from customers. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when shopping for a hypoallergenic pillow. Loft And Firmness When shopping for any pillow, hypoallergenic or not, it's important to consider its loft and firmness. The loft of a pillow refers to its height or thickness, while the firmness determines how soft it is. The best firmness and loft height for you largely depends on your sleep style. Side sleepers tend to benefit from a firmer, high-loft pillow in order to keep their head from sinking too low and to maintain proper spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, should opt for a softer, thinner profile. Back sleepers and combination sleepers should look for medium-firm pillows with a medium loft (think three to five inches). Materials While Wada likes latex or memory foam for their dense structure, her ultimate recommendation against allergens is an allergen-proof pillow encasement. 'A good encasement works by creating a barrier," says Wada. "These covers are woven so tightly that dust mites and their waste (which is what you're actually allergic to) are locked away from your airways.' Even if you don't have a hypoallergenic pillow, an encasement can keep microscopic allergens from getting in. Still, Wada recommends not only avoiding pillows that are down or feather-filled, but duvets, comforters and other bedding. 'They're a five-star hotel for dust mites, trapping moisture and dander. Plus, you can be allergic to the feathers themselves.' Sleeping Position It's important that your pillow promotes natural spinal alignment, and each sleeping position requires something a little different. Other postures are also better than others when you're dealing with allergies. "Sleeping position is everything when you're congested. Lying flat on your back lets post-nasal drip pool in your throat causing a sore throat and trigging coughing," says Wada. If you can't rotate to your side, she recommends using a wedge pillow to prop yourself up when experiencing congestion to help everything drain. Care Instructions Pillows aren't the easiest bedding to clean, but washing them regularly is key to preventing the accumulation of allergens. 'Wash linens weekly in water that's at least 130 degrees to kill mites. If you can't, a 20-minute tumble on high heat does the trick,' says Wada. Most pillows have at least one or two layers that are machine washable, but some don't or are spot or dry clean only. If a pillow doesn't include a washable cover or layer(s), consider buying a cover or allergen-proof encasement that can easily be tossed in the wash. What Type Of Pillow Is Best For Allergies? Pillows made from hypoallergenic materials like natural latex and memory foam are more likely to keep out dust mites and other allergens compared to down and feather-filled pillows. Our top pick is the Avocado Green Pillow, as it's made from hypoallergenic latex and kapok fibers and is free from harmful chemicals including flame retardants. What Are Hypoallergenic Pillows Made Of? Common materials for hypoallergenic pillows include latex, memory foam or down alternatives like polyester fibers and microfibers. Also consider a choice with an organic cotton cover. These materials tend do better at keeping out potential allergens compared to down pillows. Are Hypoallergenic Pillows Worth It? Hypoallergenic pillows can help reduce certain types of allergies and are especially helpful for those allergic to feathers or concerned with chemical irritants. There are affordable hypoallergenic pillows, like the Buffy Cloud Pillow, which uses GSR-certified fibers instead of down.
Telegraph
09-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
Are bamboo sheets worth it? We tested the best bamboo bedding to see if it's a summer essential
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We will earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Bamboo bedding is becoming increasingly popular, and it's far more comfortable than it sounds. Made from fibres derived from the fast-growing bamboo plant, it feels silky soft, regulates temperature, and is hypoallergenic. Bamboo bedding is less widely produced than cotton bed sheets and duvet covers. However, Jane Wood, Lecturer in Fashion and Textiles at The University of Manchester, considers it a good option for eco-conscious shoppers owing to its more sustainable textile production processes and the plant's fast-growing times. The downside is that 'it is marketed at a higher price point'. Prices start at around £60 for a double duvet cover while a full bedding set costs at least £100. Leading brands include Panda London and Sloth London. For this guide, we've tried the best bamboo bedding, including pure bamboo sets and cotton, viscose and linen blends. Read our verdict below, or see our top five at a glance. We update our guides regularly, so you may see new additions appear. The best bamboo duvet covers and bed sheets: At a glance How to choose the best bamboo bedding Bamboo fibres are hypoallergenic, antibacterial and moisture-wicking, but not all bamboo bedding offers these benefits. That's because, as Wood explains, textile manufacturers don't use 'the bamboo fibre freshly picked from the bamboo plant'. In its natural state bamboo is 'stiff and inflexible', making it less durable and 'harsh and scratchy'. 'Bamboo is therefore chemically processed to remove these negatives. It's not the bamboo fibre itself that's in fabric, but an extract called cellulose, which is dissolved out and spun into fibre,' Wood continues. 'This is similar to how fibres such as viscose, Tencel or lyocell are produced.' This doesn't take away from bamboo bedding's eco-credentials, though. Bamboo grows quickly, and Wood notes 'environmentally friendly solvents' are used during processing. It's 'more sustainable than synthetics like polyester.' Beyond design, look for OEKO-TEX certification. It confirms that the bedding was produced in socially responsible workplaces and tested for harmful substances. Some brands provide a thread count, referring to the number of threads in a square inch. A higher number can signpost better quality, but it is of less importance here than for cotton bedding, as bamboo textiles are naturally much softer. Bamboo bedding is worth buying if you want to avoid synthetics and dislike cotton or linen. It stays cool, soft and gentle on sensitive skin. Looking for more cooling bedding? We've reviewed cooling blankets, a cooling mattress topper and cooling pillows. How we test bedding sets We know that shopping for bedding online is difficult when you can't see or feel the fabric. But you can rest assured that we have tried all of the bamboo bedding in this guide up close. Each set of sheets has been slept on for at least a week and washed three times. When testing, we evaluated each bedding set based on five key criteria. Comfort: Anything that itched or stuck to our skin when we rolled over didn't make the cut. Design: Bamboo sheets have a silky feel and can slide around, so the bottom sheet and pillowcases need to be the perfect fit. The fastenings can't be too fiddly for wash day either. Breathability and temperature regulation: We tested through early spring into summer to check that the sheets kept us cool when it's hot and warm when it's cooler. Care: All the bamboo bedding we tested was recommended to be washed at 30C. We kept an eye on how the sheets looked after washing to ensure no colour fade or loose stitching. Fabric: All of the sheets in this guide are made from bamboo, but some are pure and some are blends. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best sleep product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best bamboo duvet covers and bed sheets of 2025 1. Best Buy Bamboo Sheets: Sloth London Bamboo Bedding Set This is a brilliant bedding set for the summer. It's cool, crisp and fresh even on warm evenings. I noticed and particularly appreciated this during a night of disturbed sleep with a teething toddler. There's nothing better than getting back into cold sheets when it's hot. The fabric is pretty thin, so I could see the detailing of my Simba pillow beneath it. This makes it feel slightly less premium, but I was grateful that it was so lightweight when the first heatwave of the year hit. I haven't used it in the winter yet, so I can't comment on the brand's claim that it will keep you warm in cold weather. Masters of its trade rather than a Jack of all, Sloth London only sells one set of bamboo bedding. There isn't a choice of colours and they're all white. The only point of difference between each set is coloured piping. This touch gives plain sheets a hotel feel and a bit of personality. Of all the bedding I tested, these dried the fastest on the line and were the least wrinkled when I brought them inside. I didn't need to iron them at all and any remaining creases dropped out after one night. They're beautifully soft and retained this after washing. Key specifications These sheets had me from the moment the bedding and bottom sheet arrived rolled up inside little bags that made them look like fancy toilet rolls. It's a handy touch for minimising packaging when posting and good to know how small you can fold them for storage too. I don't think I'll ever have the patience to put them back into the bags, but it's handy to know it's possible if you're short on space. I was even more sold the first time I slept on them. The fabric has a woven texture and is thicker than some of the others on this list. Going to bed felt like climbing into the sheets at a fancy hotel and the bedding kept me cool in heatwave temperatures. Design-wise, it's simple with no edging or trims. There aren't any features other than wooden buttons on the base of the duvet. Although I plumped for plain white, the bedding comes in a range of colours, so it would appeal to someone with a more adventurous interior taste. The con for me is that because it is a European company, the size options are listed on its website in cm rather than standard sizes. It took a bit of Googling and studying the size chart to find the right one. The admin is a small price to pay for a peaceful night's sleep in affordable sheets, though. Key specifications 3. Best Bamboo Blend Sheets: Panda London Bamboo & French Linen Bedding Set £159.95 Buy now Price at Panda The Panda London Bamboo & French Linen Bedding Set was the first set I tried. I normally sleep on cotton sheets and these felt like an immediate upgrade. Even my husband, who rarely comments on the products I'm testing, told me how well he had slept in them on a sticky spring evening. The linen content is relatively low at just seven per cent but it's still the first thing you notice when you look at and touch the fabric. Because it is blended with bamboo, it's softer and less stiff than 100 per cent linen bedding, but it retains the crisp, airy qualities that make the textile so lovely. The two fabrics feel like a natural pairing, supporting each other's moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating benefits. Plus, linen is more durable than cotton, earning this set extra points for longevity. All of the bamboo sheets in this round-up said they didn't need to be ironed but for the most part, I didn't find that to be the case. This was one of the exceptions. The natural texture of this set meant that any creases felt like a deliberate choice rather than an indication of laziness. The bedding washes well and dries quickly, both indoors and outside on the line. But I found a couple of loose buttons tumbling around the washing machine, so just double-check that these are secure before putting a wash on. Key specifications If you're committed to cotton bedding but want to dip your toe into a bamboo blend, these are the sheets to try. They're also one of the cheaper options on this list. Cotton, like bamboo, is a more sustainable, naturally breathable fabric with moisture-wicking properties. Bamboo amplifies these benefits and makes it feel silkier. The result is super soft sheets that are less stubborn to iron than 100 per cent cotton. The fabric of this set is thicker and more substantial than several other bamboo bedding sets I tried, but it didn't make me too warm. I needed more steam from my iron to press out the creases, though. As bamboo sheets aren't the focal point of Dusk's business, the range isn't extensive. There are currently only two colours to choose from and they don't sell bamboo bottom sheets. It would be nice to see a broader range in the future. But the design is simple yet effective, with a contrast trim and clear plastic buttons – a point of difference as most on this list have wooden buttons. A detail I particularly liked is the extra panel at the foot of the duvet, which tucks the buttons on the underside rather than at the end. This looks neat, but annoyed my tall husband slightly as he could feel them beneath his feet. Key specifications 5. Best Bamboo Sheets for Hot Sleepers: Sheet Story Ackly Bamboo Bedding Sleeping in these sheets felt like sleeping in my comfiest cotton t-shirt. Team with the best mattress and you're on to a winner. They're extremely soft and don't feel at all synthetic, unlike some of the silkier sets I tested. I would highly recommend them for warm sleepers or anyone who doesn't like fabric sticking to them. Getting into this set after a day of commuting in a heatwave was a joy. I'm a sucker for good branding and with its clean design and bold monochrome logo this set is aesthetically pleasing. The metal plaque with the brand name at the foot of the duvet set it apart from the other designs. I'm always worried about the potential for toddler choking hazards in my house though, so I snipped it off. I didn't think I'd ever be someone with strong opinions on pillowcases, but these are particularly good. The deep pocket encases the pillow well and made for a crisp, neat finish on sheet change day and throughout the week. This is the only set I tried that is available in patterns as well as plain colours. The cotton content made them a little stubborn to iron. However, they line dried without too many creases so it wasn't a huge problem. Key specifications 6. Best Bamboo Sheets for Softness: Panda London 100% Bamboo Bedding Set These are extremely silky, which will either appeal to you or immediately put you off. They were a total treat to slip into, but I became less keen when I found my duvet had slid off the bed at 3am. The softness comes from the bamboo rayon (another word for viscose) strands that have been woven into a satin weave for extra glossiness. I'd liken it to the feel of my best silk pillowcase. Panda London, as you might have guessed by its name, specialises in bamboo bedding. That means it has invested in providing five different practical and on-trend colours for shoppers to choose from. I tried a vintage pink set, which felt especially feminine with the satin-like fabric. The downside of the colour and the fabric was that every little thing marked the bedding. My nighttime skincare left an unsightly dark patch on my pillow come morning and my body lotion was imprinted on the bottom sheet until the next wash. If this will annoy you, consider another colour. I washed this set three times and it got softer every time but still retained its shine. It was the easiest of the round-up to iron. I barely had to use the steam setting and it took less than two-thirds of the time it takes to iron my normal cotton sheets. Win-win. Key specifications 7. Best Bamboo Sheets for Winter: Pretty You Bamboo Bedding Set If you're someone who wants their bedtime experience to feel as indulgent as possible, whether you're in bed or sleeping on a sofa bed, then you will love these sheets. They are the silkiest of the round-up, even after three washes. They also come oversized and shrink after the first wash for a better fit on your duvet and mattress. I was sceptical about this claim at first, but impressed with the difference one wash made. As they're so glossy that they're verging on slippery, Pretty You London has taken steps in the design process to keep them in place. The bottom sheet has tightly ruched edges as well as four additional elastic tabs to go over the corners. This is especially helpful for keeping your best mattress topper snug. Inside the duvet cover are ties that you can attach the brand's own duvet too. A nice touch, but it will only work if you buy its duvet, or your current duvet has loops. I am a warm sleeper and found that I woke up feeling hot and bothered in these, so I personally wouldn't recommend them for their temperature-regulating properties. But, they're lovely for colder evenings teamed with the best electric blanket. If you're also prone to getting too hot at night, try swapping the bottom sheet for a cotton one. Even though I woke up a bit sweaty the sheets didn't feel clammy afterwards and stayed fresh throughout the week. Key specifications What does bamboo bedding feel like? Bamboo bedding will feel different based on the weave and whether it has been blended with another fabric. 'If it's in a sateen weave then it will feel silky, but only like cotton does in the same weave type,' explains Wood. 'If bamboo is in a plain weave structure it will feel the same as a basic cotton sheet.' The bamboo rayon sheets are the silkiest in our round-up. Are bamboo bed sheets better than cotton or linen bed sheets? It depends on your criteria. If it's breathability and temperature-regulating qualities that you're most concerned about, Wood says that linen, cotton and bamboo are all 'excellent at both.' If it's eco-credentials, this is harder to quantify. 'It is generally accepted that bamboo is less durable than cotton, which means bamboo will wear out more quickly,' Wood continues. 'Bamboo can be more sustainably produced than cotton, but if it needs replacing sooner then it is a balancing act between initial practices and longevity.' It's also down to a personal preference for particular textures. Is bamboo bedding hypoallergenic? Most of the bamboo bedding we tested claimed to be hypoallergenic, but Wood says there is 'limited evidence' to support this. 'Bamboo bedding does not use the raw fibre,' she explains. 'It is heavily processed so unlikely to retain any of its natural properties.' How do you wash bamboo bedding? Bamboo bedding is best washed at 30 degrees, preferably on a gentle cycle. Ideally, you shouldn't tumble dry bamboo sheets but if you can't air dry then do so on the lowest setting.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I thought I'd bought an adorable miniature cockapoo puppy but got a horrendous shock months later - here's my urgent warning to anybody who wants one
A This Morning guest revealed how she got the shock of her life when the adorable cockapoo puppy she's bough turned out to be something very different - and shared a warning to viewers who may want one. Charlotte Fallowfield appeared on the ITV show to chat to hosts Ben Shephard, 50, and Cat Deeley, 48, about the story of how she got her hands on her sweet pooch Waffle. She was over the moon when she brought home her miniature cockapoo puppy, but as soon as he started growing, alarm bells started to ring - and she soon realised that he wasn't the breed that they originally wanted. Charlotte told the presenters: 'Due to my allergies, I wanted one that was slightly hypoallergenic, one that was small enough that he wouldn't injure me, we saw him advertised online and went to meet him and just fell in love with him straight away.' Ben asked: 'You did think something was a little bit off, didn't you?' Charlotte explained: 'We asked to see him with the mother and puppies, we weren't given that chance. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'I was pressed to make a deposit the night I saw him. 'They actually wanted full payment, which I refused to do. 'They insisted we take him home straight away, which I said I'm not prepared. Something felt a little bit off. 'But we'd fallen in love with him, that's the trouble. 'When we did go back to get him, I insisted on seeing the mother, they dragged a black shaking dog, she looked terrified out of a barn, she wasn't allowed in the house, and I wasn't allowed to see her with Waffle. 'I said to my partner somethings not right here, I wasn't prepared to leave him.' She then explained that they paid £800 for the pup and it 'should have given us an indication something wasn't right'. Charlotte then touched upon all of Waffle's health problems. 'He has multiple allergies, he's allergic to grass, he can only eat beef and pork, he's allergic to so many foods. 'He's got an overgrowth of yeast. 'He's got a doggy form of IBS because he had so many parasitic infections when we got him. 'And he's just had two major surgeries for cruciate ligament tearing.' But fortunately she has insurance to cover some of the costs of Waffle's vet bills. Ben asked: 'What would you say to anyone going out there and getting a dog like this?' Charlotte said: 'I think just generic adverts on websites on or Facebook or social media sites, you've got to be really cautious. 'In hindsight, we should have gone to a genuine breeder who is licensed with the council, checked out those credentials. 'Because yes, a family that could have got Waffle might not have been in the position to afford all this health treatment.' Charlotte expected Waffle to weight six to 11kg and 25 to 38cm tall. But Waffle - who is a Sproodle - weighs between 22 to 32kg and is 45 to 55cm in height. A Sproodle is a mix between a Springer Spaniel and a Poodle.
