ATC acts out: well-known actress helps launch promotional campaign for line of allergen filtration products.

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As autumn days cool down, people begin preparing for the inevitable shift to more home-based activities. For the 62 million Americans who suffer from indoor allergies and asthma, the warmth of home may be anything but comforting. Summer air can draw scores of dust and allergens into heating ducts, curtains, bedding and carpets--all of which unleash their fury with the first blast of heat from the furnace.

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According to privately held Duquesne, PA-based American Textile Company (ATC), a leading manufacturer of mattress and pillow protectors, bed pillows and mattress pads, now is the time to prepare. The company has launched a new campaign to promote its Aller-Ease line of allergen filtration products, which stars Finola Hughes, an Emmy award-winning actress (Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series four times for work on "General Hospital" and "All My Children"). Ms. Hughes hosts the Style Network's "How Do I Look?" makeover show. She is also an allergy sufferer and mother of three.

"Updating your wardrobe for fall is typically a given, but many people overlook the importance of making changes to their homes for the coming months," said Ms. Hughes. "For me, allergy-proofing is essential. Otherwise, I find that my eyes are constantly itching, I'm sneezing, and even worse, I'm often tired throughout the day."

The Aller-Ease collection, which has won the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, includes Aller-Ease Delux featuring DuPont's Hybrid Membrane Technology (HMT); Aller-Ease Cotton in a tightly woven construction; Aller-Ease Microfiber for waterproof protection; and Aller-Ease Classic, a nonwoven polyethylene laminate that is waterproof and hits a price point for family budgets.

DuPont's HMT is designed to maintain the softness and cool breathability of cotton while providing a powerful allergen particle barrier. "Aller-Ease with DuPont HMT will ensure that allergy and asthma sufferers get the best night's rest possible," said Michael Guidry, vice president of product development at ATC.

To allergy-proof your home, Ms. Hughes recommends starting with the bedroom since it's where people spend the majority of their time. Simple tips include washing sheets weekly in hot water and removing dust magnets in the form of books and clutter.

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According to a recent study by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, it's also important to keep pets out of the bedroom. The report shows that 100% of U.S. households have detectable levels of dog and cat dander. Ms. Hughes also suggests encasing your pillows and mattresses with allergen-barrier protectors such as Aller-Ease allergen filtration prod ucts. Backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, Aller-Ease products are doctor-recommended sleep solutions for allergy and asthma sufferers.

According to ATC, microscopic allergens borne of dust mites, mold, pet dander, pollen and fungal spores are no match for the state-of-art allergen barrier technology and softness of Aller-Ease products.

In addition to her tips for allergy-proofing the bedroom, Ms. Hughes offers these simple yet effective tips to keep allergens in check throughout the home:

* Substitute blinds or shades, which can be cleaned regularly, in place of draperies or curtains

* Change filters for heating and air conditioning monthly

* Crank up the air conditioning on warm days since the units filter incoming air and dehumidify the home

* Bathe pets weekly to minimize the spread of dander

* Sanitize the bathroom and kitchen to rid them of mold and build-up that can trap contaminants

Aller-Ease products include protectors for both pillows and mattresses (Aller-Ease Classic, Aller-Ease Microfiber, Aller-Ease Cotton and Aller-Ease Deluxe) as well as bed pillows (AllerEase Cotton and Aller-Ease Deluxe).

Aller-Ease products are sold at leading retailers throughout the country.

More information: www.allerease.com.

Tips for Allergy-Proofing The Home

--Seal mattresses, box springs and pillows in highly effective encasements that filter allergens to keep dust mite populations in check.

--Clean bedroom and bedding often.

--Keep pets out of the bedroom and wash hands after touching them.

--Keep windows closed and use air-conditioning to recirculate and filter air in the home.

--Remove clutter such as toys and books that collect dust from bedrooms.

--Keep cockroaches out of the home. A protein in their droppings is a primary trigger of allergic asthma.

--Change filters each month in cooling and heating system.

--Wash cotton sheets and pillowcases weekly in hot water.