How can advancements in textile technology offer better protection against pollen for allergy sufferers?

Advancements in textile technology have the potential to significantly aid those suffering from pollen allergies. High-performance textiles designed to block or capture pollen particles can offer relief to allergy sufferers. These textiles can be used in clothing, bedding, and as filter materials in home ventilation systems or facemasks.

Cotton, for instance, can be treated using specific processes to improve its pollen-capturing properties. These processes may involve the usage of agents that interact with allergens at a molecular level, effectively neutralizing them and preventing them from coming into contact with the skin. Additionally, new fabric constructions like tight weaves or multi-layer fabrics can physically block pollen.

In smart fabrics, advancements have introduced the use of bio-functional textiles. These textiles can encapsulate certain anti-allergic substances, gradually releasing them upon contact with the skin, preventing an allergic response.

Moreover, the use of nanotechnology enables the development of fabrics with an extremely efficient barrier against pollen by embedding minute particles onto textile fibers, which can prevent pollen from penetrating the fabric.

Lastly, washing durability is also a critical factor in textile developments. Technological advancements ensure the preservation of anti-allergen properties even after multiple laundry cycles. This is an area of continual research for textile technology.

To conclude, while these advanced textiles won't completely eradicate the problem of pollen allergies, they can significantly reduce exposure and thus the severity of allergic reactions. As technology progresses, the effectiveness and affordability of such materials should continue to improve.