At the end of a long day, there's nothing like a good night's sleep on a comfortable mattress. Our bedrooms are our sanctuaries where we rest and recharge. So, our bedrooms, where we spend at least a third of our time sleeping, should be clean, peaceful spaces.
After all, the time spent sleeping or lying in bed means plenty of opportunities to shed skin cells and hair -- the average person sheds 500 million skin cells per day. All this dander can exacerbate allergies, create dust, and attract dust mites.
For the 20 million people in the United States and millions of people around the world who are allergic to dust mites, dust mites can trigger sneezing, itching, coughing, wheezing and other symptoms. Fortunately, you can help keep dust mites away from your bedroom with proper cleaning.
What are dust mites?
You can't see dust mites unless you look under a microscope. These critters feed on dead skin cells that humans and pets shed. They like warm, moist environments, so they often roost on mattresses, pillows, bedding, upholstered furniture, rugs, and rugs.
Why are dust mites a problem?
Dust mites can be a health problem for people with dust mite allergies, atopic dermatitis (eczema), asthma or other conditions. It's gross and scary to say the least, but the fecal particles of the bugs often trigger allergic reactions, and they shed about 20 per person per day. These stools are about the size of pollen grains and are easily inhaled, but can also cause itchy skin.
While dust mites may be small in size, their impact is huge. Among people with both allergies and asthma, 40% to 85% are allergic to dust mites. In fact, childhood exposure to dust mites is a risk factor for the development of asthma. But even asthmatics who are not allergic to dust mites can inflame their airways from inhaling the small particles. Dust mites can trigger bronchospasm, also known as an asthma attack.
If you're an adult and don't have dust mite allergies, atopic dermatitis, asthma, or other allergies, these tiny bugs probably don't pose a threat to you.
Do All Houses Have Dust Mites?
A deeper understanding of the nature of dust mites and their excretions will certainly lead to new factors. But consider how common they are: Studies estimate that nearly 85 percent of households in the United States have detectable dust mites in at least one bed. Ultimately, no matter how clean your home is, you may have some dust mites lurking and feeding on dead skin cells. It's pretty much a fact of life. But you can take steps to make your home -- especially your mattress -- less friendly to these critters so their droppings don't cause problems for your respiratory tract.
How to clean your mattress to get rid of dust mites
If you're concerned about dust mites in your mattress, you can clean it. One easy step is to remove any removable comforters and use the upholstery attachment to vacuum the mattress and all its crevices. Regular and thorough vacuuming once or twice a month may also help.
Dust mites like moist environments. Our mattresses and bedding get wet with sweat and body oils. You can make the mattress less comfortable by letting it occasionally ventilate in a room with low humidity (below 51%) or by running a dehumidifier on.
Direct sunlight can dehydrate and kill dust mites. So if your bedroom is well lit, let the sun shine directly on your mattress, or if it's a portable and not a latex mattress, take it outside to ventilate as latex mattresses should not be exposed to direct sunlight in the sun. If none of these options are feasible, simply remove the bed and let it air out for a few hours to remove any trapped moisture.
How to Prevent Dust Mites
Wash bedding regularly
This includes sheets, bedding, washable mattress covers, and washable pillowcases (or entire pillows, if possible)—preferably on high heat. According to one study, a temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes can kill dust mites. But be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations for proper care of your sheets, pillows, and mattress covers.
Use a mattress protector
Mattress protectors not only reduce moisture entering the mattress by absorbing bodily fluids and spills, but the protector also keeps critters out and minimizes allergic reactions.
Reduce humidity, especially in bedrooms
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that dust mite populations decrease in homes with less than 51 percent humidity. Turn on the fan in the en suite bathroom during and after the shower. When it's hot and humid, use air conditioning and fans. Use a dehumidifier if necessary.
Keep Mattresses and Pillows Dry
If you're prone to night sweats, delay making your bed in the morning to allow the mattress to breathe. Also don't sleep with wet hair on your pillow.
Regular cleaning
Frequent vacuuming and mopping and dusting of surfaces can help remove skin cells shed by humans and fur babies, reducing the food supply for dust mites.
Eliminate carpet and upholstery
If possible, replace carpet with hard floors, especially in bedrooms. Decorate without rugs or with washable options. When it comes to furniture, avoid upholstery and fabric drapes, or vacuum regularly. For headboards and furniture, leather and vinyl don't work as well, but for curtains, blinds and washable blinds can help.
Are shields effective against dust mites?
Research on specific mattresses and pillowcases is limited, but washing the pillowcases that protect the surface of the mattress can only help. Coverings can reduce dust mite exposure, although they do not necessarily reduce corresponding allergy symptoms. Other research suggests that a tightly woven cover can help. They also protect your mattress, so they're a great asset to protect your investment.
Post time: Nov-22-2022
