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Ways to Prevent Dust Mites
Have you been waking up consistently with a stuffy nose or watery eyes, or with unexplained skin ailments or felt like your asthma symptoms were worse in the morning upon waking? It’s possible that the presence of dust mites are exacerbating your hypersensitivities.
What are dust mites?
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed on dead human skin cells. Because of their diet, dust mites like to take residence in common household items like mattresses, pillows, and other bedding products.
Dust mites are the most common household allergen, though you cannot see or feel them, so they are difficult to detect. If you were to equip yourself with the necessary tools that provide 10x magnification, you would see an arthropod creature with a round body and eight legs — similar to the appearance of a small spider. Before you get overwhelmed by the thought of having dust mites, rest assured that if you are not allergic to these creatures they do not pose health dangers to you at all. But for those who have sensitivities to them, they can cause allergic reactions like sneezing, nasal congestion, and many other breathing problems. Because they are not visible to the human eye, it can be challenging to detect if this is the cause of your allergic symptoms. But if you want a clean and hygienic environment, and to rest at night without concern for whether you have dust mites, you can take measures to get rid of them and prevent them from entering your bedroom.
How to get rid of dust mites from your mattress
If you suffer from these dust mites and are looking for a solution, here’s a list of some solutions you can use to get rid of mites from them.
Use dust mite covers
Can a mattress protector prevent dust mites? There are specific mattress protectors that are designed to act as a barrier for dust mites and other allergens to keep them from penetrating your mattress. They are generally recommended for two reasons;
- To kill the mites that are present in your bedding by cutting their food source.
- To prevent new mites from being added to your bedding and home.
It is important to note that not all mattress protectors are designed for this purpose but there are some that are specially designed to keep dust mites from slipping through. If you are looking for a dust mite cover for your mattress make sure the manufacturer explicitly states that the product can protect against mites. Click here to view a few that we stock at EZ Rest Mattress Outlet.
Use hot water for washing purposes
Microorganisms cannot survive at high temperatures and studies reveal that washing bedding with 140 degrees Fahrenheit can be perfect for eradicating all the dust mites from your bedding. Make it a regular part of your life and it is recommended you wash your bedding at least once a week. To save time, many people have extra at least one bedding set to swap out each week so they don’t have to wash the used set immediately.
Vacuum your mattress
A vacuum cleaner with a handheld attachment can be useful for cleaning dust mites from your mattress. Also, if you have carpets, your vacuum can help rid them of dust mites who also make a home in the soft carpet.
Dispose of old mattresses and box springs
If your mattress is 7-8 years old, you should consider disposing of it because, with time, a mattress loses support and good hygiene.
In closing, let us encourage you to not go too crazy at the thought of possibly having dust mites. The possibility that these little creatures are infesting your mattress is, we’re sure, a horrendous idea for most. However, realize that they are incredibly normal and of no concern to people who are not sensitive to them. If you follow the guidance provided above, you can prevent dust mites from living in your bedding, and not lose sleep over it.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.
This blog provides general information about sleep and sleep products. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified heath care professional. This blog should not be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care professional. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or elsewhere on bettersleep.org. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.