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For people that are very sensitive to dust mites, we have a couple of
recommendations. What people are allergic to with dust mites are the fecal
matter that they produce. What is recommended is to put on two sheets at the
beginning of the the week, and then take off a bottom sheet and put on a new top
sheet on Wednesday. Then on Sunday, take all the sheets off and sun and air the
bed.
Sunning mattresses and bedding that is made out of natural materials
helps to clean them. I'm sorry to say that this does not work for
products made out of synthetic materials. Sun kills the dust mites and they don't like air. Whenever you can, leave the
covers pulled back from the bed, on any day. Dust mites need your body and your
body's moisture to survive.
Dust mites don't like wool because wool spreads out the moisture and dries
quickly. There are very little dust mites in wool. And 100% Natural Latex has
antibacterial properties which help keep the dust mites away as well.
Our 100% Natural Latex mattress covered
with Organic Cotton and Pure Grow Wool quilted to the fabric is the best
choice for someone with Dust
Mite Allergies.
In the Allergy journal, June 2002, Norwegian
researchers discovered microscopic dust mites prefer synthetic foam
mattresses to mattresses with springs. Synthetic foam mattresses with no
fabric cover harbor cover harbor eight times more dust mite fecal
pellets than spring-type mattresses. The study did not include
100% natural latex mattresses, which are naturally resistant to dust
mites.
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Center For Disease Control -
tips on reducing dust mites
Dust mites thrive in soft
furnishings like pillows, mattresses, carpets, and drapes. These
microscopic organisms give off particles that cause allergic reactions
when inhaled. They need moisture to survive and therefore thrive in
humid environments. Decreasing the number of dust mites to which people
with asthma are exposed may help control their asthma. One key way of
doing this in the bedroom is by using mattress and pillow case covers.
These bedding encasements, which are available commercially, may be
plastic or vinyl and are covered with cotton, nylon, or knit fabric.
They provide a barrier between the dust mites and the person with
asthma. A sheet and pillow case are usually placed over the encasement
for increased comfort. Any linens placed over the encasements should be
washed weekly in hot water.
Down-filled pillows, quilts, or
comforters should not be used. Down filling consists of tiny feathers
that contain large numbers of dust mites. Also, stuffed animals and
clutter should be removed from the bedroom.
If a child with asthma wants to play or
sleep with a stuffed toy, wash the toy frequently in hot water, or put
it in the freezer for a few hours every 2 weeks. Freezing cold kills
dust mites as effectively as hot water. The hot water needs to be about
130 degrees to kill mites, and this is generally hotter than most
household hot water. If you re-set your hot water heater thermostat to
130 degrees, you have to take other precautions to prevent scalding.
Another thing to consider in the
bedroom is getting rid of fabric curtains and replacing them with shades
or mini-blinds. Replace upholstered chairs with plastic or wood, and, if
possible, get rid of carpeting in favor of vinyl or wood floors with
area rugs that can be shaken out frequently. Because dust mites need
high humidity, try to keep the humidity levels in your home to under
50%. In hot, humid climates, this requires the use of air conditioning
and possibly dehumidifiers. In dryer, cooler climates, you may be able
to achieve this by opening windows and ensuring good air flow.
For bedding,, we recommend our
Pure Grow
Wool Pillows and
Comforters.
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