Dust mites and their allergens are probably the world’s greatest causes of allergies and are significant triggers of asthmatic attacks. A recent study has suggested that allergic and asthmatic individuals would do well to rely on a broad program of interventions,like frequently washing clothes, bedding and blankets; encasing mattresses and pillows; using air conditioning instead of humidifiers; and strictly limiting exposure to allergens from cigarette smoke, etc.

Estimates are that as high as 20% of the earth’s total population is allergic to dust mites and that they are responsible for 25% of all allergy diseases and 50% to 80% of asthmatic disease. Symptoms can include stuffy, runny or itchy noses, red runny eyes, sneezing and bronchial congestion.

Dust mites are not parasitic and are not capable of biting or stinging humans.Their importance is due to the powerful protein allergens contained in their fecal matter, cast skin, and secretions. The inhalation of these allergens by hypersensitive asthmatic individuals frequently results in acute attacks of bronchial asthma, accompanied by wheezing and shortness of breath. 1 dust mite can produce 250 or more allergens and a typical bed contains from 100,000 to 10,000,000 of them along with billions of their allergens.

Dust mites are approximately 250 to 300 microns in size and invisible to the naked eye. They continuously deposit protein fecal pellets and secretions onto sheets, pillow cases, blankets and mattress covers as well as undergarments.

Dust mites thrive most rapidly with moisture, heat and food. Your bed is their heaven. They have the heat of your body, the moisture your body emits, and the food of your dead skin cells… all they need to sustain life and multiply.

The protein fecal matter and secretions that the mites deposit on your bedding are primary health concerns because they are so deeply inhaled into the airways of the lungs. Consider that your face is in constant contact with your bedding while you sleep. High levels of dust mite allergens are also associated with atopic dermatitis, characterized by itchy, irritated skin.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ROOM to allergen-proof is the bedroom. It is the room that contains the greatest number of dust mite and pet allergens, especially if your dog or cat sleep on the bed. It is estimated that one untreated double bed may contain several million dust mites and billions of their allergens with a large percentage being found in the sheets and pillowcases where your body moisture and dead skin scales collect to provide the necessary humidity and food for them to exist and thrive.

ENCLOSING YOUR MATTRESS, box spring and pillows in mite-proof encasements is the first major step in reducing your exposure to dust mites. Quality encasements are valuable aids in controlling dust mites in these areas.

EQUALLY IMPORTANT is controlling the dust mite allergens contained on your sheets, pillow case and blankets. It is these allergens that are inhaled. Studies have shown that washing your bedding in very hot water (140 degrees F) will kill most, if not all dust mites. Unfortunately, this temperature is safely attainable only in commercial washers. This temperature also tends to be very hard on fabrics and their colorings.

ELIMINATING dust mite allergens fromyour bedding adds significantly to control beyond that of using encasements only.

CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING plays a major role in asthma and to lesser degree may be related to many indoor allergy problems. Indoor air in today’s energyefficient, closed environment homes is brimming with microscopic allergens, from dust mite allergens to pet dander, pollens and more, all bottled up with nowhere to go. And to make matters worse, this same air is being constantly recirculated throughout the house. A high efficiency filtration system, will reduce these allergens as much as possible and will control other airborne bacteria.

Also, using an air purifier in your bedroom and other rooms, will help reduce the levels of allergens circulating throughout your home. Air purifiers are effective only on airborne particles, not those that have built up in your carpets, upholstered furniture and bedding. A quality free-standing air purifier will greatly reduce irritating allergens in the room of your choice. Always choose one with a true HEPA air cleaner or filter. HEPA cleaners can be a tremendous help in purifying the air. High Efficiency Particulate Air purifiers have the capacity to filter out particles that other miss. A “true” HEPA filter must be able to capture Particles of at least 0.3 microns in size with 99.97 percent efficiency.

Choose washable curtains and/or shades that are easy to launder or maintain. Avoid long or heavy drapes and Venetian or other kinds of vertical slatted blinds that attract dust and allergens.

Replace feather pillows with pillows stuffed with synthetics. If the pillow is washable, launder it regularly and tumble it dry in a warm dryer.

Vacuum around the base of your bed weekly. Remember to vacuum under the bed and to dust the bed frame frequently. All beds throughout the house should be cared for in this manner.

CONVENTIONAL VACUUMS do not retain microscopic particles such as dust mite allergens, animal dander, and pollen which are found in the carpets by the billions. Yes, they do pick them up, but they immediately recirculate back in to the air you breathe because they are not physically capable of retaining ultra small particles. You should always use a vacuum with true HEPA filtration.

Carpets are allergen reservoirs. They collect them at one hundred times the rate of bare floors. As carpets get older, they begin to harbor more and more allergens. Bare surfaces, such as hard wood floors or tile are big deterrents to allergen build-up and are much easier to keep clean than carpets.

If removal of carpeting is not an option, be certain that is vacuumed frequently. Wear a protective mask.

Try to keep pets with hair, fur, or feathers out of the bedroom at all times, but if this is not likely to happen, at least keep them off your bed and put their bed as far away from yours as possible. Make sure that they are brushed or combed thoroughly at least once a week.

Dusting with a dry cloth stirs up and scatters dust and allergens. Wipe all parts of the bed thoroughly with a damp cloth to attract and hold the dust.

Don’t make your bedroom a storeroom. The more items in a room, the more dust will accumulate. Eliminate such dust collectors as decorative pillows, dust ruffles, books, magazines, toys, and knick-knacks. Store your clothing and shoes in clean, uncluttered closets with the doors closed. Keep only washable clothing of the current season in your closet. Keep dry-cleaned clothing in zippered plastic garment bags. Store out-of-season clothing and/or furs elsewhere. Do not use mothballs or moth crystals. Avoid exposure to other irritants such as perfumes, air fresheners, tobacco smoke, pesticides and other aerosol sprays, chemicals and paint fumes, as they can trigger allergy symptoms. Cigarette smoke is an allergen. DO NOT SMOKE IN THE HOUSE!