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Are people allergic to dust mites?

No, individuals are not allergic to the dust mite itself but rather to their waste particles and fragments of dead dust mite bodies. Dust mites produce waste particles and it is the fecal particle which is one of the main substances in house dust to which allergic people react. Each mite produces about 20 of these waste particles every day, and more than 100,000 of them may be present in only a gram of dust. These particles continue to cause allergic symptoms even after the mite who produced them has died.

What are dust mites?

Dust mites are eight-legged arachnids, relatives of a spider. They are microscopic and cannot be seen by the human eye. An adult mite is approximately 300 microns (3/10 mm) in length, having developed over approximately 25 days through egg, larval and nymph stages. Adults live for two to three months, during which time the female mite can lay 25 to 50 eggs every three weeks.

Where do dust mites live?

Dust mites are present in nearly all homes in areas where the relative humidity is greater than 50% for some portion of the year. The photophobic mites thrive in a dark, warm, and humid environment found in pillows, mattresses, box springs, blankets, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Literally millions of mites can inhabit a single bed as it provides both a perfect condition for growth and their greatest food source; the shed scales from human skin

Why is it so important to avoid dust in the bedroom?

The bedroom provides the greatest source of dust mite allergen in the home. Emphasis is placed on decreasing allergen exposure in the bedroom as it is the room where individuals spend a large percent of their time each day and where they are most likely to come in close proximity to the offending allergens.

Can vacuuming my mattress eliminate the dust mites?

No. Vacuuming the mattress may reduce some surface allergen; however, no amount of vacuuming can significantly reduce the number of mites in your bedding.

How can I protect myself from dust mite allergen?

Scientific studies have shown that taking steps to minimize dust mite allergen exposure in the bedroom leads to a decrease in allergic symptoms and a decrease in medication requirements for the dust-allergic patient. Studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness the mattress, pillows, and box spring in zippered allergen-impermeable encasings. Covering this bedding in allergen-impermeable encasings is therefore considered one of the primary steps in reducing dust mite exposure. Other bedding, which cannot be encased, should be washed in hot water every one to two weeks.

Do I need to encase every pillow on my bed?

Yes. Dust mite allergen becomes airborne when there is movement in the bed. Allergen particles can be inhaled by an allergic individual causing a reaction, even when one’s head is not resting on the pillow. Therefore, all pillows on the bed should be encased to decrease exposure to airborne allergen.

Do I need to replace my pillow?

Not unless you choose to. Encasing your new or existing pillow with an Allergy Control pillow encasing will provide full protection against the offending allergens.

Is it necessary to use an allergen encasing on a new pillow or mattress?

Yes. Allergen quickly accumulates in any fibrous material. This also includes any bedding item classified as hypoallergenic. Within several weeks, new pillows and bedding materials will accumulate dust mite allergen. Therefore, all new pillows and mattresses should be encased in an allergen barrier.

Do I need to cover other beds in the bedroom of the allergic individual?

Yes. As with the pillow, dust mite allergen becomes airborne when there is movement in the bed. Allergen particles can easily become airborne from any mattress in the room making it necessary to encase additional beds in an allergic individual’s bedroom.

Why do I need to cover my box spring?

Research has determined there is a large accumulation of dust mite allergen in the box spring. Movement in the bed causes allergen particles from the box spring to become airborne. In addition to covering your pillows and mattress, it is important to encase the box spring to decrease allergen exposure.

Can I use my mattress pad if I encase my mattress?

Yes. However if you put your mattress pad outside of your encasing, it needs to be washed every week in hot water because it may harbor dust mites. It is easier to place your mattress pad inside the encasing. This way, you will not need to wash your mattress pad in hot water on a regular basis.

Do waterbeds need to be covered?

Most current waterbeds have pads or a fabric cover which harbor dust mite growth. Any waterbed with fabric tufting or padding should be covered with an allergen impermeable encasing. All “soft sided” or Somma Type waterbeds need to be covered in allergen impermeable encasings for protection against allergens.

Can I use my existing sheets, comforter, blanket, etc?

Yes, you may but bed linens, blankets and any bedding that is not encased in a zippered allergen-impermeable cover must be washed in hot water every one to two weeks to remove allergen particles.

How frequently do I have to wash bedding that is not encased?

It is recommended by the National Institutes of Health that all bedding not encased in allergen barriers be washed in hot water (130 F) weekly.

Do I have to wash my bedding in 130-degree water temperatures?

The National Institutes of Health have recommended washing bedding in water of 130 degrees Fahrenheit weekly. However, specially developed laundry detergents may be used on bedding, clothing, and other washable items to remove allergens in all water temperatures.

How often do I need to wash the allergen encasings?

The allergen encasings need only be washed once or twice a year according to the washing instructions.