Dust Mites In The Bedroom

For most people, while disgusting, dust mites are not harmful. However, their microscopic cast skins and waste can induce allergic reactions in individuals who were previously not allergic to dust mites.

Yuk!

A typical mattress can contain tens of thousands of dust mites; one square yard of bedroom carpet can contain over 100,000. And studies have shown that up to 10% of the weight of a two-year old pillow can be composed of dead mites and their waste. Dust mites feed off of dead skin cells, and we slough off about 10 grams of skin cells a week, giving dust mites a lot to eat! Sick yet?

Minimizing Dust Mites – Here’s What To Do

So, what can you do to maintain a healthy sleep environment?

Be sure to frequently wash your pillow and use a good pillow cover protector. If your pillow is not washable, consider replacing it every 6 months. Use a high quality mattress pad and mattress protector and wash them frequently in hot water. Use the attachment (non-revolving roller) of your vacuum cleaner and go over your mattress with it at least twice a year. Keep your bedroom carpet clean and consider a professional cleaning once a year. Keep the bedroom temperature under 70 and the humidity under 50%, as this environment doesn’t promote the hot and humid environment that dust mites love.

Following these guidelines should help keep dust mites to a minimum and provide a healthy sleeping environment for you and your family.