Expensive mattress covers used by millions of people with allergies are a waste of time and money, research has concluded.The covers provide protection from allergy-inducing house dust mites and often recommended by doctors when faced with patients with asthma, runny noses and skin rashes.However, an analysis of 24 studies from around the world has concluded that despite costing up to £60 they do nothing to help ease asthma or other allergies. Researchers said protective bed covers do reduce exposure to dust mites by about a fifth ¿ but this didn't help health Lead author Whitney Arroyave, of Tulane University in New Orleans, said: 'Based on this analysis which combines data from many different studies, there doesn't seem to be any benefit to using dust mite covers to prevent allergic disease or to prevent symptoms.'Writing in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Dr Arroyave, said the covers do reduce exposure to dust mites by about a fifth – but this didn't help health.
The researcher said that the reduction in dust mites may not be large enough to affect ease allergies. Or it may be that the mites are found in higher levels elsewhere. She added: 'Or maybe it's not the dust mite at all - maybe they're not causing the problems.' The covers provide protection from allergy-inducing house dust mites and are often recommended by doctors Previous research has cast doubt on the benefits of other popular house dust mite busters, including vacuum cleaners with special filters, chemical treatments and hot washes.However, Dr Samuel Friedlander, an allergy specialist in Cleveland, Ohio, cautioned against throwing away mattress protectors and said that people with allergies need to take multiple measures to reduce their exposure.He said: 'The take home message for me is that dust mite covers are still very important, but they should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.'If you do a single thing like dust mite covers, but you're still exposed to dust from other sources in your house or work, or if you have other allergies like pets or pollens, then of course a single measure like dust mite covers is not going to be effective.'
User ReviewedHow to Get Rid of Dust Mites Six Methods:Wash BeddingVacuuming and Floor CleaningHumidity ControlPet DanderFreeze PillowsCall a ProfessionalCommunity Q&A Dust mites are very small arachnids that feed on skin cells. Depending upon your hygiene and location, dust mites can become so prevalent that they produce allergies. Although you cannot completely remove all dust mites from a home, a combination of the following methods should be used to get rid of dust mite problems. Remove all the bedding from the beds in your house. Wash as much of the bedding as you can in hot water, over 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius). Include pillow covers, mattress pads and comforters, if possible. If this is your first time washing the larger items, you may need to bring them to a laundromat. If you have a severe dust mite problem, you should wash all of your bedding in hot water every week. Dry your bedding in a hot dryer. Consider throwing away pillows that are 6 months to 2 years old.
Down pillows and comforters attract the most dust mites, and they cannot be cleaned conventionally to get rid of dust mites. After 2 years, your pillows' weight may be 10 to 15 percent dust mite waste. Replace pillows and comforters with those that can be cleaned in a conventional washer and dried in a dryer. Cover your mattress, mattress pad and pillows with allergenic covers. Buy a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if you do not have one already. This will actually pick up dust mite waste and eggs, unlike other models. If you already have a vacuum with a HEPA filter, replace it. They should be replaced every year or so, with heavy use. Vacuum all areas of your home with the HEPA vacuum. Consider replacing old carpet with linoleum. Carpet is a breeding ground for dust mites, especially if you have pets. Regularly steam clean your carpets. If possible, use water that is over 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius). Learn about the humidity levels in your house.
Aim for a humidity level that is less than 50 percent. Brush your pets daily while you are outdoors. Wipe your pets' fur with a damp washcloth when they come in from outside. Vacuum in areas that your pets like to frequent every day, if the dust mite problem is bad. Replace pet bedding regularly. Keep your pets outside of your bedrooms. Place pillows and stuffed animals that you cannot wash in a large plastic bag. Place the large bag, or individual bags, in the freezer for 48 hours. Look in the phone book or online for allergen removal businesses. Schedule a dust mite removal cleaning of mattresses every 3 to 6 months. Make sure that carpet cleaning includes an anti-dust mite chemical. A simple way to prevent dust mites in your bedding is to place a waterproof, breathable protector on your mattress and pillows.The sniffles, sneezing, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat—indoor allergies can make your dream of a good night's sleep stay just a dream.
Millions of Americans suffer from indoor allergies triggered by dust, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen. While these allergens often lurk throughout your home, it's your bedroom that's most concerning. Allergen invasions can cost you your sleep, your health, and your well-being. Fortunately, allergy bedding can help safeguard your health and get you back to sleep. Hypoallergenic bedding includes dust mite covers for pillows, mattresses, and duvets, all designed to protect your bed from allergy-triggering dust mites and other allergens. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you might also consider hypoallergenic sheets, mattresses, and pillows. Read on to learn 5 things to consider when you shop for allergy bedding. Before tackling the basics like bedding type, size, and price, it's important to consider your allergies. Are you a mild allergy-sufferer? Or is your condition moderate or even severe? If you have mild allergies, you may notice your symptoms flare up lightly on occasion, usually during spring or fall allergy season.
If you have moderate to severe allergies, you might suffer from allergy symptoms year-round, even missing days of school or work because of your condition. The severity of your allergies will guide your choice of fabric type and pore size, both of which are important for protecting your bedding from microscopic allergens. Next, choose the type of allergy bedding you need. If you have mild allergies, you might find that adding dust mite pillow protectors is enough to relieve your symptoms. If you have moderate to severe allergies, consider protecting your entire bed with allergy-proof bedding for the most relief. Allergy-free bedding is available in all standard mattress sizes including twin, full, queen, and king. Some manufacturers also make bedding in specialty sizes for cribs, extra long twin beds, and California king beds. The next step is to choose your fabric type. Allergy bedding comes in a variety of fabrics from cotton to polyester to silk. The type of fabric you choose depends mainly on your preference.
Like conventional bedding, allergy-free bedding comes in a variety of thread counts. A higher thread count indicates softness and possibly a smaller pore size, which we'll explain soon. Among your fabric choices are organic and non-organic varieties. Organic bedding is made without harmful chemicals and dyes, which can help protect you from skin allergies. Average pore size refers to the size of the opening in the fabric weave. This is a good indicator for how well the bedding will protect you from allergens. Pore size is measured in microns, the same way allergens are measured. The smaller the pore size, the more allergens are blocked. Bedding with a pore size below 10 microns is recommended for helping reduce your allergies. Finally, consider price as you shop. Higher-priced allergy bedding typically has a higher thread count, a softer feel, and better durability through frequent washings. Lower-cost bedding provides great protection against allergens, but it may not be as comfortable or durable overtime.