After a long day at work, there is nothing more relaxing than climbing into your comfortable bed.But lurking beneath the sheets are millions of tiny organisms that could be making us ill, experts have warned. Mattresses, duvets, and pillows become reservoirs of human skin cells, encouraging dust mites.The tiny creatures, in turn, can increase a person's risk of suffering a cold as well as a range of allergies. And there's more bad news. Our bed linen can also harbour micro-organisms that can trigger nasty illnesses from flu to food poisoning. Dr Lisa Ackerley, a home hygiene expert, said people could be unwittingly suffering from ‘sick bed syndrome’. Beds can become reservoirs of human cells, bacteria and excretions of the body. Dust mites and germs gather there, causing illnesses including colds and flu, allergies, asthma and food poisoning, an expert warnedShe told MailOnline: ‘Humans shed half an ounce of skin week and a lot of that will be in the bed.‘Dust mites like warm moist environments, the bed’s the perfect environment.
They reproduce so there will be about 10 million per bed.‘Often people are away in the day, so they shut the windows and the moisture stays in the house.‘Houses are more insulated and there are no drafts so there can be a build up of humidity.‘If you make the bed when you go out that traps the duvet and the moisture, and the dust mites have a great time.’In two years, 10 per cent of the weight of a pillow will be made up of dust mites and their droppings, she added.Whilst dust mites themselves are harmless, their faeces and body fragments can trigger allergic reactions, prompting the body to release histamines to attack the allergen.This can cause eczema and hay fever, and estimates suggest dust mites may be a factor in up to 80 per cent of people with asthma.Dr Ackerley, added: ‘They can cause rhinitis, a cough, dry eyes. They can disturb sleep. People with other allergies can have them made worse. Change and clean bed linen on a weekly basis and wash separately from other clothing to kill bacteria and dust mitesWhen washing bed linen add a laundry disinfectant such as Dettol Anti-bacterial Laundry Cleanser, which claims to kill 99 per cent of bacteria in temperatures as low as 30°CDecrease the temperature and humidity levels in the bedroom to reduce the number of dust mitesRegularly hoover all soft furnishings
, including the mattress, within the bedroom 'People might think they just have a cold the whole time. Dust mites really are an issue.’And she warned, because people spend a lot of time in their beds, with many choosing to sleep naked, mattresses can become a breeding ground for micro-organisms, that trigger a range of nasty illnesses. She said: ‘If people have a cold, the cold and flu virus. It can survive on the bed linen and it can survive a wash.‘Norovirus can be carried with no symptoms. You might not have pyjamas on, it’s easy to pass it to the linen.‘Someone with food poisoning could be excreting salmonella into the bed.’In order to stop dust mites from colonising the bed, she said hoovering regularly is important, and having hard floors rather than carpets means fewer will survive.Leaving open a window to let some of the moisture and humidity out will also help, she added.‘In alpine areas, people used to hang their bedding and their duvets out of the window,' Dr Ackerley said.‘
The cold alpine air kills the dust mites. They probably didn’t know they were doing it for that reason, but it’s a good idea.’Investing in an allergenic protectors for the mattress and pillows could also help people with allergies, she added.And to kill off both dust mites and germs, changing and washing sheets regularly at 60 degrees is important.Dr Ackerley said: ‘Some washing machines don’t go up to 60 degrees – so you could wash at a lower temperature and use a laundry disinfectant.‘If you do send your linen out, or wash your bedding in a public laundry, think about a disinfectant again. Someone might’ve been ill and then you go put your linen there.‘I spoke to a laundry company who said they were scared to wash above 40 as they were scared of damaging the goods – so not all companies wash clothes to high temperatures.’ In two years, 10 per cent of the weight of a pillow will be made up of dust mites and their droppings, said home hygiene expert Dr Lisa Ackerley.
There are 10 million mites (pictured under the microscope) in an average bedPage cannot be found Sorry the page you are looking for is not at this address. It's possible the page has been moved or you may have typed in an incorrect address. You might find what your looking for by visiting our A-Z of Services or by using the search box in the top right corner. A-Z of Services University of Utah Healthcare Additionally if you came here due to a broken link let us know and we will work to get it fixed. Solid foods and weaning See all baby groups There are many types of cot mattress available. You can choose between foam spring interiors, natural fibres, special anti-allergy fillings, or a combination of any of the above. You may find it difficult to decide which is the best and safest mattress for your baby. But The Lullaby Trust states that it doesn't matter what kind of mattress you use, as long as it: is firm not softfits the cot snugly without any gapsdoesn't sag doesn't have signs of wear and tear
Any mattress you choose should conform to BS 1877-10: 1997. It should also be at least 8cm to 10cm deep to support your baby while she sleeps. If the mattress you choose has a fabric cover, vacuum it regularly to keep dust mites at bay. Unless you know the history of a second-hand mattress, buy a new one. This will give you peace of mind.Foam mattressesFoam mattresses are generally the cheapest. They are designed to provide the right support and maintain your baby's natural posture. They often have a wipe-clean PVC cover or removable, breathable covers on one or both sides. They may also have ventilation holes to help keep your baby cool, but these aren't necessary. lightweight provide good supportgood value for moneygenerally easy to keep clean ConsA PVC cover may make your baby feel a bit clammy in hot weather. May start to lose shape after several years. This may be something to consider if you want to use the mattress for subsequent children.Dirt or grime can be difficult to remove from ventilation holes.
Coil spring mattressesThese traditional mattresses have a coiled spring interior with layers of felt and foam padding. They often have a cotton cover on one side and PVC, or other wipe-clean material, on the other side. A spring inner core will support your baby. These mattresses also tend to hold their shape well. If you choose a cot bed, you may prefer a coil spring mattress as they tend to be longer lasting than foam. The space within the spring lattice allows for increased airflow through the mattress. This helps to regulate a child’s body temperature and to keep the mattress fresh. They are a traditional, popular choice with many parents.In hot weather, you can lay your baby on the cotton cover side to prevent her becoming clammy. More expensive than a foam mattress.The cotton side may be preferred for comfort, but can be more difficult to keep clean, unless your mattress has a removable panel.Pocketed spring mattressesThese mattresses are very similar to coil spring mattresses, but each spring is in its own pocket to provide improved support for longer.
Expensive.Probably not cost-effective, unless you have a cot bed that your baby will sleep in for several years, or the mattress will be used for more than one child. Dual Core™ mattressesThe Dual Core™ cot mattress is a patented design that incorporates two cores in one. It aims to meet the needs of your child from when they are first born to when they start school. For your newborn baby, it has a coir and orthopedic foam interior, which provides a flat and firm sleeping surface. As your baby grows into a toddler and preschooler, the second core incorporates micro-pocketed springs to conform to your child's changing weight and shape. excellent support throughout your baby's early yearsextremely hard-wearingholds its shape well expensiveNatural fibre mattressesNatural fibre mattresses have a core of coconut fibre with other layers of different materials. The fibres are coated in latex for strength and protection, and the natural fibre filling helps air to circulate through the mattress.
These mattresses are available with a soft cotton or wipe-clean covering. Good choice if you are concerned about your baby sleeping on synthetic material, or you are concerned about introducing unnecessary chemicals or synthetics into your home. One of the firmest types, so the mattress is long-lasting, and holds its shape well. This could be a sensible choice if you want a mattress that will last for more than one child. More expensive than foam or most spring interior mattresses.Less widely available than other types of mattress.Hypoallergenic mattressesIf allergies or asthma are a concern in your family, you may want to consider a hypoallergenic mattress for your baby. These come with a quilted top layer that can be easily detached and washed at 60 degrees C to kill the dust mites that may cause allergies. Allergy UK has a list of approved mattress covers and bedding. Good choice if your baby has allergies or asthma. Easy to keep clean. May be more expensive than other kinds of mattress.