Dust Mite Allergy & Encasings - May 2013
What Are Dust Mites And Where Do They Live?
Dust mites are eight-legged arachnids in the same family as spiders and ticks. They are too small to be seen without a microscope, measuring only about one-quarter to one-third of a millimeter. Dust mites do not bite, sting, burrow into the skin, or carry disease. They are harmful only to people with dust mite allergies. Actually, it is not the dust mite that is the problem; the dried feces and dried body parts of dead dust mites produce allergy symptoms.Avoidance of allergens is always the most effective way to reduce the severity and frequency of allergic reactions, but avoiding dust mites and their allergen is difficult because they live and thrive almost everywhere, so long as they have a nice, warm, humid spot. Mattresses, pillows, bedding, carpet, and upholstered furniture are their favorite places to burrow down, making the bedroom their ideal habitat. And there is no shortage of food for the dust mite in your bedroom because the skin cells shed by one person every day are enough to feed one million dust mites that day. So it makes sense to start dust mite avoidance in the bedroom, and zippered, mite-proof encasings are the most recommended step by doctors.
What Is Dust Mite Allergy?
About 20 million Americans have dust mite allergies. An allergen is a substance that is not considered dangerous, but repeated exposure causes the body's immune system to react as it would to more serious invaders that might cause illness or infection. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that "although first-time exposure may only produce a mild reaction, repeated exposures may lead to more serious reactions," and that "once a person has had an exposure or an allergic reaction (is sensitized), even a very limited exposure to a very small amount of allergen can trigger a severe reaction." As mentioned above, dust mite allergen comes from the particles of dried feces and the dried body parts of dust mites. These particles eventually become airborne and get inhaled. For the person sensitized to dust mite allergen, contact with this allergen triggers an allergic reaction that can produce any or all of these symptoms identified by Mayo Clinic:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy nose, the roof of mouth or throat
- Postnasal drip
- Cough
- Facial pressure and pain
- Frequent awakening
- Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
- In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose
Since allergies are often developed over time, after repeated exposure to an allergen, avoidance of allergens is important in delaying or even preventing the onset of allergies. The AAAAI says that "reducing contact with these substances early in life may delay or prevent allergy or asthma symptoms," and that "research for this is clearest with dust mites." The Mayo Clinic names three factors that can increase the risk of developing a dust mite allergy:
- Family history: You're more likely to develop a sensitivity to dust mites if allergies run in your family.
- Exposure: Being exposed to high levels of dust mites, especially early in life, increases your risk.
- Age: You're more likely to develop dust mite allergy during childhood or early adulthood.
Why Are Dust Mite-Proof Encasings Important?
The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) says, "The first and most important step to reduce dust mites is to cover mattresses and pillows in zippered dust-proof covers." Covering your mattress, box spring, pillows, and comforter with an impermeable cover keep dust mite allergen from flying up whenever you sit on your bed or turn over during the night. While the biggest concentration of dust mites is in your bed, dust mites also live in carpet, drapes, and upholstered furniture in your bedroom and throughout your home. The American Lung Association (ALA) says:
Dust mite allergens, unlike pet allergens, do not usually stay airborne. They cling to too heavy particles to remain in the air for a long time. Dust mite allergens settle within minutes into dust or fabrics, such as pillows, bedding, or upholstered furniture, which serve as nests. Most exposure to dust mite allergens occurs while sleeping and when the dust is disturbed during bed-making or other movements.
What Is The Right Encasing?
All Allergy Control encasing fabrics are equally effective and impermeable to dust mites and their allergen. The choice is really a matter of personal preference and your needs. Differences that can help you decide which fabric is right for you include:
- Cotton Performance Mattress, Pillow, & Comforter Encasings
- made from a 100% cotton barrier fabric
- this is a fabric for cotton lovers
- Lifetime Warranty
- Pristine Complete Mattress & Pillow, and Comforter Encasings
- made from a 100% polyester microfiber fabric with a cotton-like feel
- wicks away moisture for a breathable and comfortable night's sleep
- Lifetime Warranty
- BedCare Classic Mattress, Pillow, & Comforter Encasings
- made of a lightweight polyester knit fabric joined to an ultra-thin, allergen-proof Comfortech polyurethane membrane
- polyurethane barrier makes these encasings water resistant and a good choice for incontinence
- also available in a complete set for mattress, pillows and box spring
- Lifetime Warranty
Allergy Control encasings are the best you can buy for dust mite allergen avoidance because they:
- have been recommended by doctors for over 30 years
- offer special construction designed for better protection
- are made from only the best, most complete allergen barrier fabrics
Summary
The first and most important step in avoidance of dust mite allergen in your bedroom is to put encasings on your bed. For people with dust mite allergies, covering their mattresses, box springs, pillows, and comforters in zippered mite-proof covers makes a significant difference to their health. Mite-proof encasings provide a barrier between you (and your family) and the dust mite allergen in your bed to help avoid exposure and prevent or reduce allergy symptoms.