Dust mites are a common problem for allergy-sufferers, but cleaning your mattress can do the trick!
Dust mites are microscopic creatures, about 0.4 millimeters in length, which feast on flakes of human skin. Their feces contain a substance called DerP1, a very potent allergen. People who are allergic to dust mites may have asthma like symptoms, eczema, or chronic sinus problems. These small creatures are the leading cause of year-round allergies and can be found in almost every home environment. Although it is nearly impossible to completely rid your home of dust mites, it is entirely possible to lessen your exposure and your allergic reaction to them.
What are Dust Mites?
Dust mites are microscopic bugs that, when viewed under a microscope, resemble tiny, cream-colored spiders. They are very primitive in nature and content with a life of eating, producing waste, and reproducing. Dust mites primarily feed on dead skin cells, the kind shed by people every day. In fact, an average person sheds enough skin cells every single day to feed 1 million dust mites. These organisms thrive anywhere that their food source can be found, including upholstery, carpet, mattresses and pillows. Dust mite allergies are actually reactions to the waste products of the dust mites, not the mites themselves. These bugs are efficient waste producers, and their waste products can be found in the dust around your home.
Attacking Dust Mites
Perhaps the most important thing you can do to address dust mites is to buy hypoallergenic bedding products. Dust mites love living in pillows and can quickly turn an everyday pillow into an allergy nightmare. Mattress and comforter encasings are also great products to protect yourself and to improve your sleep. Covering your pillows and bedding keeps the dust mites, and more importantly, the dust mite allergens, from invading. Dust mite covers should be washed often in high temperature water. To add to your protection, you may want to invest in a mattress that is made using dust mite-resistant materials. Lastly, a dry vapor steam cleaner can help reduce dust mite populations without dampening your bedding materials.
Get Your New Mattress at All American Mattress
At All American Mattress, we have the expertise and great prices to help you choose the perfect pillows and foam mattress for your bedroom. We have mattresses and bed frames available made from a variety of materials to suit your needs, whatever they are. Stop by our showroom, visit us online, or give us a call at (410) 451-9006 to see how we can get your toddler sleeping through the night. We offer brand names at affordable prices and we will always work hard to keep your whole family comfortable. For more mattress shopping tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.