DUST MITE ALLERGY
What is a Dust
Mite?
picture from AAAAI web site
·
Small
microscopic insect not visible to the unaided eye
·
Lives
off the
flakes of skin that we shed
·
Found
in upholstered furniture, carpets, mattresses, pillows, stuffed animals
·
Dust
mites require humid environment to survive
Dust Mite Allergen Avoidance
picture
from NIH website
·
Dust
mite covers
- Airtight: covers the entire mattress
or pillow, not just the top, and can be zipped up
- It is made from material with tight
enough weave so that dust mites can’t get in.
- Breathable comfortable covers sold
at:
§
Family
Drug Mart:
§
Quorum
Allergy Products: Tel: 1-800-501-5115
§
Vital
Aire Health Care:
- Cheaper plastic or vinyl covers also
work, but less comfortable to sleep on (can put washable mattress pad on
top for added comfort)
·
Heat kills
dust mites: Wash bed linens once a week in hot water (55°C but caution if have kids because this is
scalding) & in dryer with heat
·
Cold
kills dust mites: Can put stuffed animals or pillows in freezer (can also put
in dryer instead…see above)
·
Dryness
kills dust mites: Keep relative humidity less than 50% (use dehumidifier, air
conditioning helps)
·
Hardwood
floors are best (even with vacuuming, carpets retain dust mites)
·
Leather
or wooden furniture are also best (dust mites can’t live in them)
·
Vacuum
Cleaners: vacuuming may stir up the dust mites, a vacuum with a HEPA filter or
a Central Vacuum helps prevent this
Other
- Ascaracides (chemicals that kill dust mites):
not yet proven to work
- Room air filter: not of benefit. The
dust mite allergen is too heavy to be airborne and effectively filtered