DUST MITE ALLERGY

 

What is a Dust Mite?

 

·         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                                                                         

 

·         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

·         Not quilted dust mite cover (dust mites will live in quilting)

·         Breathable comfortable covers sold at:

·         Medical Arts Pharmacy 800 Princess St tel: 613-549-3300

·         Sears Canada “Aller-ease” products only

·         Cheaper plastic or vinyl covers also work, but less comfortable to sleep on (can put washable/removable 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, but washing is best)

·         Dryness kills dust mites: Keep relative humidity less than 50% (use dehumidifier, air conditioning helps) – optimal is  40% (less than 35% too dry)

·         NO carpets (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

 

See website http://tsai-info.com/allergy/