Dust Mite Allergy

What are dust mites?

• Dust mites are microscopic insect-like creatures which are found in every home. They are relatives of spiders and ticks.
• Dust mites live in pillows, mattresses, box springs, carpets, stuffed toys, and upholstered furniture and eat dead skin shed from humans.
• Dust mites grow best in warm, humid conditions.
• Dust mite waste products cause allergic symptoms in some people.
• Exposure to dust mites and their waste can worsen symptoms of allergies, eczema and asthma in allergic individuals.
• Dust mites are not bed bugs and do not bite.
• Individuals allergic to dust mites are not allergic to visible "dust" or “dust bunnies”.

Where are dust mites found?

• Most dust mite exposure occurs in the bedroom where mite number is highest and where your child spends a third of each day.
• Other areas that provide warmth, humidity, and food for growth of dust mites include:
  • Blankets
  • Carpets
  • Upholstered furniture
  • Curtains and similar fabrics
  • Stuffed toys

How are dust mites eliminated?

Studies have shown that reducing dust mite allergen exposure in the bedroom leads to a decrease in allergic symptoms and a decreased need for medication. The bedroom is where people spend one third or more of their day and the bedroom is the room with the greatest number of dust mites.

Follow these steps to eliminate dust mites and their waste products:

1. Cover the mattress, pillow, and box spring of the bed in which your child sleeps with covers that are labeled “allergen impermeable” or “dust mite covers” and have zippers. These special covers will trap the dust mites and their waste products inside. "Hypoallergenic" covers do NOT decrease dust mite exposure. (See Types of Covers, next page.)
2. Wash sheets, blankets, pillowcases, other bedding, and any stuffed animals that your child sleeps with in hot water every 7 to 14 days. If you do not use hot water, dust mite waste products will remain on your sheets after washing.
3. Avoid the use of humidifiers and vaporizers in your child's bedroom because increased humidity will lead to increased dust mite numbers.
4. Chemicals such as benzyl benzoate and tannic acid to kill mites are not recommended. 
5. Air purifiers do not help with dust mite allergy because dust mites and their waste are not airborne, but rather settle to the floor and other surfaces quickly.
6. Vacuum frequently with the child out of the room. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter will help. If your vacuum cleaner does not have a HEPA filter, purchase multi-thick/allergen proof/multilayered or double-thick vacuum bags. (Look for the words in bold on the label, these bags will work as well.)
7. Avoid dust collectors such as stuffed animals in your child’s bed. These toys should be washed in hot water or placed in a freezer overnight every couple of weeks. Store them in a plastic storage tub with a lid. Leave out only the special toys that your child cannot part with.

Types of Covers

Vinyl Encasings are the least expensive. These are good for children who do not remain dry through the night. These can be stiff, noisy, and sweaty, however. The vinyl encasings are an inexpensive cover to use for the box spring.

Laminates are one step up from the vinyl casings. These covers are made by laminating (fusing) a plastic-type membrane to fabric. The plastic side is next to the pillow or mattress and the cloth side is next to the pillowcase or sheet. These may not “breathe” very well. With repeated washing, the urethane/plastic membrane can separate from the fabric. This is the type found in most department stores.

Microfibers are the newest type of fabrics. These high-tech fabrics are thin and have yarns woven together tightly so that there is no space for allergens to pass through. Air and water vapor can pass through, so these tend to be more comfortable to sleep on. Not all microfibers are the same. If you hold the cover up to the light, the less light you can see the better. Less light passes through tighter woven fibers. Very tight fiber covers can greatly reduce dust mite allergen as well as cat dander that may have accumulated in the bedding. Recommended manufacturers include: www.missionallergy.com or 1-877-NOALLERGY and www.allergycontrol.com or 1-800-422-DUST.

Where to purchase recommended products:

• Major Internet retailers including Amazon. Prices vary depending on size and quality.
• Local stores that carry these products:
  • Roses, Target: Carry all sizes of covers in vinyl (plastic-like)
  • Wal-Mart: Carries vinyl and waffle-weave cloth product
  • Bed, Bath and Beyond: Carries both vinyl and cloth, all sizes are available

Remember to shop around your area, prices vary.