Your bed mattress may be making you sick. Or, at least what’s living inside of it: dust mites.
Dust mites are microscopic arachnid-type pests (similar to spiders) that live just about everywhere. They typically love bedroom — especially mattresses — because they feed on flakes of dead human skin. Since people typically shed about 1.5 grams of dead skin each day, these flakes accumulate in mattresses and pillows over the years.
This environment is party-central for dust mites, which is why an average used mattress can contain anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million of them, according to an Ohio State University study. Anyone with furry pets likely have more, because their dander also attracts the dust mites.
The American Lung Association reports four out of five homes have at least one bed with detectable dust mite allergens.
Dust mites do not bite or sting. However, approximately 20 million people (or about 10 percent of the population) have a dust mite allergy, according to asthmaandallergies.org. Those who suffer from this aren’t allergic to the pest, itself. The dust mites’ excrement and body parts contains a protein which causes a reaction in some people when they breathe it in from their beds and pillows. People with asthma often suffer the worst reactions because they’re breathing is already compromised before the allergen exposure.
How do you know if you’re allergic to dust mites? Other than getting tested by a licensed allergist, WebMD says to be on the look-out for watery, red eyes, a sore throat or hoarse voice, a runny or itchy nose, sneezing and/or coughing.
So, what’s the secret to a healthy bed and a better night’s sleep? The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following steps:
1. Wash bedding and pillows weekly in hot water (about 130 degrees Fahrenheit). The hot water and dryer will kill any dust mites that might be present.
2. Make sure to vacuum the bedroom often, including the mattress, to get rid of as many dust mites as possible.
3. Purchase protective covering for box springs and mattresses to keep the dust mites away. Also, many stores sell pillows and cases that are allergy-friendly to prevent dust mites from residing in your bed.
4. Replace pillows yearly. Twelve months of washing and vacuuming pillows will break down the material and comfort level.
Lastly, try not to exceed your mattress’ life expectancy. Under normal circumstances, a typical mattress lasts about eight years before it needs to be replaced due to overuse and the inability to clean it properly.
Replacing an old mattress can be an important step in creating a healthy bed and a better night’s sleep.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
