I'm allergic to dust mites, what can I do?

1. Identify major sources of dust mites in the bedroom so that these can be removed or covered to reduce dust mite exposure. In general, the older the item, the more "organic" (plant or animal material) the contents, and the more humid it is kept (ie. by frequent use of humidifier in the room, storage of a mattress or pillow in plastic in the garage, or flooding or water damage to the walls or carpet), the more likely it will contain dust mites. The closer the item is to your face, the more likely you will develop allergic symptoms.

• Feather pillow (especially if older than 6 months)
• Old mattress (especially bad are 20-30 yr old mattresses)
• Old carpet (over about 5 years old)
• Old couch (over about 5 years old)
• Stuffed animals
  
• Large bookcase in the bedroom, especially with old books (10 years or older)
• Wall hangings that are made from fabric (nonwashable), feathers, leather, rope, dried flowers, etc.
• Difficulty cleaning behind the bed
• Moldy areas on walls or behind furniture.

2. Dust mites are best avoided in the following ways:

• Remove feather pillows: replace with a new synthetic washable pillow. Pillow may be washed weekly, but an easier solution is to get dust mite proof encasings.
• Encase mattress, pillows and box spring with dust mite proof covers.
• Get a new mattress if old one is older than 10 years.
• Remove carpet if possible (hardwood floor or tile, linoleum would be better for elimination of allergen exposure)
• Do not lie directly on the carpet; put a mat down first.
• Stuffed animals should be limited, the ones that will be used should be put in the drier for 20 minutes or in the freezer in a bag for 24 hours once a week.
• Wash bedding once a week in HOT water.
• Eliminate books, if they need to be kept in the bedroom, stash them in a lidded plastic container, or in a closed cabinet or closet. Consider an e-reader that limits the paper.
• Dust mite and Anti-Allergen sprays work for carpets, drapes and fabric furniture.

Websites are available to order encasings and sprays on our website.