Toyota Sealing Up the Competition
In an effort to create “the Cleanest Possible Automobile Interior Space” Toyota Boshoku, a member of the Toyota Group, has partnered with Sekisui Chemical Co. to develop and manufacture dust mite proof seat fabric. Announced earlier this year, the new fabric is being dubbed “Anti-Mite Allergen Processed Seat Fabric.” In spite of its long name, the fabric, coupled with an anti-mite compound Aller Buster, purportedly eliminates approximately 98% of all dust mite activity within seats.
Up to this point, little has been done in regards to eliminating dust mites in car upholstery, but Toyota will be putting an end to that within the next few years. As with many Japanese products, the seats will first be tested in Japan before making their way to the U.S. If they prove to be viable product and pass EPA and FDA standards, we could see dust mite proof seats in Toyota cars and trucks in three to four years. And, with the way the auto industry works once one manufacturer has paved the way, others will likely follow.
Few people take much notice of how their vehicle’s interior is a potential breeding ground for dust mites. Most spend far more time in bed than in their vehicles, but for an unlucky number of super commuters it is not out of the question to spend anywhere from 3-4 hours a day in traffic. If you have them in your home then it is generally safe to say you likely have them in your vehicle as well. They can easily be transmitted via clothing, and once inside your car or truck, they set up camp and do what they always do – eat your dead skin cells and reproduce. While that is certainly not an attractive mental image, this new fabric installed with the Aller Buster compound applied to its undersurface could undoubtedly reduce or eliminate the problem all together.
With bedding, it is easy and relatively inexpensive to encase your pillows, mattresses and duvets. Encasing your car seats is a little more difficult. First, there is nothing on the market to effectively encase them. This leads to only one other option, steam cleaning or shampooing your vehicle’s interior regularly. I cannot speak for everyone, but steam cleaning my truck seats is hardly a priority for me.
After researching I wondered if this would be necessary with leather seats. As leather furniture is by far a better deterrent to dust mites than cloth, the same is true for vehicle interiors. Until this new fabric hits the market my advice is go with the leather in that new vehicle, particularly if you have moderate to severe dust mite allergies. For some, relief cannot come soon enough.
Up to this point, little has been done in regards to eliminating dust mites in car upholstery, but Toyota will be putting an end to that within the next few years. As with many Japanese products, the seats will first be tested in Japan before making their way to the U.S. If they prove to be viable product and pass EPA and FDA standards, we could see dust mite proof seats in Toyota cars and trucks in three to four years. And, with the way the auto industry works once one manufacturer has paved the way, others will likely follow.
Few people take much notice of how their vehicle’s interior is a potential breeding ground for dust mites. Most spend far more time in bed than in their vehicles, but for an unlucky number of super commuters it is not out of the question to spend anywhere from 3-4 hours a day in traffic. If you have them in your home then it is generally safe to say you likely have them in your vehicle as well. They can easily be transmitted via clothing, and once inside your car or truck, they set up camp and do what they always do – eat your dead skin cells and reproduce. While that is certainly not an attractive mental image, this new fabric installed with the Aller Buster compound applied to its undersurface could undoubtedly reduce or eliminate the problem all together.
With bedding, it is easy and relatively inexpensive to encase your pillows, mattresses and duvets. Encasing your car seats is a little more difficult. First, there is nothing on the market to effectively encase them. This leads to only one other option, steam cleaning or shampooing your vehicle’s interior regularly. I cannot speak for everyone, but steam cleaning my truck seats is hardly a priority for me.
After researching I wondered if this would be necessary with leather seats. As leather furniture is by far a better deterrent to dust mites than cloth, the same is true for vehicle interiors. Until this new fabric hits the market my advice is go with the leather in that new vehicle, particularly if you have moderate to severe dust mite allergies. For some, relief cannot come soon enough.
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