Dust Mite Allergen
Each time you take a step on dirty carpet or lie down on a bed that
is not protected by dust mite bedding, a cloud of dust mite allergen rises into the air. Dust mite allergen primarily consists of
dust mite fecal pellets.
Even though they are microscopic, dust mites are too large to inhale; however, their excrement easily becomes airborne.
Dust mite allergen not only irritates the lungs, but it also contains an enzyme
that destroys the protective function of the skin. This leaves your body vulnerable to other allergens and irritants.
Dust Mite Allergy Symptoms
Do you often wake up congested or with a runny nose? Itchy eyes
or itchy skin? If you answered yes to any of the above you are likely allergic to dust mites. People who are sensitive to dust mites often experience rhinosinusitis
(inflammation of the nose and sinuses). Others experience eczema, inflammation of the skin.
Many people who have dust mite allergies also suffer from chronic sleep problems.
How to Kill Dust Mites
You can kill dust mites on rugs or stuffed animals by placing the items in the sunlight for a few hours or by
storing them in the freezer over night. Unfortunately, you cannot do this with your bed, carpet, or furniture, so you
will need to resort to other methods.
Focus on the bedroom. Outfit your bed with
allergy bedding and place an
air purifier
in the bedroom. The air purifier will not kill dust
mites, but it will reduce the amount of airborne dust. Lastly, you should
vacuum regularly with a
HEPA vacuum cleaner and treat your carpet and laundry
to eliminate dust mites.
Dust Mite Bedding
Allergy Armor is our exclusive brand of dust mite bedding.
Allergy Armor Ultra, our highest quality fabric, was recommended by Women's Health magazine as "better than anything else on the market at keeping mites out." We offer zippered dust mite pillow covers,
mattress covers, duvet covers, and box spring covers, as well as complete dust mite bedding packages. We also offer an Allergy Armor pillow
which is made with the barrier fabric, so there is no need for a separate pillow cover. And the Allergy Armor blanket, constructed to stand up to wash after wash, features an antimicrobial finish and a lifetime warranty. Visit allergy bedding to see our full collection.
Dust Mite Sprays & Powders
Anti-Allergen Solution is a non-toxic, plant-based formula that denatures allergens on contact. It neutralizes dust mite feces, cockroach droppings, and animal dander by altering the shape of the allergenic proteins. It
is safe for people, pets, and the planet; and you can use it on carpet, upholstery, bedding, or in your washing machine.
Allersearch X-Mite is a non-toxic powder that deactivates most household allergens, while our DustMite powder is a specially formulated borate compound that provides long-lasting control of dust mites in carpet.
Dust Mite Laundry Products
Standard laundry methods do not kill dust mites. To kill dust mites, the water must be extremely hot, but most people do not use hot wash cycles for every load. De-Mite laundry additive can be used with your regular laundry detergent and will remove dust mite allergens in any temperature water. Allergen Wash is a special detergent for allergy sufferers.
It denatures dust mite allergen, pollen, mold, and mildew in any temperature water. Plus, Allergen Wash contains no perfumes, dyes, or other irritating additives.
House Dust Mite Control
So you have allergy-proofed your bedroom, and now you
are ready for the rest of your house. You need a vacuum with a HEPA filter; otherwise, whenever you vacuum, you
are
simply stirring up allergens and not actually capturing them. For those who are extremely allergic to dust mites, we recommend a Miele vacuum cleaner. Vacuum attachments help eliminate dust in hard-to-reach spots like ceiling fan blades and blinds. Electrostatic dust cloths allow you to effectively dust without using harsh chemicals that can make your allergies worse;
the dust control sponge also works without chemicals. Finally, vapor steam cleaning will kill dust mites and germs. The Reliable T1 Steamboy
steam mop works great for sanitizing smooth floors and comes with a carpet glide attachment
that you can use on carpeting.
Home Humidity & Dust Mite Prevention
If you are allergic to dust mites, you must monitor the humidity in your home
with a
humidity gauge. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments.
When the humidity drops below 50
percent, they begin to die. A dehumidifier can be the
best weapon in your fight against dust mites, especially if you live in a home without central air-conditioning.
Dust mites cannot survive without adequate humidity in the air. To learn more,
see Dehumidification: The Allergy Sufferer's Secret Weapon.
