Part II of our series...What's in Your Bed?
Dust Mites.
Every bed has them. Every pillow. Every home.
On a nice sunny day, as you walk through a room and see the dust float around in the air, there are dust mites attached to each piece of dust. Take a second look at the furnace filter the next time you change or wash it. Its loaded with dust and dirt, right? Yes, and dust mites.
The biggest concern with dust mites is the allergic reactions that people tend to have. Itchy eyes, runny noses, congestion, stuffy ears, eczema, respiratory problems are the symptoms of a possible allergic reaction to dust mites. Most people only notice the symptoms either in the morning or when they have stirred the dust around in the home by activities like cleaning. The dust mite feces and body fragments are components in dust that are so small that when disturbed, become airbourne and inhaled.
Did you know dust mites don't need to "drink" water? They absorb moisture from the air and its environment. They thrive in hot, humid conditions. And though they are not considered a parasite, they do feed off your dead skin cells, animal dander, fungi, and bacteria. Another good reason not to let your pets sleep on your bed!
Did you know that in a King size mattress there are over 2 million dust mites? In fact, we shed about 1/5 ounce of skin per week and over a 10 year period, your mattress will weigh twice as much as it did when you bought it new. Pillows average an additional 2 pounds of weight.
Now, what can be done to manage and reduce your family's exposure to dust mites?
1. Reduce the humidity in the home. Run the A/C in the summer and use an electric blanket in the winter can reduce the numbers.
2. If your a pet lover like I am, you have to set limits, keep them out of the bedrooms. Period.
3. Wash all bedding in hot water weekly. This includes the mattress covers.
4. Steam clean carpets at least once a year.
5. Leather furniture is a better choice than upholtered.
6. Dry dusting furniture is bad. Wet dust is best. It eliminates the dust instead of scattering.
7. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum.
8. There isn't any registerd chemical remedies for eliminating dust mites, and according to the Mayo Clinic, chemicals that "reduce" dust mites can actually enhance allergies in some people.
Whew, that was a lot of information to digest! Don't forget, we have an easier method of making sure your family rests easier, so Relax!
