Mattress, Beds – The Dust Mite Challenge
If you suffer from asthma it might be time to consider buying a new mattress – beds can be places where we share our space with tens of thousands of dust mites.
Although dust mites are invisible to the naked eye, the thought of sharing a bed with tens of thousands of the critters is a thought unlikely to inspire sweet dreams. And dust mites in the mattress, beds and duvets are also a common allergy trigger causing misery for many – it's thought 80% of asthma sufferers react to dust mites.
Mattress, Beds and Dust Mites
Duvets can be heavy with dust mites, and there are thought to be up to three million dust mites in the average mattress – beds provide ideal breeding grounds for the critters. But the faeces they leave are allergens that can trigger asthma and eczema when inhaled. Dust mites faeces are released in the air when disturbed – so turning on your mattress, hoovering or just sitting on the sofa can release the allergens. Because dust mites feed on skin and love humid environments, the mattress is the ideal home for the critters. To control dust mites, regular cleaning, keeping the windows open and leaving your bed unmade can help as the mites need 70% humidity to survive.
Reduce Mites in your Mattress
By reducing the number of dust mites in your mattress, beds and furniture, you can reduce the allergic symptoms. Extractor fans, good ventilation and keeping your windows free of condensation are all top tips to reduce mites. But as your bed is the main problem, you should ensure bed linen is washed at a high temperature, or consider investing in a new mattress – beds can have special mattress covers if you can't afford a new mattress. Make sure your clothes are dry after washing and avoid dampness in your bedroom. Hard floors will reduce dust mites as they can't survive on hardwood. Reduce the amount of cushions and if you have to put a sofa or chair in your room, opt for vinyl or leather.
Children and Asthma: Mattress, Beds and Soft Toys
If you are worried about your child being allergic to dust mites or triggering asthma attacks, take similar steps. If they sleep in a bunk bed, don't let the allergic child sleep below – mites will be released from the mattress above throughout the night. Keep cuddly toys in wooden boxes to safeguard them from dust and dampness, favourite cuddly toys can be frozen then washed and tumble dried to kill mites.
Snug memory foam mattresses are designed and manufactured with your best night's sleep in mind. All the mattresses are available online and direct from Snug only and our aim is to give you the best-performing mattresses and the best customer service available. Our memory foam mattresses are hypo-allergenic, temperature sensitive and come complete with 5 or 15 year guarantees. You can shop online straight away, or call us on 0800 0277017 if you need help with anything.
