House dust mite allergy | Mister Sandman

What is a house dust mite allergy?

House Dust Mite Allergy: The Symptoms

The house dust mite allergy, often referred to as house dust allergy, is a true common ailment. About 10% of the German population are house dust allergy sufferers and experience the symptoms of the allergy. A mite allergy manifests its symptoms similarly to hay fever. The severity of the allergy can vary from one house dust allergy sufferer to another. In any case, a house dust allergy sufferer is exposed to a nearly constant burden from the allergy and relies on the use of special products such as allergy bedding and bedding or anti-mite sprays. Common symptoms of house dust allergy include runny nose, burning and itchy eyes, a runny nose, itching of the ears, burning in the throat and pharynx, or even skin itching. In particularly severe cases of the allergy, or if no countermeasures are taken, a serious condition such as chronic asthma can develop from the house dust allergy.

House dust mite allergy: The causes

House dust mites are microscopic little arachnids that can be found in every household. The presence of mites is not a sign of poor hygiene; they are simply part of the environment. The preferred habitat of the mites is our bedrooms, specifically, they live in mattresses, pillows, and blankets. The main food source for the mites is dead skin flakes, of which every person loses about one gram per day. Warmth in heated sleeping areas and warm moisture from night sweating further promote the settlement of mites. However, this is generally not a cause for concern. From a medical perspective, the mites and their excretions do not pose a health risk. In some individuals, however, the body reacts very strongly to the allergens by producing specific antibodies. The allergens are not the mites themselves, but are found in the animals' feces. House dust allergy is a direct type of allergy. The symptoms occur immediately upon contact with the allergen. Since house dust mites are found in every household, especially in the bedroom and bedding, individuals with house dust allergies are constantly exposed to the burden of their allergy. Therefore, resorting to specific items for mite protection, such as special allergy bedding or anti-mite products, is unavoidable.

Can you get rid of mites?

Getting rid of dust mites in the household is nearly impossible. However, with some tips and assistance options, one can effectively contain the mite population and alleviate the symptoms of a dust mite allergy. In general, dust mite allergy sufferers should ban all unnecessary dust collectors from the bedroom to at least allow for a restful sleep. The most severe reactions occur when inhaling the allergens. Therefore, as little dust as possible should be stirred up. Instead of dusting with a broom, it is better to wipe dust, preferably with a damp cloth. When using a vacuum cleaner, one should pay attention to a dust filter suitable for allergy sufferers. Frequent ventilation ensures a dry and not too warm indoor climate. If special anti-mite bedding is also used, even dust mite allergy sufferers can enjoy high sleeping comfort.

House Dust Mite Allergy: Treatment

The allergy to the allergens in mite feces is not curable. There is still no targeted and effective therapy for house dust allergy. Treatment only addresses the symptoms. Through targeted hygiene measures and the use of special anti-mite products and bedding, one can also curb the mite population and thus prevent the outbreak of the allergy or alleviate the symptoms. Certain preventive measures can also help before the actual first outbreak of the allergy and prevent its occurrence. Especially children have an immune system that is not yet fully developed. Therefore, children are particularly susceptible to allergens. If children live in the household, frequent dusting and washing of children's bedding is necessary.

Medications for dust mite allergy

Medications that help dust mite allergy sufferers only treat the symptoms of the allergy. Allergy medications do not constitute a therapy for dust mite allergy. Like allergy medications in general, these can make you tired or have various side effects in the case of a dust mite allergy. It is better to prevent the outbreak of the allergy through targeted measures or to limit exposure to allergens while living.

What to do for dust mite allergy?

The A and O for a dust mite allergy is the choice of suitable bedding to ensure good sleep comfort and healthy sleep. Special bedding suitable for allergy sufferers and mite-proof covers, known as encasings, are a great help and relief for dust mite allergy sufferers. With proper care and attention to some tips, allergy sufferers can also sleep peacefully at night.

Allergy-friendly bedding and bed products

An encasing is a cover made from a material that does not allow mites to pass through. As a mattress cover, usually as a fitted sheet, the encasing prevents skin flakes from penetrating the mattress and serving as food for mites. On the other hand, an encasing mattress cover prevents allergens already present in the mattress from coming into contact with the skin or respiratory tract. Bedding suitable for allergy sufferers is also made from a material that is impermeable to mites, just like an encasing.

More tips for dust mite allergy

If you pay attention to some tips on hygiene and cleanliness, especially in the bedroom, you can manage the symptoms of a dust mite allergy well. Here is a summary of the most important tips and advice:

regular ventilation (best 3 times a day for allergies)
No plants in the bedroom (they increase humidity, which favors dust mites)
Regularly dust (damp), while ventilating well
Use steam cleaner (dust mites die at over 60 degrees Celsius)
Use vacuum cleaner with fine dust filter
Should not be in the bedroom: (long) curtains or drapes, stuffed animals, anything that unnecessarily attracts dust
Pillowcase shake out daily
Pillowcase wash frequently
Wash bedding (comforters, pillowcases, bed linen, fitted sheets, mattress covers, other blankets) frequently
Getting dressed and undressed in the bathroom
Mattress with good breathability and sufficient ventilation
Breathable comforter (prevents sweating)
Use anti-mite spray
Use of mite-proof bedding

The right bed for allergy sufferers

Healthy and restful sleep is important for our daily regeneration and to recharge our energy reserves. Unfortunately, many allergy sufferers know all too well that sleep is often plagued by the symptoms of allergies. With a stuffy nose and itchy eyes, we sleep restlessly and poorly. Unlike hay fever sufferers, who only suffer from allergy symptoms during certain times, dust mite allergy sufferers are constantly plagued by symptoms. Choosing the right bedding and items, such as pillows, comforters, fitted sheets, mattress covers, and allergy-friendly bed linen, can make life and especially sleep restful and comfortable even for dust mite allergy sufferers.

House dust mite allergy: Mattresses for allergy sufferers

The right mattress is crucial for the quality of our sleep. Allergy sufferers have special requirements when choosing a suitable mattress. It should primarily be as breathable as possible and absorb as little moisture as possible. If heat and moisture accumulate in the mattress for a long time, it promotes the settlement and reproduction of dust mites. Therefore, allergy sufferers should always use a slatted frame as a base for the mattress to ensure adequate ventilation and quick drying. The mattress cover should also be removable and washable. Materials suitable for an allergy mattress include mainly latex foam or gel foam, as very few dust mites can settle in this material. Cold foam is also a good choice for allergy sufferers. Due to its open-pored structure, cold foam has very good moisture regulation and breathability.

House dust mite allergy: Duvets for allergy sufferers

In the case of comforters, it is actually difficult to make general statements about which ones are particularly suitable or unsuitable for allergy sufferers. It mainly depends on how the sensation of warmth is. Since the comforter significantly influences the sleep climate, care should be taken to ensure that the comforter keeps you pleasantly warm but does not cause sweating. For a long time, down comforters were particularly criticized for promoting dust mite allergies. However, this is hardly the case today. Modern and high-quality down comforters have a cover made of dust-proof material. This prevents dust, the food source for mites, from entering the inside of the comforter. Thus, allergy sufferers can also enjoy the cozy warmth of a down comforter, especially in combination with allergy-friendly bedding.

House dust mite allergy: Pillows for allergy sufferers

When choosing a pillow, allergy sufferers should pay special attention. After all, the head rests directly on the pillow all night. If the pillow is contaminated with allergens, these can enter the airways and eyes directly and unhindered, causing severe allergy symptoms. It is recommended for allergy sufferers to use pillows with a foam filling. For example, in soft visco foam or latex or gel foam, mites can hardly survive. A pillowcase that is washable at a minimum of 60 degrees or even boil-proof is ideal for allergy sufferers.

House dust mite allergy: bedding for allergy sufferers

As already mentioned, bedding that is suitable for allergy sufferers is made from a fabric that is impermeable to mites. This is especially true for microfiber fabrics. The fiber structure is so fine and tightly woven that mites cannot pass through. Additionally, the surface of microfiber (also known as microfibre) is so smooth that dust has a hard time adhering to it. Another characteristic of allergy-friendly bedding is that it can be washed at a minimum of 60 degrees. Often, bedding recommended for allergy sufferers is also boil-proof. Only at these temperatures are mites killed. Furthermore, a wash cycle should last at least 20 to 30 minutes to ensure complete removal of the mites. Allergy bedding as well as children's bedding should be washed more frequently than regular bedding.

Order bedding from Mister Sandman

The purchase of mattresses and bedding in online shops is becoming increasingly popular among consumers. Buying mattresses online offers several decisive advantages. Your benefits when purchasing from the Mister Sandman Shop at a glance are:

manageable selection of premium mattresses, pillows, bed covers, and toppers
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convincing quality that you can trust Made in Germany