Keeping your home clear of dust mites

t’s disconcerting that bugs live in your bed. But there are plenty of them. They’re called house dust mites and they night quietly live off the flakes of skin you shed, or they can make your life hell.

Recent technological advances have been recognised as a major step forward in the war against house dust mites.
In the past, only products made from vinyl based air impermeable fabrics were available, but they have major disadvantages:

They’re hot and uncomfortable in South Africa's climate;
Although acting as a barrier to dust mite allergen, the effect of moving the head and body's weight particularly on the pillow, causes a so-called ballooning effect. This in turn creates a spume, or high-pressure jet of allergen-bearing air that then escapes through seams and stitching;
It’s important to maintain a condition which allows for the ventilation of mattress, duvet and pillow. They must remain cool and dry to discourage infestation;
Individuals with allergic predispositions can also be susceptible to eczema and rhinitis. Their symptoms are made worse by moist warm conditions and other bacteria thrive;
Air permeability is essential for comfort and safety, especially with the growing number of younger allergic sufferers;
While the bed cover must allow for air flow it must also prevent the dust mites and their faeces from escaping;
The use of double flap closures on protectors for mattresses, duvets and pillows is more effective than conventional zip fasteners.

Allergen avoidance

Here are some hints as how to reduce house dust mite allergen levels in the home:

Fit mattresses, duvets and pillows with air-permeable occlusive protectors which act as a barrier to dust mites and their droppings;
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