When you wake up with repeated sneezing and stuffy nose, dust mites are often the culprit. This is because bedding and fabric materials are known as dust mite hot spots. When you lie into your sheets and pillows at night, your body releases heat, which then creates an ideal environment for these creatures to thrive. It is also likely that you spend plenty of personal time with dust mites when your head is on the pillow for seven hours or more.
If you are allergic to dust mites, you may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or have itchy eyes. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to combat these allergy symptoms.
Use a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are beneficial zapping out moisture from the air, causing the dust mites die when the humidity level drops below 50%. While they are not a treatment for allergy, they reduce the humidity necessary for the mites to survive. The use of dehumidifier, along with mite-proofing measures and regular cleaning, can control dust mites.
Replace Bedding
Certain bedcovers and sheets can trap dust easily and are more difficult to clean. This is why Cozy Earth thinks it is best to switch to organic bamboo sheets. Apart from having hypoallergenic qualities, these sheets also make your bed less welcoming to dust mites. Bamboo bedding wicks water away (twice faster than cotton), lowering the moisture level by 50%. This translates to fewer dust mite and less allergy symptoms.
Clean Your Sheets/Room
Wash your sheets weekly using hot water. These also include blankets, bed covers, and pillowcases. Don’t forget to keep your bedroom clean, organized, and vacuumed. It is a good idea to use a vacuum with HEPA filters to reduce house-dust emissions from the cleaner. Be sure to use stay out of the room for at least two hours after vacuuming.
Don’t let the dust mites run-in your mornings. Keep these tips in mind to keep your bedding and sleeping area as dust mite-free as possible. It is also a good idea to cut clutter, removing carpeting (and other mite habitat), and installing a high-efficiency air conditioner.