If you have asthma or allergies, you understand how vital it is to keep your house dust-free. However, since allergen-producing dust mites are naturally occurring and may be found everywhere people live, it is impossible to totally eliminate them from your house.
Because they feed on human dead skin cells, your mattress and any other upholstered furniture provide an ideal breeding ground for these unwanted visitors. Unfortunately, this is enough to trigger year-round allergic responses such as skin rashes, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and breathing problems.
Sleeping on a latex mattress might improve your health by reducing such bothersome allergic responses every time you go to bed. You may have heard about the several advantages of a latex mattress, which are driving its popularity on the market today. However, there are more misconceptions than facts about why this mattress is labelled as “dust mite resistant” and “hypoallergenic.”
How are latex mattresses manufactured?
Natural latex is made with the sap from the rubber trees. The sap is beaten to a froth before being put into moulds, covered, and baked like a cake! Talalay is hybrid latex made in Canada vacuum-sealed and flash-frozen before baking, resulting in a more consistent cell structure and, as a result, a more uniform feel than Dunlop.
Here’s everything you need to know about latex mattresses and dust mites before you purchase one.
Dust mites are what?
Dust mites are minute insect-like pests that may be found practically everywhere people dwell. They feed on flakes of lost human skin and reside in warm, humid settings in our houses. Mattresses are their preferred habitat because they provide the characteristics of a supportive environment in which these bugs grow.
These bugs are not parasites and do not bite or sting people, making them completely safe. You won’t even notice them crawling on your skin like other bed pests like bed bugs. The main issue, however, is the microscopic faecal pellets and body bits they leave behind. These are significant allergens linked to respiratory and dermatological allergies.
Dust mites are small, yet they are not airborne since they lack wings and settle quickly with dust particles. As a result, frequent washing and cleaning of the house minimizes the population of dust mites and helps avoid repeated allergy responses.
What do the symptoms of a dust mite allergy look like?
Dust mite allergies cause respiratory and skin problems in allergy-prone sleepers. The following are the most frequent symptoms:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest tightness
- Runny, itchy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy skin and dermatitis
- Face pressure
- Severe asthma symptoms
Depending on the individual’s immunity, these symptoms might vary from minor to severe. When they suffer moderate allergic responses, some sleepers use over-the-counter medications. However, if you have severe responses, such as chest congestion, face pressure, or asthma episodes, you should see a doctor.
Ensure that your home is well ventilated
Proper air circulation in a space is critical for restoring normal indoor moisture levels. High humidity encourages not just dust mites but also other dangerous germs such as moulds and bacteria. Good ventilation will maintain humidity at 50% or below, however, this may be more challenging in particular seasons.
If you have fish tanks or plant containers, keep them away from your bedroom since they raise the humidity level in the air. During the hotter months, you may also use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to reduce interior moisture. You may use air cleaners to eliminate pollen and allergies carried by dust in the air surrounding your house if you live in a dusty environment.