Dust Mite Mattress Covers
Dust mite mattress covers can protect you from all sorts of nasty little creatures including dust mites, bacteria, and even bed bugs.
In the past, though dust mites are hideously ugly it was felt that they were so small (hundreds can be found in a spec of dust) that they were relatively harmless.
Not so today.
Dust mites can wreck havoc on children and people with allergies. There is a protein in their waste that can result in an asthma attack. And they can produce 200 times or more their body weight in waste.
These mites live off the dust in your home, hence the name “dust mites.” They particularly like dead skin cells, which humans shed.
And where is one of the worst breeding grounds for these mites?
Your mattress and pillow.
Right now, there are probably hundreds of thousands of dust mites in your mattress and pillows. While you can’t see them, they’re there. Feasting on your dead skin cells.
(If you’re ever unfortunate enough to encounter bed bugs, they actually feast on your blood!)
How do we protect ourselves and our loved ones?
While it is impossible to get rid of all bugs and their allergens, you can significantly improve things with something as simple as a mattress cover.
Ideally, you need a mattress cover that offers both a waterproof and breathable barrier that prevents dust mites, bed bugs, and bacteria from breeding in our mattress. Ditto that for our pillows. Of course, a fabric that is soft to the touch and comfortable to sleep on is important.
So, what to look for?
Standard vs. Allergy Covers
A standard cover offers moisture and general protection for your mattress.
An anti-allergy cover provides relief from most allergens.
Vinyl vs. Microfiber Covers
Vinyl is great for offering moisture protection, but is generally uncomfortable to sleep on as it is stiff and noisy. These types of protectors are often used for cribs, for children still wetting the bed, and for use with the elderly. They are lightweight, easy to put on and take off (they usually have corner straps), and they can be machine washed.
Microfiber covers, while considerably more expensive than vinyl, are typically far more comfortable to sleep on than vinyl. They can offer superior protection against moisture, plus protection against allergens including dust mites and bacteria, as well as bed bug protection. These protectors cover your mattress like a fitted sheet, and prohibit any of these critters that may be in your mattress from reaching you. These are available for your pillows as well, to protect your head and neck.
Fitting Your Mattress Cover
You can choose either a flat cover or an encasing cover.
Flat covers fit your bed like a fitted sheet. Make sure you measure your mattress, and give yourself a little extra size to compensate if you’re a restless sleeper. These covers are very portable, so work well for travelers wanting protection in hotel beds. These work well with waterbeds, but some waterbed mattresses are different sizes from conventional mattresses so, again, measure your bed.
Encasing covers work well for allergen control. Be sure to measure the thickness of your mattress, as these can range from 14-17 inches, and you’ll need to choose the correct size.
Not all allergen and bacteria prohibiting covers are created equal. Make sure that you verify your cover does what you want it to and is the correct size so you get the best dust mite mattress cover.
Attack Of The Dust Mites
Dustmite Mattress Covers In The News …
Controlling Dust Mites
Dust mites can be a major health concern to homeowners, especially those who have a history of allergies. There is no way to completely eliminate dust mites, but controlling them is possible.
Aspergillus, Asthma and the House
House dust mites are thought to be the leading cause of asthma in the home. They excrete an allergen in their feces which is a major trigger for asthma.
How to Reduce Indoor Air Pollutants
It may suprise you to know that about 70% of dust within the home comprises of dead skin which we humans continually molt. Dust mites successively feed upon this dead skin.
Mattress Covers – Why Use Them?
A good mattress cover will protect your mattress from infestation of bed bugs, dust mites and other pests.
CleanRest Allergies Deterent
Technical details about this allergen barrier.
Allergy Mattress Covers
An allergy mattress cover is the only way to stop dust from gathering deep inside the bed. If dust gathers, the dust mites feed on it and produce allergens.