Allergies in the UK
Approximately 40% of the UK population suffers from one or more allergies.
According to the NHS, the most common allergy is hay fever (an allergy to grass and tree pollen), followed by dust mites. Other allergies include animals, food, insect bites, and medicines.
Some allergies are easier to control than others. A food allergy, for example, can be controlled simply by staying away from the food item. Hay fever can be more difficult to control, though staying away from the outdoors during allergy season helps.
But what if the allergy is caused within the own home? Allergies to household dust and dust mites are very common. Allergic reactions are caused by the dust mites themselves and their droppings.
The bedroom is a particular hot spot of activity for small pests. This is because the conditions in the bedroom are ideal — cosy, warm, and comfortable.
Dust mite allergies greatly affect the quality of sleep, and allergy sufferers often wake up exhausted.
Just as it is important for a person allergic to pollen to stay inside as much as possible during pollen periods, so it is equally important for a person with a household dust allergy to minimise contact with dust mites.
How can you get rid of dust mites?
While dust mites can live in a variety of places, the mattress is the main breeding ground for dust mites.
This is then also the starting point for getting rid of dust mites and improving the state of household allergies.
First of all, it is important that the mattress cover the allergic person uses is impermeable to dust mites. This makes contact between the allergic person and the mites and their faeces as difficult as possible.
When using a high-quality cover, it does not matter what material the mattress is made of. The only material not suitable is horsehair, as this may be a potential source of additional allergies. And, of course, a latex mattress needs to be avoided if the person in question suffers from a latex allergy.
A good anti-allergic mattress will come with a washable cover. The mattress cover must be removable and washable at 60℃.
This temperature will be sufficient to effectively kill dust mites in the cover and seal against mites in the mattress. The mattress cover should be washed regularly to effectively protect against allergies.
It is also recommended to wash blankets every 3 months.
You can also read our full guide on how to clean a foam mattress.
What else can you do to kill dust mites?
The ultimate objective is to create the most inhospitable environment possible for dust mites.
This means it is important to:
- Ensure sufficient ventilation
- Create an ambient temperature that is not too hot (maximum 20℃)
- Remove other places where dust mites are located in the bedroom, such as rugs, carpets, or other dust collectors
- Prevent pets from entering the bedrooms
- Ensure that the furniture is not cluttered so that dust accumulates as little as possible
Unfortunately, allergies cannot be cured but they can be controlled by eliminating or minimising allergy triggers.
Our recommendation for anti-dust mite mattresses
If you’re looking for a mattress to help with your allergies and prevent the build-up of dust-mites, then we’d recommend purchasing an anti-dust-mite mattress. You can read our full article on anti-dust-mite mattresses here.
Our top recommendation is the Emma Original anti-dust mattress. It is a high-quality mattress that combines cold foam and memory foam, providing ample support and stability, while being enormously comfortable.
As an anti-dust-mite mattress, it perfectly regulates temperature and limits humidity. The mattress cover is made of polyester and offers excellent temperature control. It also allows for good air circulation.
The cover can be easily removed and is machine-washable.
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Conclusion
While, unfortunately, there is no cure for allergies, they can be controlled quite effectively. The key is to create an inhospitable environment for dust mites, eliminate surface dust, and minimise body contact with dust mites and their droppings.
Washable mattress covers and mattress protectors, as well as temperature-regulating and breathable anti-dust-mite mattresses, can all help.
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References
- NHS: Allergies
- EMMA-MATTRESS: Uk's Most Awarded Mattress | Emma - The Sleep Company
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