Fight Off Dust Mites with Bed Protectors
Posted Under:Health And Fitness
While sweat and dirt can break down pillows and comforters over time, the most harmful element you should worry about is dust mites. House dust mites can venture into the filling of fluffy bedding products and create harmful allergens that can disturb the best night’s sleep.
If you’re an allergen sufferer, or if you’re just trying to protect your bedding, here are a few tips:
Old types of feather bed and pillow protectors made a crunchy sound when you laid down on them because they were made of vinyl. Nowadays, you won’t hear any squishy sound because modern protectors are made from breathable, densely woven cotton.
You also find that the best covers guard against stains, mildew, and can go right in the washer and dryer.
If you have down bedding, down proof fabric protectors are your best bet. Down proof protectors prevent down leakage because the protector’s fabric has a high density weave that prevents the down feathers from wiggling through.
It’s a common misconception that asthma sufferers should refrain from using down pillows because it’s believed that down can hold more allergen-producing agents compared with artificial stuffing.
Dust mites can make your down pillows into a breeding ground for allergens if they remained uncovered. However, a 1996 study in the British Medical Journal found the opposite to be true. The study found pillows made from synthetic materials like polyester could contain over 8 times the total weight of dust mite fragments and over 3.57 micrograms per gram of fine dust particles than compared to a down pillow.
No matter what your reason is for protecting your bedding, first look for products collaborating with the American Lung Association. Companies work with the Lung Association to advance education on improving air quality and enhancing sleep environments.The ALA does not endorse products.
With these tips, you’re sure to find protectors for your comforters, pillows and feather beds that will protect your investment in the bedroom while promoting healthier sleeping.
Pluto Graham is a writer that works like a dog to research good bedding sets so you can sleep like a log.
