Menu
MattressFirm Logo
Bed Basics
Bed Basics

Dust Mites: Dead or Alive

Blog_640x400_Oct12.jpg

When people think of dust, they think of wiping down their antique furniture, mopping the floors and the gray stuff around their desks at work. Unsurprisingly, when people think “dust mites,” oftentimes they think it must be some special type of dust. Rarely do they consider that the term might refer to a living organism.

The truth is that dust mites are very much real and very much alive.

What exactly is a dust mite?


A dust mite is a type of arthropod, an invertebrate animal with an exoskeleton. Crabs, butterflies and scorpions are all common types of arthropods. Dust mites are most closely related to spiders. Dust mites are sometimes confused with bed bugs, but Mattress Firm has created this sheet to help you tell the difference.

Dust mites can be found all around the house — common places include carpet, upholstered furniture, curtains, bedding, and, that’s right, mattresses. They tend to flourish in temperatures of 68 to 77°F and humidity levels around 70-80%.

Are dust mites harmful?


There are 13 species of dust mites, each of which can be found in the household articles mentioned above. But, the dust mites themselves are not usually a problem for humans — the problem is in what they leave behind.

Dust mites excrete an active digestive enzyme called “Der p1.” Humans are allergic to this enzyme, which acts like a meat tenderizer and can kill defense cells in the lungs, nose, eyes and skin. After the enzyme “melts” the glue-like substance that binds organic cells together, Der p1 can invade our bodies and travel through our blood stream.

That sounds bad. How does the human body react to dust mites?


Our allergic reaction to dust mites results in symptoms similar to those of other common allergies. Most commonly, they include sneezing and a runny nose. Many people suffering from an allergic reaction to dust mites also feel effects similar to those of asthma, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, around 20 million Americans experience allergic symptoms from dust mites annually.

What can I do to get rid of dust mites?


Unfortunately, the only solution is to prevent the dust mites from taking hold in the first place. There is no way to effectively remove all dust mites from a home, no matter how hard you might try through various products and services.

The problem is that dust mites bury themselves so deeply into household fabrics that even after vacuuming up to 95% of them could remain.

The most effective prevention methods are covering mattresses and pillows in dust-proof zipper cases, washing and laundering household fabric effectively, and getting rid of places that dust mites thrive. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting, if possible.

 

While dust mites can be difficult deal with, they are not insurmountable creatures to control. For more great tips regarding mattress health and household cleaning, visit our related posts on the Daily Doze.

You Might Also Like

side sleeper uses a pillow for more lumbar support
Bed Basics
What Is Lumbar Support and Why Do I Need It?Back pain affects a lot of people. In fact, it’s estimated that 8 out of every 10 Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Luckily, our sleep experts are weighing in on ways to ease the discomfort.
the best mattresses under 500.jpg
Bed Basics
The Best Mattresses Under $500There's no better feeling than jumping into a nice clean bed at the end of a long day. Especially when your bed is the best part of your bedroom. But if your mattress is lacking in the comfort department, or worse yet, it's giving you more aches and pains than nighttime Zzz's, then it might be time to consider an upgrade.
how-much-should-i-spend-on-a-mattress-1440x1000.png
Bed Basics
How Much Should I Spend on a Mattress?Investing in a good mattress is important for your sleep quality, comfort and general well-being. However, purchasing a new mattress can feel like a big financial decision. You want to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money with a model that balances comfort, quality and budget.
how to fold a fitted sheet
Bed Basics
How do you fold a fitted sheet?We’re answering the age-old question: how do you fold a fitted sheet?
Man sleeping on memory foam pillows. Comparison of memory foam pillows vs latex pillows
Bed Basics
PILLOW MATCHUP: Latex vs. Memory FoamAfter finding the perfect mattress, you still need one more thing when creating your dream bedroom: The perfect pillow. Our Sleep Experts™ know that sleeping on a pillow designed to fit your needs can make a huge difference, so we’re making it easy to find the right one for you. First step, breaking down the differences between two commonly known pillow types: Latex vs. memory foam.
Blue bed with white quilt and wooden headboard, between two nightstands.
Bed Basics
Buying Guide: Mattress AccessoriesBuying a new mattress is a fresh start at giving yourself your best night’s sleep. But the mattress is just that: the start.
how often should you flip a mattress
Bed Basics
How Often Should You Flip a Mattress?You love your mattress, but it's been awhile since you bought it, and now you are wondering: to flip or not to flip? Originally, this practice was introduced into the bedding industry with the popularity of spring mattresses as the springs wore out over time. But, with today's newer models of memory foam and hybrid materials, this long-term habit is slowly phasing out.
A woman sleeping in bed on her side hugging a pillow to her chest.
Bed Basics
Everything You Need To Know About Picking a Mattress for Side SleepersWhen shopping for a new mattress, many important considerations go into your decision. Your sleep position is one of the most important elements to consider.
best pillows for neck pain
Bed Basics
The Best Type of Pillow for Neck PainIf you wake up each day with some combination of neck pain, stiffness and headaches, your pillow may be partially to blame.