What to Do About Dust Mite Allergy?

What to do about dust mite allergy? This is certainly a question you ask yourself if you suffer from sneezing fits, itchy eyes or shortness of breath in the morning. In that case, it is likely a dust mite allergy. But how can you relieve the symptoms, especially in winter when we spend more time indoors? Zelesta presents the most important solutions.

Recognising Dust Mites and Allergies

The question of what helps against dust mites is hard to answer – especially if you don't have an allergy yourself. For non-allergy sufferers, dust mites are virtually invisible. They can only be seen under a microscope or with a magnifying glass. They feed on skin flakes and leave no bites or stings. Almost every home harbours dust mites, which is why they often go unnoticed. However, people with a dust mite allergy react strongly to them – for example through sneezing, rhinitis, coughing, asthma or other symptoms. No wonder allergy sufferers look for ways to reduce their symptoms.

Dust Mite Allergy: 8 Effective Measures

Getting rid of dust mites completely is difficult. But even a reduction brings noticeable relief. Mites feel particularly at home in bed, because there are many skin flakes available as food. Mattresses, bedding, curtains, carpets and even soft toys are frequently affected. Here are Zelesta's tips against dust mite allergy:

  • Change bedding regularly

Dust mites do not survive low temperatures. Therefore wash your duvet, fitted sheet and pillowcases at 60 °C. With a washable duvet without a cover like those from Zelesta, this step becomes easier and more hygienic.

  • Leave the bed open in the morning

A made bed retains moisture. Folding back the duvet after getting up lets the bed dry faster and makes it less attractive to mites.

  • Ventilate the bedroom daily

Ventilate for at least 10 minutes daily. Fresh air reduces humidity and inhibits mite growth.

  • Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter

HEPA filters capture even microscopically small particles such as mite droppings. Regular vacuuming – especially in the bedroom – works wonders.

  • Special vacuum cleaner for mites

These devices use UV light and vibrations to effectively loosen and kill dust mites. A microfilter prevents mites and droppings from returning to the air.

  • Remove dust traps from the bedroom

Anything that collects a lot of dust – soft toys, cushions, decorative objects – should be removed as much as possible.

  • Replace the mattress regularly

A mattress houses approximately 10 million mites – a number that increases over the years. The mattress should therefore be replaced every 3–5 years.

  • Seek medical advice

In the case of severe allergic reactions it is advisable to consult a doctor or specialist. They can prescribe medication or recommend desensitisation therapy to relieve the symptoms.

Recognising the Symptoms of a Dust Mite Allergy

Would you like to know for certain whether you are allergic? Common symptoms include:

  • Blocked or runny nose
  • Itchy or red eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Eczema
  • Wheezing or laboured breathing
  • Asthma
  • Sleep problems

Act Now: Reduce Dust Mite Allergy

The best immediate tip: get a washable duvet without a cover. This allows you to wash the duvet much more frequently and drastically reduce the number of dust mites. This measure is the most effective step against dust mite allergy that we at Zelesta recommend.

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