Dust mites are the most common cause of chronic respiratory conditions like bronchial asthma and persistent dust allergies. Reducing exposure is the best way to limit their effects; the most effective way to reduce exposure is to get rid of inviting habitats, like old, traditional mattresses. Replacing them with organic latex mattresses - which naturally resist dust mites - may help reduce respiratory symptoms associated with dust mite sensitivity.
Dust Mite Basics
Dust mites are eight-legged arachnids that are invisible to the naked eye. They're the most common reason that people are allergic to dust - their feces contain proteins that are very allergenic, especially to children. These microscopic creatures are also quite resilient and difficult to kill. They live in warm, humid climates and feed on dead skin cells of both humans and animals. Yet they aren't dangerous - they don't bite or live on humans, nor do they spread disease. The primary negative effect of mites on humans is allergic reaction; they may also contribute to the development of asthma in children. A single gram of dust usually contains between 100 and 500 dust mites. Mites live for thirty days and produce between ten and twenty particles of waste each day.
Allergies and Asthma
An allergic reaction is the immune system's response to something it considers a threat. When it senses an invader, the immune system produces a special antibody - Immunoglobulin E - which causes the allergic response. For those who develop an allergic reaction to dust mites, the irritation generally stems from the proteins in its feces. Mites leave feces wherever they live - in bedding, pillows, mattresses, carpeting, and upholstery, among other places. When people vacuum, fluff bedding, walk on carpet or otherwise disturb areas where mites' feces are found, they may float into the air where people breathe them in. They settle soon after the disturbance ceases. For those who are allergic, breathing in the particles triggers the immune system's response; those who aren't allergic aren't affected. In an allergic reaction, the lining of nasal passages becomes inflamed, which causes sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and other symptoms similar to hay fever. Exposure to dust mite proteins may result in an asthma attack for asthmatics, including shortness of breath, wheezing, and other breathing problems.
Mites and Mattresses
While they're impossible to get rid of entirely, people can reduce their exposure to dust mites. One of the best ways to do this is to replace one's mattress. Traditional mattresses provide an ideal habitat for them. While sleeping, people's bodies transfer moisture and dead skin cells to their bedding and mattresses. Mites feed off the dead skin cells and absorb the moisture, providing everything they need to thrive. Thus it's not surprising that the older the mattress, the more mites live inside it. Concentration will continue to grow until it reaches critical mass, but even then feces and dead mites continue to accumulate. Since the feces are the vehicle of the allergenic protein, this can wreak havoc on people's allergies.
Latex Mattresses Resist Mites
The best solution to reducing one's exposure to dust mites is to purchase an organic latex mattress. Organic latex is naturally mite resistant. It's also antimicrobial, antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and resistant to mildew, mold, and fungi. Best of all, organic latex is the most durable, comfortable surface on which one can sleep. Companies like Royal-Pedic offer latex mattresses with wool wraps, combining dust mite resistance with superior comfort. And since they're made without the hazardous chemicals of traditional mattresses, people needn't worry about chemical exposure or off-gassing, allowing them to get a restful night's sleep.
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