One of an asthmatic’s worst enemies is hidden in their pillow! The dust mite, a tiny eight-legged insect related to spiders, is found everywhere—in pillows, mattresses, comforters, upholstery, carpets, and in dust in the air and on objects. Their translucent bodies are only about 250 microns long and require at least a 10x power magnifier to see. They thrive on dead skin cells from humans and pets.

Dust mites are not parasites and do not carry diseases. They are generally not harmful to humans, except for the many allergy-prone and asthmatic individuals that are sensitive to them and their waste products. Living only three weeks, they particularly love warm, humid environments. Testing for dust mites is not particularly valuable; they are there! It is estimated that a two year old pillow contains at least 10% of its weight in dead dust mites and their droppings. A typical mattress may contain anywhere from 100,000 to ten million dead dust mites.

Although it is impossible to completely eradicate the dust mite from one’s home, the overall allergen load can be markedly decreased by a good spring cleaning, particularly in the bedroom. Bed linens should be washed in hot water at least every one to two weeks. Avoid down and feather pillows and comforters-in addition to the possibility of being allergic to feathers, they tend to trap humidity, creating the exact environment that dust mites prefer. Obtain urethane foam or foam rubber pillows and cover both the pillows and mattresses with tightly woven encasings. Use several thinner blankets that will be easier to wash than thick comforters. Look for “certified asthmafriendly” linens that are free of chemicals and dyes and have a higher thread count and small pore size. Don’t make the bed! Allow the linens to air dry during the day instead of trapping dampness.

Avoid carpeting and fuzzy upholstery and use easily washable throw rugs on hard floors. Keep the temperature in the home below 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Air conditioning will help keep the home cooler and drier, although avoid the swamp-type coolers that increase humidity. Asthmatics should have someone else vacuum whenever possible as dust mites get stirred up in the air and may float for up to thirty minutes. If this is not feasible, a mask should be worn and a vacuum with a high filtration bag or HEPA filter used. Decreasing clutter and “knickknacks” that collect dust is helpful. Avoid stuffed animals on asthmatic children’s beds or make sure they are washable. If they are not washable, placing them in an airtight bag in the freezer overnight will kill any living dust mites, although it does not get rid of dust mite waste. Following these easy steps will keep asthmatics breathing easier and sleeping soundly!