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ALLERGENS

While everyone does well trying to keep away from common cold and flu germs, most do not take into account the affect household allergens have on their health. Common respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, running nose and eyes, coughing and difficulty breathing as well as swollen glands, skin and face are often the result of allergic reactions to allergens.

Mattresses, pillows, and bedding are ideal breeding grounds for many of these allergens including dust, pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and mold.

Dust mites are particularly interested in your bed. They thrive in warm humid conditions and feed on dead flakes of human skin. While dust mites are not visible to the naked eye, as many as two million of them can live in your mattress. The bacterial byproducts produced by dust mite populations are called endotoxins. High endotoxin levels are responsible for respiratory problems and other various health issues.

Pet dander can be another potential threat for allergy sufferers. More than 70 percent of U.S. households have a dog or cat. Dog and cat dander (skin flakes), along with their saliva and urine can result in allergic reactions.

Although animal hair is not considered a significant allergen, it can collect dust, mold, and other allergens. Like with dust mites, mattresses, pillows and blankets are easy targets for harboring large amounts of pet dander. While it is virtually impossible to rid any home completely of these allergens, you can minimize these health hazards.

Here are some tips to decrease allergens in your mattress, bedding, and pillows:

1. Quality mattress and pillow protectors are the single best way to protect your bed from allergens because it decreases the source of the allergens that aggravate your symptoms. These covers shield you from different types of allergens. Reducing contact with the allergens provides for a more restful sleep without having to be awakened due to allergy symptoms.
2. Always wash bedding in hot water every 7-10 days. Regularly have blankets or comforters dry cleaned.
3. Pillowcases and sheets should be laundered in very hot water and dried in a hot dryer or commercially laundered and pressed. Dust mites are unable to survive in environments hotter than 130 degrees.
4. Never hang your sheets outside to dry. This can bring outside allergens inside your home.
5. Only use a humidifier if absolutely necessary, as humidity encourages the reproduction and growth of most allergens.

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