How to Make Your Winter Allergies a Thing of the Past

You may think now that we're moving into the winter months, allergy sufferers are finally going to get a break. While that may be the case for those who are allergic to pollen, it's not so for the millions who are allergic to one of the worst indoor irritants there is -- dust mites.

The tiny invaders live in house dust, feed on shed skin cells and produce excrement that is a common household allergen associated especially with asthma, sinus irritation and respiratory allergies. In nature they are killed by predators and exposure to direct sunlight, but they flourish in the controlled environment provided by people's homes.

Since dust mites are attracted to warmth and moisture, they thrive in mattresses, pillows, towels, carpets, upholstered furniture and children's stuffed toys. The average bed contains two million of these creatures, making the bedroom a danger zone for anyone who is sensitive to dust mite allergen. But there are things you can do to prevent them from making you miserable all winter long.

Here's some advice from the experts at Allergy Solution.com, a company founded by a man who has suffered from terrible allergies all his life:

1. The first thing your doctor will recommend after you are diagnosed with a dust mite allergy is that you cover pillows, mattresses and box springs in allergen-impermeable encasings that will trap the allergens so you reduce contact with your body while you sleep. Allergy Solution.com offers covers for all bed sizes that are breathable, clinically tested and doctor recommended.  

There are four different fabrics to choose from: 100 percent Cotton Complete, a 100 percent cotton fabric that blocks allergens but feels just like a cotton sheet; Pristine Solution, a patented tightly woven microfiber fabric that is made of 100 percent polyester and also membrane free; Comfort Cotton, a waterproof fabric made of 55 percent cotton and 45 percent polyester; and SoftShield, a high tech non-woven membrane free fabric that is super lightweight and warm-water washable. Log on to www.allergysolution.com for more information or to place an order.

2. Be sure to wash bedding in hot water that is at least 130 degrees F every 7 to 14 days. If you have a dust ruffle around your bedframe, remove it.

3. Dust mites thrive in environments with high humidity levels, so use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to bring the indoor humidity level below 50 percent.

4. Remove wall-to-wall carpeting. If not possible, treat carpets with anti-dust-mite products.

5. Vacuum weekly often using a vacuum cleaner with high-allergen containment and a HEPA filter or double layer micro filtration vacuum bags.

6. Get rid of stuffed animals that are not machine washable in hot water.

7. Cover heating vents with special vent filters to clean air before it enters your room.

8. Use a HEPA air purifier to remove airborne allergens from the air.

9.  Wear a dust mask when cleaning or doing household chores.

10. Avoid heavy drapes; instead use shades or washable curtains.

By taking a few steps to minimize dust mite allergen in your bedroom, along with other areas of your home, it is possible to decrease your allergic symptoms and even medication requirements. For more information about how to control dust mite populations in your home, log on to www.allergysolution.com.  

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