In our consultations we experience similar situations again and again. In doing so, we discover that many of you have the same misunderstandings when it comes to the house dust mite allergy. With the house dust mite allergy, there are many uncertainties about what exactly triggers the allergy and how best to deal with it. Therefore, we would like to clarify the most common misconceptions about house dust allergies from our consulting practice:
Wrong! The terms "house dust allergy" or "house dust mite allergy" are actually somewhat misleading. Because neither the mite directly nor the house dust itself causes a so-called house dust allergy. Sensitized persons react to the mites' excrements and to the remains of dead animals. If the mucous membranes come into contact with the tiny dried particles, e.g. through inhalation, an allergic reaction with corresponding symptoms is triggered in these people. By the way, mites are found wherever people live, because they feed on their dead skin cells. The greatest concentration is found in our beds, as the living conditions here are optimal for the mite. This is why house dust allergy patients have the most complaints at their sleeping place.
Wrong! Your decision is not: Encasings or hyposensitivity. The most important measure in the case of a house dust allergy is always to avoid allergens, i.e.: Avoid contact with the allergenic substances as far as possible! Allergen-impermeable covers create a barrier that protects you from contact with the mite allergens. In the case of a light to medium house dust allergy, this measure is often completely sufficient. In the case of a very pronounced house dust allergy and if allergic asthma is suspected, hyposensitization should be considered in addition to the allergenic protection. Therefore it is called: Dust mite covers always and in more severe cases: Dust mite covers plus hyposensitization
Wrong! If you think that immunotherapy the "hard way" would get your body used to the house dust allergy over time, you are wrong! The opposite is true! An allergy is an exuberant reaction of the immune system, does not go away on its own and, if left untreated, can lead to chronic illnesses - such as asthma - due to the so-called change of floors. Early avoidance of allergen contact is therefore the most important measure for your health. Furthermore, immunotherapy always belongs in expert hands! The doctor will adjust the dosage exactly to the degree of your allergy and will start with low doses to gradually accustom the body to the allergen.
Wrong! Unless you sleep in separate rooms. For all others: Protect all beds in the same room with dust mite covers! This is the only way to noticeably reduce the allergy load in the room. An unprotected bed is a high source of allergens and allergen exposure in the bedroom for people allergic to dust mites. There are extremely many mite allergens in the bed, which are stirred up by movement of the bedding and air circulation, distributed in the room air and finally inhaled by the allergy sufferer.
Wrong! The term allergy bedding is somewhat misleading. This is because it is not a replacement for your normal bed linen, but allergen-proof intermediate bed covers. Therefore, always put the allergen-proof covers directly on the mattress, duvet and pillow and only then on top of your normal bed linen! This is not only more hygienic, but also much more pleasant and varied for you, because encasings are clinically white and not available in other colours.
Wrong! There are no more mites in a duvet than in a synthetic duvet. Mites do not feed on down and feathers, but on human skin scales. And only very few allergy sufferers are actually allergic to the keratin of feathers and down. If in doubt, please ask your doctor what exactly you are reacting to! If you are only allergic to mite allergens, you can keep your down duvet. Simply cover it with a dust mite cover - that way you are best protected!
Wrong! Mattresses suitable for allergy sufferers have a removable cover which can be washed at high temperatures and is therefore suitable for allergy sufferers. However, the material is (usually) not allergen-proof and allows mites and allergens to pass through. You can wash the removable cover every 4-6 weeks at at least 60°C. A simpler and safer solution, however, is a quality encasing as a complete cover around the mattress.
Wrong! High-quality encasings today consist of an uncoated, breathable micro fleece. Our tip: wash the encasing before the first use in the boil wash program of your washing machine, then it is sufficient to wash it every six months at 60°C. The duvet covers become softer and more cuddly after each washing cycle!
Wrong! With allergy covers there are certainly differences in quality. To be sure that you are buying a suitable duvet cover for allergy sufferers, choose a product made in Germany from the specialist pharmaceutical trade! Make sure that you can choose between several qualities and individual solutions to get the product that suits your needs. A house dust allergy specialist will also be happy to produce special sizes for you. However, in a good specialised trade you will not only get a safe product, but also expert advice, excellent service and an extended guarantee.
Wrong! In the case of a house dust allergy, wrapping the bedding is the first and most important measure. However, additional measures should be taken in the living environment to keep the allergen exposure as low as possible. These measures can usually be implemented without much effort:
- Mites love it warm and humid: Therefore, make sure that the air humidity in your rooms is low and do not use additional humidifiers!
- Air 3-5 times a day for 5-10 minutes each time
- Prefer smooth, wipeable floors as floor covering
- Avoid dust traps such as open shelves or curtains