10 Tips Against House Dust Allergy

House dust allergies can cause symptoms like swollen, itchy eyes, sneezing, and a stuffy nose. These allergic reactions, which can also trigger asthma attacks, are caused by the waste products of house dust mites. Their feces mix with house dust and are inhaled.

Here are 10 tips to alleviate the symptoms:

1. Use Hypoallergenic Bedding

House dust mites thrive in beds, feeding on shed skin flakes. Fine-mesh protective covers, known as “Encasings,” prevent skin flakes from reaching the mattress and prevent mite feces from becoming airborne. These allergen-proof yet breathable covers are also available for duvets and pillows. If a doctor diagnoses a house dust allergy or provides a prescription, health insurance may cover some of the costs.

2. Replace Your Mattress Every Eight Years

While encasings are helpful, they cannot eliminate mites already in the mattress or the accumulation of mite feces. For hygienic reasons, it is recommended to replace a mattress every eight years.

3. Ventilate Regularly

Mites prefer warm and humid conditions. Humans lose a significant amount of sweat during sleep, creating an ideal environment for mites. It is advisable to open bedroom windows wide for 5 to 10 minutes in the morning and ventilate other rooms multiple times throughout the day.

4. Avoid Undressing Near the Bed

When undressing, skin flakes are dispersed into the air and can land on the bed, providing food for mites. Humans shed a considerable amount of skin flakes daily.

5. Carpets Can Trap Dust

The impact of floor coverings on house dust allergies is debated. While some remove all carpets, studies suggest that rooms with short-pile synthetic carpets may have lower fine dust levels than those with hard flooring. Carpets can trap dust, reducing its airborne circulation.

6. Damp-Mop Smooth Floors and Surfaces

To minimize dust dispersal, smooth floors should be damp-mopped several times a week. Anti-dust cloths are effective for cleaning surfaces.

7. Freeze and Wash Stuffed Animals

Similar to combating fleas, freezing can kill mites. However, simply freezing stuffed animals for 24 hours is insufficient as mite feces remain. Washing them at 60 degrees Celsius is necessary to remove allergens.

8. Use Vacuum Cleaners with High Emission Classes

When vacuuming, some dust can escape back into the room through the exhaust. For allergy sufferers, it’s crucial to use vacuum cleaners with high dust retention capabilities. Look for vacuum cleaners in emission class A, which release less than 0.02% of inhaled dust. This information is typically found on the EU energy label.

9. The Importance of Vacuum Cleaner Filters

Beyond dust emission, the size of expelled dust particles is also important. Allergy sufferers should aim for vacuum cleaners that release the smallest possible particles. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are effective for this purpose. Vacuum cleaners with water filters, where air is drawn through water, also reduce airborne dust and eliminate the need to change dusty bags.

10. Travel with Reduced Dust Mite Exposure

Staying in unfamiliar beds can be challenging for those with house dust allergies. Consider bringing your own bedding when visiting friends or family. Many hotels and vacation rentals now offer hypoallergenic bedding. For a truly carefree travel experience, consider destinations above 1,400 meters in altitude, where house dust mites do not survive.