80% Of Allergies Linked To Household Dust Mites[1]
The average UK bed hosts between 10 thousand and 10 million dust mites and their waste
Common household dust mites may be a factor in as many as
The tiny bugs infest our beds, with the average bed hosting between
80% of asthmas, hay fevers a nd other allergic ailments, according to Allergy UK.
10 thousand and 10 million dust mites. Their highly allergenic droppings can cause us untold problems - particularly as a trigger for asthma. Yet of the 20 million people in the UK who suffer from allergies or asthma - a third of the population - many are completely unaware that dust mites are a contributing factor.
Just half a millimetre in length and creamy white in colour, individual dust mites are hard to see but are so prolific that they and their waste can account for as much as 10% of a two-year old pillow. New research by You Gov for HoMedics shows that one in four people change their pillows every two years. On discovering the uncomfortable truth about dust mites, nearly half of the people surveyed resolved to change how frequently they change their pillows.
Dust mites and their waste can double the weight of a mattress over a ten-year period - not exactly comforting news for the one in ten of us who have indeed used the same mattress for a decade.
Dust mites don't like being too cold or too hot, and they love humid conditions. With this in mind, there are many simple steps we can take to evict them from their comfort zone during the annual Spring clean. Simply leaving windows open for extended periods and vacuuming regularly can make a significant difference, as can changing over to specific types of bedding and flooring materials that dust mites can't settle in. You should always use a mattress protector that offers complete four way protection against dust mites and their waste, as well as bacteria, fluids and stains.
Dust mites are more than just creepy and unpleasant - they are harmful to our wellbeing and that of our children, four in ten of whom suffer from allergies. Clearly, it's time to flush out these horrible little stowaways once and for all.
Click here for the facts about dust mites, and about how you can make sure that the only creature that gets to snuggle down in your mattress from now on is you.
For more information visit www.homedics.co.uk/uk/bedbugs
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc for HoMedics. Total sample size was 2122 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 27th February - 2nd March 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
[1] According to Allergy UK
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