Reducing Exposure to Dust Mite Allergens

 

Phylum: Arthropod

Subphylum: Cheliceriformes

Class: Arachida

Subclass: Acari

Order: Acariformes

Suborder: Astigmata

Families: many, each with one or more genera

The most widely distributed dust mites in the Unites States are in the genus Dermatophagoides.

 

Locations where dust mites are found:

(1) bedding (mattress and pillows)

(2) carpets

(3) upholstered furniture

 

Indications for being concerned about mites - all of the following:

(1) asthma or clinical evidence of allergy

(2) evidence of allergy to dust mite allergens

(3) exposure to significant levels of dust mites (based on number of mites per gram of dust or micrograms of allergen per gram of dust)

 

Methods that can reduce exposure to dust mites:

(1) Encase the sleeping mattress and pillows in allergen-proof covers.

(2) Encase the mattress box springs in a vinyl cover.

(3) Wash bed linens in hot water at least weekly.

(4) Sweep with a HEPA-filtered sweeper.

(5) Reduce or eliminate carpets.

(6) Consider use of HEPA air filter with a capacity sufficient for room size.

(7) Clean and/or change air filters in central air handling systems regularly.

(8) Reduce clutter in rooms.

(9) Place allergen-proof covers on upholstered furniture.

(10) Regularly treat plush toys, carpets or other source of mites with by washing, heating or freezing.

(11) Reduce air humidity in regions of high humidity.

(12) Chemical treatments if all else fails (but this may introduce other allergens).

 

The number of mites per gram of dust should be significantly reduced if the methods are effective.

 

Gotzche and Johansen (2008) found little evidence to support the belief that reducing dust mites improved outcomes for patients with asthma. Many studies were found to be of poor quality. However, the physical methods reviewed may have been limited to mattress covers which may not have addressed other environmental sources.