Getting rid of mites in bed: which measures make sense
Created: 12/27/2022, 11:08 am
By: Kilian Bäuml
Mites are small creatures that particularly like to live in beds.
Many people are allergic, with a few remedies you can declare war on them.
Kassel – Runny nose, irritated eyes and coughing.
What sounds to some like the first symptoms of a cold is a daily reality for millions of Germans - the reason for this are mites.
These are tiny creatures that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
In households, they feed on dead skin cells that everyone loses, reports the
Apotheken Umschau
.
These are particularly found in mattresses, which is why beds are an ideal habitat for mites.
However, the excrements of the mites cause allergic reactions in many people.
According to the Allergy Information Service, around 20 million people in Germany suffer from house dust mite allergies.
This has nothing to do with poor hygiene, mites are found in all households.
But there are habits that make life easier for the mites and measures that help against them.
Mites in bed: these measures will help
Mites can never be 100% removed.
With certain measures, however, you can reduce the number of mites and thus alleviate the allergic reactions.
"It's about minimizing contact with the allergens," Jörg Kleine-Tebbe from the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology told Ökotest.
The most effective measure against mites in the bed is not to give them a suitable habitat.
You can do this:
Sufficient ventilation
Change linens weekly
Wash bed linen at 60 degrees Celsius
Avoid dust collectors
(Source: Apotheken Umschau)
Mites thrive in warm, humid environments.
In order to keep their number in bed as low as possible, regular airing is essential.
Depending on how much time you spend in the room, preferably several times a day for a few minutes to reduce the humidity.
Reduce mites in bed: The bed linen is particularly important
Pillows and blankets play an important role in reducing mites in bed.
In order to keep them as free from mites as possible, the bed linen must be changed and washed regularly.
Just like bacteria, mites are only killed at a 60 degree wash.
The underwear is also best made of a material that is well permeable to air.
The same applies to a mattress cover.
This should be washed at 60 degrees every eight weeks.
Dust scavengers (objects in or on which dust quickly accumulates) should be eliminated whenever possible.
You can also wash long curtains regularly with hot water and wipe the dust consistently.
Textiles that are not in direct contact with can also be frozen for 24 hours to kill mites.
Getting rid of mites: what helps with bed hygiene.
(Iconic image) © Monkey Business /Imago
Special products help against mites in bed
Allergy sufferers can cover their mattresses with special covers.
These are called encasings and are impermeable to the excretions of the mites.
"Many of those affected report significantly better nights - and their experience counts," said Kleine-Tebbe to Ökotest.
The expert also recommends products made from tightly woven microfibre.
According to Kleine-Tebbe, some health insurance companies even contribute to the costs of encasings with a medical certificate.
(kiba)
