Dust mites belong to the spider family; they are translucent and have eight legs. Dust mites are microscopic, only 0.3mm in length, and cannot be seen with the naked eye. 1 single gram of dust can contain up to 100,000 dust mites.




A male dust mite’s lifespan is 30 days, while a female’s is approximately 2 months. Dust mites can lay up to 100 eggs a month and are very resilient in nature. They prefer dark living places and require a high humidity level of up to 60% to reproduce; this is why mattresses provide an ideal shelter and feeding ground for them.

They are commonly found in mattresses, pillows, cushions, soft toys and carpets, as they are all ideal places to find food.




Dust mites feed off human and animal dander; excess skin shed from the body. After ingesting dander, mites then defecate and the mites’ faeces accumulate inside the mattress. A single mite can produce up to 2000 units of fecal matter in a period of 10 weeks. A harmful allergen, mite faecal matter has been proven to have a severe impact on health as well as sleep quality.




Symptoms for allergic reactions caused by dust mites can range from asthma, rhinitis, hay fever, itching, headaches, fatigue, rashes, eczema and even depression. According to the American Lung Association, approximately 50-80% of asthma and hay fever cases are triggered by a reaction to dust mites. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology [AAAAI] recently concluded that natural materials in mattresses are far less likely to cause allergic reactions than synthetic materials.




It is a shocking but true fact that a mattress may become double its original weight within 10 years due to dust and dust mite feces!

• Wash bed linens every 10 days at 130 degree F.
• Use natural laundry additives that contain anti mite properties.
• Protect mattresses by encasing them in pristine based anti-allergic covers.
• Wash stuffed animals and on a weekly basis.
• Maintain household humidity at 30-50%.
• Minimize carpeting floor surfaces and have carpets washed professionally semi-annually.
  
  

Dust mites thrive in spring mattresses because of their open-air spring system and loosely constructed layers. Solid foam mattresses cores such as Essentia's is a natural dust mite deterrent, allowing for a healthy, allergen free sleep environment that allows you to sleep better and feel better.





- Chemicals found in mattresses
- How to choose a memory foam mattress
- Essentia vs Tempur-Pedic Comparison


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