Understanding Mites to Combat Them
Mites are microscopic, sedentary arachnids. There are over 50,000 different species that find shelter in textiles and accumulations of material such as cotton. However, these mites are also allergens that can accumulate in large numbers, causing skin conditions and, in rare cases, even transmitting scabies. Yet these are the same arachnids used in cheese aging to produce a high-quality product, or by the criminal investigation department to determine the exact time of a person’s death.
These mites thrive and spread in humid environments at moderate temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees. A home with a regulated temperature is therefore the perfect place for them to multiply, especially if a person sweats slightly while sleeping, which brings the humidity in the sheets, comforter, and pillow to an acceptable level. Many of these mites feed on human skin flakes: dead skin, hair, nail clippings... They then lay their eggs in their habitat. The eggs hatch very quickly, and the mites reach adulthood just as rapidly. While a mite can live for 2 to 3 months, a female needs only 2 to 3 weeks to lay 20 to 80 eggs.
It is the excrement of these creatures that triggers allergies in some people when they inhale it. Therefore, you should prevent them from reproducing and clean your home regularly: As they decompose, the carcasses of these tiny spiders have the same allergenic properties for humans as their excrement. If you create an environment that is unsuitable or only partially suitable for their reproduction, you reduce the risk of developing an allergy. There are several ways you can benefit from an anti-mite mattress.
The Natural Latex Mattress: A Mattress That Fights Dust Mites
There are natural ways to keep your mattress free of dust mites. These methods are designed to treat or prevent the growth of dust mites. Our first tip is also the one that requires the least effort and offers you the greatest benefits: using a 100% natural latex mattress.
A natural latex mattress is naturally mite-resistant. Latex is an extremely breathable material, which reduces the risk of sweating—a condition that promotes mite reproduction. But it’s not just a natural anti-mite mattress.
In fact, a natural latex mattress is a high-quality mattress that offers the best possible sleep experience. The latex mattress is suitable for all body types. It provides genuine back support, yet isn’t too firm, so it doesn’t interfere with sleep. Finally, a natural latex mattress is hypoallergenic and antifungal.
Tips for Getting Rid of Dust Mites
Buying a mite-resistant mattress is, of course, not the only way to get rid of mites. Here’s a natural tip to help you combat dust mites: When you wash your bedding, you can add essential oils with mite-repelling properties to your laundry detergent. This is a good way to protect yourself from dust mites without having to replace your mattress, especially if your current mattress is very comfortable for you.
Instead of using a commercial laundry detergent, you can simply make your own product to spray on your pillow and bedding to eliminate all dust mites. The typical recipe is simple: Add 20 ml of denatured alcohol to about 60 drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil, then add 60 drops of clove, 60 drops of cedarwood, and 60 drops of true lavender. Mix everything together and spray it on your sheets and pillow before letting it dry. An hour later, you can vacuum up all the dead mites with your vacuum cleaner.
Protect Yourself Against Mites
To ensure you have a mite-resistant mattress, there are also ways to prevent mites from getting there in the first place—or at least to slow down their spread. Even though a natural latex mattress is the most practical solution and works best in the long run, certain measures can protect your bedding from mite infestation.
You should regularly ventilate rooms that contain beds. This will reduce the humidity in your home and lower the temperature below a level that mites can tolerate.
Clean your house thoroughly. Vacuum at least once a week, including the mattresses and armchairs. This will remove most of the dust mites from their habitat and slow down their potential reproduction.
Wash your bedding at 60 °C to ensure that all the dust mites that have settled there are removed. If you have any, your stuffed animals can also harbor a huge number of these critters. You can easily kill them by placing them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
In summary, a clean, well-lit, and regularly ventilated home will prevent the spread of dust mites. We still recommend that you consider purchasing a mite-resistant mattress—such as a natural latex mattress—to easily minimize the spread of mites. You’ll also enjoy exceptional comfort.
Finally, you should also consider your choice of slatted base. Avoid covering the slatted base. Whenever possible, opt for uncovered slatted bases, which improve the breathability of your sleeping surface.