Mattress Toppers & Allergies
Mattress toppers are used to provide extra comfort to a mattress. An individual who suffers from a dust allergy may need to purchase a unique mattress topper designed to kill and prevent the infestation of dust mites. A dust mite allergy is the number one cause for allergies associated with bedding, according to the Mayo Clinic. Use a dust mite allergy mattress topper to treat symptoms.-
Definition
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A dust mite allergy occurs when a person's body accidentally recognizes proteins from a dust mite as a harmful substance. The person's immune system attempts to fight off the substance, resulting in common allergic reactions. According to the National Library of Medicine a person with a dust mite allergy may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as sleeplessness, a runny nose and irritated eyes.
Function
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Mattress toppers specifically designed to treat and prevent a dust mite allergy traps current dust mites in the mattress, eventually killing them. It also prevents new mites from migrating and infesting the mattress. A dust mite allergy mattress topper is made from synthetic material, making it very unappealing to the mites.
Types
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Mattress toppers for allergies come in various shapes and sizes. Mattress toppers for allergies may combine extra comfort with an allergy-resistant material. Other toppers available at a more affordable price are used simply to prevent and kill dust mites. Some mattress toppers may come with accessories to cover your pillow or comforter
Application
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The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America states that using a dust mite mattress topper is the best defense against dust mites. A dust mite mattress topper fits around the entire mattress and zips up to keep mites out of the mattress. A dust mite mattress topper should be cleaned on a weekly basis by wiping it down with an all-purpose cleaner. Most mattress toppers for allergies are not recommended for a machine wash.
Considerations
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An allergy -esistant mattress topper will effectively rid a person's bed of dust mites but will not prevent the mites from migrating to bedding such as sheets, pillows and comforters. The National Library of Medicine says that all bedding should be washed at least once a week in hot (130 degrees), soapy water to prevent dust mites from infesting the sheets. If a person uses a mattress topper to prevent allergies and does not see any improvement, she should consult an allergist for evaluation and testing.
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