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House-dust mites and mattresses
M A Schei1, J O Hessen, E Lund
1School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley 94720-7360, USA.
Allergy
|May 25, 2002
Summary
Foam mattresses, especially those without covers, harbor significantly more dust mite feces than spring mattresses. Replacing foam with spring mattresses could reduce exposure to these common allergens.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Allergy Research
- Materials Science in Bedding
Background:
- Limited research exists on dust mite allergen levels in commonly used mattresses.
- House dust mites are a significant source of indoor allergens, impacting respiratory health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare the presence of dust mite feces in foam and spring mattresses.
- To identify factors associated with mite allergen presence in mattresses.
Main Methods:
- Dust samples were collected from 152 schoolchildren's homes in Northern Norway.
- Mite feces (a marker for mite allergens) were detected using the Acarex guanine colorimetric test.
- Mattresses included foam (with and without covers) and spring types.
Main Results:
- Mite feces were detected in 40.5% of foam mattresses without covers and 26.3% of foam mattresses with covers.
- Only 12.5% of spring mattresses showed detectable mite feces.
- Foam mattresses were associated with a fourfold higher risk of mite feces presence compared to spring mattresses, with uncovered foam mattresses showing an eightfold risk.
Conclusions:
- Switching from foam to spring mattresses may effectively lower exposure to house dust mite allergens.
- Environmental factors like dampness and ventilation influence mite allergen levels in mattresses.