Frequent sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, breathing difficulties, even fatigue... You may be allergic to dust mites! These tiny arachnids, invisible to the naked eye, are major invaders of our living spaces. They make up 90% of dust particles and are the leading cause of respiratory allergies. In this article, find out how to stop the proliferation of dust mites and prevent allergies.

How to recognise a respiratory allergy?

Nearly 30% of the world’s population suffers from allergies, almost ten times more than in the 1960s. Allergies are ranked as the 4th most common chronic illness worldwide by the WHO. They estimate that by 2050, up to half of the population may be affected.

The cause of this immune system dysfunction is a reduced tolerance of our body to seemingly harmless substances, such as pollen, for example. Almost half of all allergies are caused by dust mites, which make up 90% of dust particles and invade our living spaces.

Frequent sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy, watery or red eyes, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing, fatigue and difficulty concentrating are the main symptoms of dust mite allergy. These inflammations can lead to asthma, conjunctivitis, rhinitis or eczema.

Why are we suffering more from respiratory allergies?

The environment we live in plays a significant role in explaining why the prevalence of allergic diseases has increased so much in such a short time. Our homes, which are modern and better insulated, are paradoxically more conducive to the development of allergens, particularly dust mites, because they are less ventilated and ever more heated. Sensitivity usually occurs when the concentration of dust mites reaches around 100 per gram of dust. Yet, half of people’s homes exceed this sensitivity threshold value.

Allergies, which can be active all year round, are often worse during the cold season due to more indoor heating and poor air circulation, which encourages the proliferation of dust mites.

Up to 2 million dust mites live in our beds

Dust mites nest where humans live, as they feed on microparticles of skin and hair that we shed night and day. The bedroom and, in particular, the mattress, pillows and blankets are an ideal setting. Here, they have a warm temperature, plenty of dead cells, humidity and dark spaces. After just one week without washing, a pillowcase would contain up to 200 times more bacteria than the kitchen sink...

These microorganisms also thrive on sofas, curtains, chairs, upholstered furniture, soft toys, rugs and carpets, all places where dust can accumulate.

How to prevent dust mite allergies?

A simple way to avoid an invasion of dust mites in our homes would be to avoid fabric surfaces altogether. However, this radical approach would be difficult to implement as it would have a major impact on our standard of living. Instead, regular and thorough cleaning is a simple and effective measure to prevent dust from settling everywhere. Notably:

Ventilate rooms daily and avoid humidity
Wash bedsheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers once a week, for at least 30 minutes at 60°C
Wash curtains regularly
Lay bed linen and rugs outside in sunny weather, because dust mites cannot stand the sun
Avoid carpets or clean them regularly
Steam mattresses and carpets once or twice a week
Avoid open furniture as much as possible
Dust the house every week
Avoid hoarding belongings and items that are no longer of use
Clean washable surfaces
Regularly disinfect all toys

Natural treatment to prevent dust mite allergies

Getting rid of all dust mites from fabrics and living spaces is virtually impossible. Nevertheless their presence can be radically reduced! Laurastar’s Dry Microfine Steam (DMS) has proven to be an effective and natural way to disinfect all surfaces without the harmful effects of chemical products on our health and the environment.

Laurastar has conducted rigorous tests at independent ISO 17025 certified laboratories. The results confirm that its unique steam eliminates 100% of dust mites in seconds. Ultra-fine and powerful, it penetrates deep into the core of materials thanks to its speed of up to 129 km/h. The steam is then pressurised and continuously propelled at a temperature of up to 160°C. One go is enough.

DMS is a reliable alternative for disinfecting the home and textiles. It works gently and avoids the need to use chemicals.

In conclusion: take preventative action

Allergies have been on the rise for almost half a century and have become a global public health concern. Some treatments can alleviate or control symptoms, but it is high time to address the problem at its source.

Taking preventative action by preventing the proliferation of dust mites in our homes is becoming a necessity. With a few simple steps, natural solutions and common sense, allergies can be reduced.

Everything you need to know about dust mites, the leading cause of respiratory allergies