Dust mites are probably not an uncommon allergy, I was hoping the group wisdom would be able to point me in the dirction of the cheapest/best dust mite covers for beds. Preferably the total encasement type.
The cheapest I have found so far (all around $100+) are on http://www.comeinside.com.au - I know they have had voucher/coupons in the past. I don't suppose anyone has seen any recently?
Rock on.
A friend of mine uses the zip-up total encasement type, I think she said she bought them at K-Mart.
A number of standard "mattress protectors" are made from hypo-allergenic materials, but do very little to protect you from the dust mite leavings in your mattress. Most "mattress protectors" are to protect the mattress from you and not the other way around.
Personally I haven't looked back since getting a rubber mattress.
I assume by rubber you mean latex?
I was thinking I could just put money towards a latex mattress, was yours a bargain? =P
there must be a cheaper alternative :/ my ex college had to buy 330 of them, and im sure they didnt spend that much
i am also allergic to dust mites (just finished the challenge test at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital - Allergy centre here in Sydney also).
while i don't sleep on a mattress if i did i would simply wash the sheets and coverings often and expose the mattress to the sun as often as possible. i find that works for me - lots of washing and sun exposure seems to do the trick and probably avoid blankets unless you can wash them.
Perhaps you could scotch guard the mattress then wipe it down regularly (once every two weeks or as needed).
What do you sleep on if not a mattress? lol.. The sun thing is a good idea and does a pretty good job, but here in Melb, there hasn't been much sun lately ={
sources of info:
http://www.allergyguarddirect.com/fabricspecs.asp - good comparison info on fabrics
http://www.achooallergy.com/allergy-armor-advanced-duvet-cov…
http://www.allergend.com.au/pages.php?pageid=6 (AUST)
http://onlineallergyrelief.com/bedding/bedding.html#100Cot - info on different brands
sleep on either the floor-with sheet down or bed base with large piece of wood on top then towels and sheet as per normal over that - no dust mite problems and good for my back - but i assume that is too extreme for most :)
A water bed of course!
Check out Bambi or Snugfit Brands… They are fantastic for all your anti-allergy treatments…
I'm massively allergic to dustmites.
(prick test formed a 29mm welt compared to mild readings of 2-5mm or so)
I went through a 5yr desensitisation program.. but they are affecting me again.
What do you(anyone) think about the idea of getting a latex mattress topper.
It would be easy to wash and maintain/sun the latex topper.
It would be easier to also wash the encasement for it.
and I assume the mite carcasses/crap would take longer to migrate over the topper.
has anyone had success with this?
I'm about to also buy a latex pillow (i need a new pillow anway)
Aldi have some for $29.. depending on quality it may not be that great a deal.
29 mm is huge, damn. I think avoiding a mattress they can live in alltogether is the best way (latex pillows too, just check the aldi ones, make sure they are the right height and firmness (there's a big range) - don't get granulated latex)
I'm thinking of heading down the path of patientvalue or slowmo (read up) Waterbed mattresses alone aren't very expensive compared to normal decent quality mattresses or latex mattresses.
I figure the $35-$150 I'd spend on a cover/topper could well be invested in something that dust mites prefer not to live in.
ps. this time of year sucks if you have pollen allergies aswell, the air here is thick with a smell similar to honey achoo - did the desensitization cost much? Was it injections or drops?
Thanks for the reply and the tips.
I've managed to control reactions for a bit.
I did a hot wash with canasteen and sunning of my linen.
It's possible the reaction was due to the 3 dogs I now live with (which all now have fleas).
It's possible there was a buildup of dander which affected me, and that my desensitisation is holding.
Desensitization cost just the initial appointment with the specialist.
It was a needle into the arm.
Every dose after that was free (and quick.. you just rock up and get through pretty quick).
It's fully covered under Medicare as the specialist doesn't charge any extra.
There aren't many around.. his name is Dr Graham Solley and is in brisbane. He also travels to other parts of qld to treat people.
After the first appointment, you see him weekly for a bit, then bi-weekly, then monthly etc etc.
Should I put FREE DESENSITIZATION! into the bargain feed? =p
Come inside sounds like an invitation for something else :P
Most mattress protectors are dust mite / non-allergenic aren't they?