Bedbug Allergies
It's up to you who should get it
This guide covers bedding that is sold as protection against both dust mite allergies and bedbugs. There are also protective bedding available that is designed to protect against one or both of these conditions. However, enough people care about them all that this guide covers multipurpose protectors.
A good bet you found it by Googling "have they got bedbugs helllllp!". Protective bedding is essential for anyone with a bedbug problem, regardless of whether you are buying new mattresses. The good news for people who do not have bedbugs is that you can invest in protective bedding, even if your neighbor has them. Susan C. Jones is an Ohio State University entomologist. They are communicable and can spread bedbugs to others without even being aware. However, bedbugs should not be viewed as a shame. You're an alive, breathing person and they're looking for you. When you cease breathing you can no longer worry. It's not the end of the world. They can be treated." If you already have protective bedding that helps with both allergies and bedbug protection and doesn't feel plasticky or uncomfortable, just periodically check the encasement for tears. Also check the box spring (which should also be encased, and we give box spring encasement recommendations here ), particularly around the corners and any hard edges. The protective bedding you have is fine if it's not ruined and there are no other issues.
What Encasements Do and Don't Allow
A mattress protector will keep bedbugs and dust mites from infesting your mattress. The protector will not prevent other infestations. Photo by Michael Hession. After treatment for a bedbug infestation has been completed, encasements can still be used to keep the bugs from fleeing your box spring and mattress. Although encasements can be used to protect you from future infestations, they are not a permanent solution. It is possible to still be infested by bedbugs, but they won't get into your mattress. Even if you bought an encasement in advance and find bedbugs on it a year later, this doesn't mean you are not protected.
Allergy bedding won't eliminate allergens, but it will reduce them. It is composed of textiles with a low allergic profile. However, encasement can be a good option if your mattress is sensitive to dust mites.
The bedding treatment of either condition is only part. Refer to a professional pest control specialist if bedbugs infest your home. Listen to your allergist if you suffer from allergies. They may suggest a multipronged treatment that includes air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters, humidification control and an appropriate cleaning regimen. Andrew S. Kim from Fairfax's Allergy & Asthma Center states that dust mites can be killed by regularly washing your bedding with hot water at 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The studies show that protection bedding does not help with your symptoms. However, doctors do recommend using it in conjunction with treatment.
What Encasements Do to Protect against Dust Mites and Bedbugs?
No matter if you have allergies or are concerned about bedbugs. Pillow covers that zip around mattresses and pillows should not be removed. Your encasements must have a strong zipper that doesn't slip even through months of tossing around and turning. They should also contain reinforced seams that keep bedbugs out or in (depending on the situation).
We looked at encasements, a type of protector that fully surrounds the bedding. You can also use slip-on protectors, but multipurpose protective bedding needs six-sided protection. The bottom of the mattress will still be exposed to bedbugs if it is covered with a top sheet-style protector. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommended that those allergic to dust mites use encasements. Although some allergists advise patients to use the slip-on type, it is easier to get out of a mattress. This allows them to be cleaned more often, which can help with their dust mite allergies. The encasements we looked at were multipurpose and could protect you from allergies and bedbugs. If you're strictly concerned about one or the other, there are encasements that offer protection against just one type of critter, but we wanted a one-size-fits-all solution. There are two main differences: a good bedbug enclosure will not allow bedbugs to get through. A good dust mite encasement has tightly-woven fabrics, but it is less well sealed at zippers and seams.
An encasement should claim to be "bedbug-proof," not just "bedbug-resistant." (Protective bedding isn't government-regulated, though, so shady companies could label their products however they like. Reputable manufacturers (including those who made all of the encasements that we tested) won't be fumbling with terms. And you can ignore terms like "hypoallergenic" or "antiallergy"; those are largely marketing terms that don't refer to protection against environmental allergens; they just mean that the textile itself won't add to someone's allergies.
The multipurpose encasements typically have two layers: a layer of fabric on the outside and a layer of polyurethane inside. Microfiber (usually polyester) often makes up the outer layer. This gives the product a soft, brushed feel. A few encasements tested also had terry cloth as an outer fabric. These have the advantage of absorbing moisture and the downside of keeping dust mites in check. For dust mites to be prevented from entering the pores of your fabric, make sure it's tightly woven. Bedbugs don't usually find their way through the fabric itself, so pore size isn't as important for them.
A thin layer is applied of polyurethane to the inner coat. You won't notice any uncomfortable sensations or creakling in the case. Vinyl encasements have been discontinued from the bedbug bedding market. The polyurethane coating that helps make an encasement bedbug-proof also means it's hard to find a 100 percent breathable case. Nanotechnology allows for a very thin polyurethane coating that won't make you sweaty or hot. Our experience with the encasements was not unpleasant. They were both comfortable and warm. We also liked the way the outer fabric layer absorbs and moves moisture. Encasements with a terry cloth top surface can help wick away any moisture, but we found them to be slightly noisier than non-terry encasements. A product labeled as water-resistant should suffice, and all of our recommended picks passed our water test with nary a drop seeping through.
A good zipper is essential for any bedbug protection. Although bedbugs do not like to live in pillows, it is a smart idea to put a zipper on the pillow protector. It's added protection against dust mites, and also prevents the protector from slipping off inside your pillowcase. Some cases have special closing mechanisms: Velcro enclosures (or hook-and the eye), Velcro closures or a lock that closes the last inch of the zipper. Every zipper we looked at had sufficient teeth, ranging in size from 18 to 23 teeth/square inch. This ensured that bedbugs couldn’t escape.
While mattress encasements need to be reinforced at the seams, pillow protectors don't require it. Tight stitching isn't enough a newly hatched bedbug is only 1 millimeter long, so it can crawl between the stitches unless there's a barrier to stop it. They usually use binding tape to protect their seams. However, they might also use French seams which have the same effect.
Caring and Maintenance
The encasements can be washed as often as you like if dust mites are a problem. If you are putting encasements in place after bedbug infestations, they should stay on for about 12 months. When you are washing other bedding you can simply vacuum off the encasement. But, when laundering encasements you must follow manufacturer's directions.
Of course, sometimes the manufacturer gets it wrong; the insides of the Aller. The Ease and mattress Safe mattress encasements were overheated in their recommended washing and then melted slightly, creating pinches and eventually warping.
Avoid warm water when possible if you have allergies. The manufacturer may recommend it. It is important to remember that dust mites are not able to survive above 130°F heat. If you have allergies, wash non-protective bedding frequently in hot water. Your mattress and pillow encasements will not be protected if they aren't clean.
It is easier to install a mattress-encasement with just two people. With the mattress up, slide the encasement as low as possible. Then, place the mattress on top and then wrap it around to encase the mattress. Then zip it. It doesn't matter how many times you open it.
Are You Allergy to Bedbugs
Bed bugs can also cause allergic reactions in some people. Anaphylaxis is a rare condition that can cause severe reactions. These symptoms include anaphylaxis and enlarged bite marks.
What is an Allergic Response to Bed Bugs?
Itchy, raised bump with clear central. Itchy red bump, with darkened center and a lighter surrounding. Small red bumps, welts that are shaped in a zigzag or line. small, red bumps with blisters or itches.
How Many People are Allergy to Bed Bugs?
Bed Bug Bites: Are Bed Bugs Contagious and What Can You Expect? Although you may not experience a reaction right away, 70% of those bitten will react. May 14, 2019.
Can Bed Bugs Cause Health Problems?
Bed bugs can be a problem for public health. Although it has not been demonstrated that bed bugs transmit disease to humans, there are a number of health problems, including economic ones. March 23, 2021
