If you experience asthma, runny nose, itchy eyes or congestion when you are in bed, there is a good chance that you are having an allergic reaction to dust mites. These little bugs are too small to see with the naked eye, but they live and thrive in your mattress and throughout your home. The combination of fibers, heat, moisture and an abundant food source – skin cells you shed throughout night, make mattresses the ideal home for these little critters.

A traditional mattress pad may help, but if it is quilted and not waterproof, it may just provide an additional breeding ground. But frequently washing the pad in very hot water may help. Unfortunately, if the mattress pad is not waterproof/dust mite proof, the dust mites are still thriving within your mattress.

An older mattress that has not been protected is crawling with dust mites, their waste, along with millions of dead dust mites. If you are experiencing lots of allergy symptoms, it might be worthwhile investing in a new mattress. But if you do, make sure you protect it with a waterproof, breathable and washable protector. It needs to do all three to be effective.

Other ways to reduce dust mites include using a vacuum with a HEPA filter often throughout your home. Wash all linens, including drapes in hot water frequently. A high quality air filter may also reduce the spread of dust mites.

Click here for some product suggestions including a Premium Queen Mattress Protector.