How Can We Protect Ourselves Against the Invisible 'Enemy'?
Sleep quality is closely related to health, yet the cleanliness of bedding such as sheets and pillowcases is often overlooked. Many people have different opinions on this matter. Some insist on taking a shower before going to bed every day and believe that there is no need to change the sheets frequently. Others claim that there is no need to wash the sheets unless they are dirty. However, not changing bed linens for a long time can lead to a series of health problems.
01 Dust Mites Are Omnipresent in the Bedroom
Bedding such as sheets and pillowcases are in close contact with us every day, but many people are not aware that they can become a breeding ground for microorganisms. In bed, we may shed about 15 million skin cells overnight, which are attracted to dust mites. Not changing sheets and pillowcases for a long time means more dust mites, which feed on skin cells and reproduce. If bed linens are not cleaned for three months, sheets and pillowcases may accumulate about 6 million mites. Longer periods without changing bed linens could result in sleeping with tens of millions of mites.
In addition to dust mites, sheets and pillowcases may also harbor various bacteria. A new study published in the United States found that volunteers were asked not to wash their pillowcases and sheets for 4 weeks, and bacterial samples were extracted from mattresses that had been used for 1, 2, 5, and 7 years. The results showed that after just one week, on average, there were 3 million cfu (colony-forming units) per square inch (1 square inch = 6.4516 square centimeters) on pillowcases, which is 17,442 times more than on toilet seats (172 cfu); after 4 weeks, the total number of colonies jumped to 11.96 million, 39 times more than on pet bowls (306,000 cfu). There were about 5 million cfu per square inch on sheets, 24,631 times more than on bathroom doorknobs (203 cfu), and after 4 weeks, it reached 11.32 million cfu. A mattress used for 1 year had a total of 3 million cfu per square inch, and one used for 7 years had 16 million cfu.
02 The Harm of Dust Mites
The study, reprinted by Fox News in the United States, pointed out that humans shed an average of 500 million skin cells daily, and dust mites that feed on these cells will reproduce in warm and humid environments. Their feces can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, itching, and nasal congestion. If sharing a bed with pets, the diseases they spread, such as mange, can cause skin reactions in humans. Dirty pillowcases may be the main culprit in causing acne, as the dust, dead skin, and bacteria on them can clog pores. Over time, dust mites will accumulate in the mattress, and if the mattress is damp or poorly ventilated, mold will proliferate, causing allergic reactions or respiratory diseases. In addition, doctors believe that dust mite allergies are irreversible. Once allergic, it can only be alleviated and improved, and it is difficult to cure completely. What's worse, if both parents have allergic diseases, the chance of their children suffering from allergic diseases can be as high as 80%, which means that allergies may be passed down from generation to generation.
03 Home Remedies for Mite Control
Dust mites and bacteria are almost everywhere in life. Coupled with the transition from spring to summer, the temperature and humidity are more conducive to their reproduction. So, how can we ensure a good night's sleep on a clean bed? The following methods can be referred to:
Sunbathing Bedding: In theory, sunbathing bedding is the most common and convenient method. However, the Tokyo Environmental Allergy Research Institute in Japan conducted an experiment on mite removal, exposing bedding to sunlight for 4 hours, which could only kill 60% of mites. These are just the mites on the surface that die because mites are photophobic and will hide deep in the bedding where sunlight cannot reach when exposed to strong light. The most critical point is that only the sunbathing method leaves behind the mite corpses and excrement that actually cause allergies, which are not removed.
High-Temperature Washing: High temperatures can kill dust mites, but this is not suitable for mattresses, quilts, and pillows with fillings, as washing can only deal with the surface bedding such as sheets and pillowcases. Excessive high-temperature washing can accelerate the aging of bedding, so this is not an ideal method for mite removal. A better method is to regularly change and wash bedding to remove the food source for mites.
Mite Removal Devices: Mite removal devices on the market mainly feature high-frequency beating, strong suction, ultraviolet sterilization, high-temperature mite removal, etc. But the only one that can really play a role in mite removal is strong suction! Because the strong suction dust removal function can suck away dust, fibers, and flakes on bedding. Other functions such as high-frequency beating, ultraviolet sterilization, etc., although promoted, may have limited effects on mite removal. Because live mites have hooks on their feet, which can firmly hook onto fibers, hitting hard and with a large amplitude has little to do with frequency. At the same time, ultraviolet light is for sterilization and is ineffective for mite removal, and accidentally shining it on the human body can be harmful. Additionally, it can kill beneficial bacteria, which is not conducive to strengthening immunity.
Anti-Mite Bedding: Choosing specially designed anti-mite bedding can be an effective method to reduce the breeding of dust mites. These beddings have dense fiber fabrics that can effectively prevent dust mites and their allergens from passing through, thus protecting your sleeping environment. In addition, using anti-mite covers for washing bedding is also beneficial because their tiny pores can prevent dust mites and allergens from passing through.
04 MOFA Yuanli Magic - Healthy Technology Home Series
MOFA® is an essential part of healthy bedding, which can be used for dust mite-proof mattresses, pillows, and duvet covers, as well as high-end bedding, down comforter covers, and home wear. Dust mite-proof bedding made from MOFA® fabric is comfortable, breathable, and hypoallergenic.
The technology provides a perfect durable protective layer against dust mite allergens. After 300 washes, the mite removal performance remains efficient;
Because the fabric has no coating, it does not rustle, is very comfortable, breathable, and soft, without a "plastic" feeling;
No chemical post-treatment, which does not affect health and will not lose the effect of dust mite-proof after several washes;
Gentle to the skin, comfortable, breathable, and provides complete sweat absorption and drainage functions;
Safe and environmentally friendly, with no chemical substance release.
MOFA® fabric is the best protection against dust mite allergens and has passed international standard tests, proving to meet the strictest requirements.
In summary, for family members who are allergic to dust mites, choosing anti-mite bedding and sets can provide additional protection and help alleviate allergy symptoms. These measures help maintain a clean, comfortable, and low-allergen sleeping environment, improving your quality of life.