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What To Do For A Healthier You In 2011: Allergy Proofing Your Bedroom
 When dealing with allergies, the use of non-drug controls to alter your environment and reduce your exposure to allergens is very effective and well documented in medical journals. The bedroom is the best place to begin making changes because you spend so much time in that room - sleeping, maybe reading or watching TV, and getting dressed. National Allergy's founder used the analogy of a bucket to describe allergic reactions. Everyone's bucket is a different size, but when your bucket gets full of allergen, you have a reaction. Allergy proofing your bedroom helps to keep your bucket from overflowing keeping you from having the sneezing, congested, runny-nosed, headache-y misery of an allergic reaction.
Allergy Proofing The Bed
 Step #1: Zip Mattress, Box Spring, Pillows, & Comforters Into Encasings
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, dust mite allergens are the most common trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms. And the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says that "the first and most important step to reduce dust mites is to cover mattresses and pillows in zippered dust-proof covers." For complete protection from dust mite allergen, put your box spring in a zippered cover, too. If you prefer to not wash your comforter every 1 to 2 weeks, you can place it in a zippered comforter cover available in decorator colors or place the comforter in a zippered inner liner before installing it in a duvet cover (the duvet cover must be washed regularly).
Step #2: Wash Bedding Often
All bedding not encased - sheets, pillow cases, blankets, bedspreads, comforters, mattress pads, and dust ruffles - should be washed every 1 to 2 weeks. You can kill dust mites with very hot water (140 degrees) or you can use a laundry additive formulated to kill dust mites in cold water. Detergents designed for the removal and/or destruction of all types of allergens are also highly effective.
Allergy Proofing The Air
Step #3: Filter Out Particulates With A HEPA Room Air Purifier
HEPA Air Purifiers remove 99.97% of all airborne allergens that are more than 0.3 microns in size. Dust mite allergen is heavy and only becomes airborne when you walk across the carpet or floor. Pollen, pet dander, and mold spores are lighter and remain in the air long enough to be pulled through the air cleaner and removed from the air.
Step #4: Use Other Filters For Additional Allergen Removal
In addition to room air purifiers, allergen type furnace filters remove an extra degree of allergens from the air. And you can add another level of airborne particle removal by covering vents/registers with filter material.
Allergy Proofing The Carpet & Upholstered Furniture
Steps #5 & #6: Elimination Or Treatment
The best way to get rid of allergens in your carpet and upholstery is to get rid of the carpet and upholstery. Hard surface floors like tile or wood and furniture such as wood or leather will not harbor allergenic particles.
If you are unable or unwilling to take the previous step, a good alternative is to apply a home treatment regularly.
Allergy Proofing To Control Humidity
Step #7: Keep Humidity Around 45%
If you live in an area where humidity is high especially in summer months, you may need a dehumidifier to control the relative humidity in your home. This is an important step to control mold and dust mites - both thrive in a warm, moist habitat. A humidity gauge can come in handy to monitor humidity levels.
Allergy Proofing Surfaces That Collect Dust
Step #8: Dust All Surfaces Often
What we call household dust is comprised of many types of particles including allergens. That is why frequent dusting is important for an allergy proof bedroom. And using the right tool makes any job easier. We offer products for dusting blinds, for reaching high surfaces like bookshelves and ceiling fans, for hard surface floors, for furniture, and even an unscented furniture polish. |
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Closing Thoughts
Becoming healthier is usually at the top of my New Year's Resolutions. I hope the steps above help you have a healthier 2011. You can share your thoughts about our products and our service by posting on our Facebook Page. |
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