ANTI-MITE PRODUCTS

MITE-PROTEX Anti-Mite Beddings

BRAND: MITE-PROTEX

• According to the Consumer Council Issue 548 (June 2022) test results show that MiteProtex mites are effectively inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with excellent antibacterial performance
• Completely block the penetration of dust mites
• Does not contain azo dyes and formaldehyde
• No serious shrinkage or discoloration after washes

Consumer Council｜Test 15 antibacterial or anti-mite bed sheets, MITE-PROTEX 蟎可敵 & Natural Home is the strongest anti-bacterial

• Original URL: https://www.hk01.com/article/781563?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
• CHOICE Magazin#548 Consumer Council
• Leaflet

House dust mites

House dust mites need to absorb moisture in the atmosphere to remain alive. Therefore, their growth rate is directly affected by the relative humidity in the environment. Relative humidity of 55-75%, together with a temperature of 25 degrees is the ideal environment for their growth. Under these circumstances, their life cycle is around 15 days.

The droppings from house dust mites contain high levels of allergens. Since these allergens have enzymatic activities, they can easily penetrate protective layers of the skin and mucous membrane, making them very potent. House dust mites are arachnids and not insects, and are relatives of spiders and fleas. Common household insecticides are ineffective against them.

How to reduce house dust mite allergens?

In order to reduce house dust mite allergens in the environment, we need to reduce the growth of the mites as well as remove the allergens themselves. As mite growth depends on humidity, reducing the relative humidity to below 50% for 5 days can kill the mites.

Allergen-proof cover is a very effective way of reducing allergens. House dust mites mainly live in mattresses, pillows, comforters, carpets and upholstery. As we spend a lot of time in bed, bedding should be covered with an allergen-proof material. The best option is microfiber, as this material is so densely woven that the minute allergen particles cannot pass through, while allowing moisture to pass through to prevent humidity build-up. Do not use materials that cannot be washed, that are not breathable or those that contain chemicals.

In general, allergen-proof covers should be washed every two to four weeks in warm water, and regular bedsheets should be washed weekly at 55 degrees of above. Mattresses should be regularly cleaned with a vacuum cleaner fitted with HEPA filter, and professionally cleaned once or twice a year. Items that cannot be washed can be heated to above 55 degrees in a dryer for at least 10 minutes. Items that cannot be heated can be placed in a household freezer for at least 24 hours to kill the mites, and then washed in cold water. Dry cleaning might not be effective in removing dust mite allergens.

Many people believe that synthetic pillows are less allergenic than feather, but the reverse is true. Studies have shown that feather pillows harbor fewer dust mites because the casing tends to be of higher quality and is more tightly woven. Dust mite allergen particles are between 5 to 10 micrometres in diameter, and the mites themselves are around 20 micrometres. Therefore, microfiber materials with a pore size of 6 micrometres or less should effectively form a barrier against allergen penetration. It is important to have good breathability in order to reduce moisture build-up, especially in humid environments such as Hong Kong. Therefore, avoid using non-woven or too tightly woven materials.