How Do Dust Mite Covers Work

A dust mite cover is a special cover you can put on your mattress, pillows, and blankets. It stops tiny bugs called dust mites and their allergens from getting through. This helps to keep your allergies from acting up. These covers can also be called protectors or encasements.

Why Use a Dust Mite Encasement?

If you suffer from a dust mite allergy, you might experience symptoms such as eczema, breathing difficulties, or nasal congestion. These symptoms are often more pronounced in bed, where dust mites predominantly reside. Using a dust mite encasement is the most effective way to minimize dust mites in your sleeping environment.

A dust mite encasement is typically wrapped around your mattress, duvet, pillow, and cushions. Made from dust mite-proof fabric, it prevents these microscopic pests from penetrating the material. Here’s how it works:

  1. Dust Mites Die Inside: Any dust mites already present in the mattress, pillow, or duvet will eventually die from starvation, reducing your direct exposure to them and their allergens.
  2. Dust Mites Are Confined to the Surface: Mites on the bedding surface cannot burrow into your mattress, pillow, or duvet, forcing them to remain on the top surface
      • As the encasements confine dust mites to the top surface of the bedding. When you wash your bedding it will contain all the dust mites which will be killed.

     

    Example of How Dust Mite Mattress Encasement Works

    1. Dust mites inside the mattress cannot escape because of the mattress encasement and will eventually die from starvation.
    2. Dust mites on the surface of the bedding have nowhere to hide and remain exposed on the bedding.
    3. Washing the bedding effectively kills any remaining dust mites.

       

      How to Effectively Use a Dust Mite Encasement

      1. Encase Every Bedding Item
      • Pillows
      • Mattress 
      • duvet
      • Cushions
      • Bed Base / Divan
        • You don't need this if your bed frame is made of a hard material, like wood or metal.
      2. Secure the Zippers Completely
      • Make sure the encasement is zipped up all the way to prevent mites from getting out. Also, ensure it is fastened securely, so it doesn’t become loose with movement, such as Velcro or Zip Lock. 
      3. Maintain Bedding Cleanliness
      • Wash all bedding on top of the encasements weekly, as they tend to harbour a higher concentration of mites given the limited places available for them to hide.
      4. Routine Encasements Monthly
      • Wash encasements at 60 degrees Celsius or freeze them monthly to eliminate allergen residues (such as faeces and dead dust mites).

        Our Recommend Dust Mite Encasement Set can be found by clicking here

         

        Common Dust Mite Encasement Questions

        Question: What is the difference between a Protector, Encasement, and Case?

        Answer: They are essentially the same; different regions use different terms. The names commonly used include:

        • Dust Mite Encasement
        • Dust Mite Protector
        • Anti Dust Mite Case

        Question: How do I know the encasement is dust mite-proof?

        Answer: Check the product description to ensure it specifies protection against dust mites, specifically mentioning both the fabric and the zipper. If either component is not dust mite-proof, the encasement won't be effective. For a recommended dust mite encasement set, you can find options by clicking here.

        Question: How often should I clean my encasement?

        Answer: We recommend cleaning your encasement once a month. However, if you're experiencing an allergy flare-up, it's advisable to do so more frequently.

        Question: Do encasements affect my sleep?

        Answer: An encasement can negatively impact your sleep if it isn't breathable, as this may cause discomfort and excess heat during the night. It's important to select a breathable encasement, such as those made from eucalyptus Tencel or Egyptian cotton, to ensure a comfortable night's sleep.

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