Dust mite killer

[foraloysius]

I came across a small appliance that is supposed to help fighting dust mites. Apparently it's kind of an ultrasonic device. Is anyone here familiar with such a thing? I have a dust mite allergy, if these things work I would be interested in buying one. But before I do that I want to make sure I'm not buying some not working gadget. Your opinions please.

Louis

http://www.praktikus.ch/orbiz/DigiT...benbekaempfer--13d1a126458.html?search=milben

 

[petek]

I had one in the garage supposedly for keeping mice away but it didn't seem to work. This is the first time I've seen one marketed for dust mites and somehow I think that's stretching the envelope even farther. Do dustmites even have ears? LOL

I remember reading that a better way to reduce dustmites is to quit making your bed, they thrive on heat and moisture which is exactly what you're giving them when you make your bed up in the morning. Leaving it unmade is supposedly better. Naturally I'm assuming you already make your bed each morning Louis HA

 

[maytagbear]

You'd be better off, dear Louis

if you'd get an ultra filtration vacuum.

My Hoover WindTunnel canister does not have a hepa filter, but if a person uses the ultra filtration bags, it will get dustmites and their eggs.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[retromom]

Of Mites and Men - or how to eliminate Dustmite Dogma!

Hey Louis!

I don't think that there is one machine or solution to dustmite problems. I think that you can control them with a combination of things. If you have a central a/c system, you may want to start with some high-quality furnace filters; electrostatic or disposable. There are also built-in aircleaning/filter systems for central a/c's. I know that Trane manufactures one in the U.S. If you don't have a central a/c system, a good plug-in air cleaner might help.

I think the most important thing is vacuuming. A good vacuum with a HEPA filter, like a Dyson or a water capture vacuum (I use a Rainbow) would really help. It is important to vacuum your mattress and bedding as often as is necessary, since dustmites thrive on the dead skin tissue (ugh) that we leave behind. Throw the pillows in the dryer too.

Changing your environment can help as well; hard floors (no carpeting or rugs), blinds (no curtains), etc.

I put that dustmite gadget in the same category as the ultrasonic mole repellents. Caveat emptor!

Hope this helps - no more achoos for you!

Hugs,

V.

 

[danemodsandy]

Dust Mite Allergies

retromom:

I had to research this issue for a magazine article I did a few years ago, and here's what I found:

The allergy is not, strictly speaking, to the dust mites themselves. It is, rather, to a specific protein contained in their droppings. The droppings are one-twentieth the size of the dust mites themselves.

The only thing that will filter out the droppings is a HEPA certified filtration system on a vacuum cleaner, and the HEPA filter must be maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions to gain the full benefit of HEPA filtration.

Many modern vacuums are capable of filtering out the dust mites themselves, which will certainly do some good (every mite gone is a mite that can't leave droppings). But to get rid of what causes the allergic reaction, you need HEPA.

Conversely, if you are NOT allergic, then standard filtration will take care of your actual needs, and you do not need to spend the money on HEPA filters, which are very expensive.

 

[foraloysius]

Thanks y'all!

The dust mite allergy is part of my asthma. I soon have an appointment with the lung nurse in the hospital to talk about measures. I'm sure all these things will be part of her advice. My main problem is that my bedroom and study are actually one room. There are booshelves with books, that's a particular problem. Also some antique furniture with upholstery. An appliance that could kill would come quite handy!

Actually I started leaving the bed open quite a while ago. I will apply for special anti dust mite mattress covers with my health insurance. And fortunately I decided to have hard floors everywhere when I moved into this apartment.

Overhere hardly anyone has central air (although that might change when the climate is changing). I have plug in air cleaner and a dehumidifier. That seems to help a little. And I'm keeping the apartment at a higher temperature now to keep the humidity down.

My vacuum is a ten year old Miele and unfortunately there are no HEPA filters available for this particular model. A Dyson is out of the question because it doesn't have a bag. I was advised against bagless vacuums, emptying would be a risk for an attack. So I'm considering buying a Nilfisk vacuum. No hurry though, my cleaning lady mops the floors.

Hugs,

Louis

 

[retromom]

Sandy:

It's even worse than I imagined! I say spring for the HEPA filter to get rid of those pesky droppings! YIKES!

 

[whirlcool]

I think you have a good point there, do dust mites even have ears! I would think that they wouldn't.

Some people use special plastic matress pads and pillow covers to prevent dust mites in their beds. They also sell some chemical you put in your washing machine to kill mites too.

We have a Rainbow vac too, not hepa though. If you think you have only a few mites, just fill the Rainbow with water and then vacuum your bed. All that grey matter on the top of the water is mites and the mess they leave behind! Gross.

We use our Miele vac for bed vacuuming as it is Hepa rated.

 

[chachp]

Does a Water Capture vacuum classify as a HEPA Filter?

I thought it did. I have a rainbow like Venus and I thought this would do the trick. The water sure is dirty (I hate to admit it).

 

[danemodsandy]

There's Clean and There's Clean

retromom:

Obviously, cleanliness is desirable, and those with allergies gotta do what they gotta do.

But for the average person, normal cleanliness is really all that's needed. For those who are germophobes, I remind them: the Earth is made of dirt, and there ain't NOTHIN' you can do about it.

 

[sudsmaster]

Dust mites live on shed human skin. That's the main component of house dust. So the dust mites are EVERYWHERE in your house, where dust can settle, especially the carpets.

HEPA vacuums are good.

Another point is that the mites flourish when they are in an environment with 70% or more humidity. If you can keep the humidity in your home below 60%, then the mite population will naturally decrease.

From what I've read, the mattress may harbor dust mites, but it's hardly the only spot in the home.

Washing with 120F water with a good powdered (alkaline) detergent will kill virtually all the dust mites and their eggs. Naturally it will also get rid of their droppings.

 

[whirlcool]

I always thought you needed a wash temp of 130 F. or higher to vanquish the mites.
Not all Rainbow vacs are Hepa approved, only the E-3 and newer have HEPA exhaust filters on them.
We had a Rainbow (B2) for several years before we got our Miele. The Rainbow has it's uses, but is not nearly as good as the Miele. But the Rainbow does come in handy to odorize the room (we love the Rainbow scents, especially the hospital smelling one) and it makes a great wet vac. We just got tired of dumping the cannister when we were done vacuuming with it.

http://healthandenergy.com/dust_mites.htm

 

[foraloysius]

I got the advice to wash everything above 140F for a certain amount of time if possible. So I wash a lot at 160F, especially bed linens.

Also I was advised to keep the humidity under 55% because above that level the dustmite is able to multiply. Keep the humidity under 45% and the dustmite can't survive, but ofcourse that is hard to realize on the inside of the mattress. My dehumidifier is able to keep the humidity level around 50%. I slept for a week in the guestroom and because it's so small it managed to keep it around 45%. But I wasn't very happy sleeping in the guestroom so I'm back in my own bedroom now. We'll see what happens.

 

[andrewinorlando]

Louis - If you vacate your bed to sleep in the guest room for some period of time, do the dust mites continue to thrive without a human host to leave dead stuff around to eat??

 

[sudsmaster]

Whirlcool,

According to the scientific study I read, 116*F water plus alkaline detergent was sufficient to kill virtually all the dust mites in laundry. The combination of that temperature and the detergent did the trick.

Louis,

Good sealed HEPA bagged vacuums are not all that expensive, at least not here. Eureka makes a copule of good models - the residential "Smart Vac" and the commercial version (which is very similar to the plastic selaed Sanitaire series). Maybe these are not readily available in Europe, though? I got my commerical version for $150 ($50 off at Costco Business Center). I really like it, and I notice that my sinuses don't clog up as much after I vacuum the bedroom.

 

[2drumsallergy]

Powerful Ionizer in conjunction with a Dehumidifier

Hi Louis,
I suffer from severe dust mite allergy myself and I totally understand your suffering.
I have found that the use of a powerful Ionizer in conjunction with a Dehumidifier and regular washing of the Duvet (Comforter) totally prevents my sneezing fits. The Ionizer causes the allergen particles in the room air to become electrically charged, they are then attracted to the floor and walls where they can easily be vacuumed up. I actually have two Ionizers in my bedroom and one Dehumidifier which I have set to maintain a 35% residual humidity. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of moisture the Dehumidifier removes from my bedroom, it removes between 1.5 - 2 litres per day. Where does all the moisture come from?

Anyway I hope you find some relief.

David

 

[sudsmaster]

Where does all the moisture come from?

Indoor humidity comes from a variety of sources. One of the biggest for many homes is the earth underneath the home. If the basement, crawl, or slab is not sealed/vented then this can be a constant source not only of moisture but also radon gas (a major cause of lung cancer) into the home.

Other typical sources include the obvious: cooking, washing, bathing (especially showering). Not so obvious are house plants, and also humans, from perspiration.

Also, humidity tends to equalize throughout the home. It can pass through unsealed walls and floors. So even if you don't eat, shower, or have house plants in your room, the moisture from rooms that do have those activities will find its way.

Ways to reduce moisture, outside of running a dehumidifier, include sealing the home from the ground, installing and using fan driven vents in baths and kitchens, etc. It can also help to make sure the gutter system for the roof is working properly, and that runoff is directed away from the home.

 

[foraloysius]

Andrew,

I don't know how long that would take, since there are books in the bedroom I guess it would take quite a while.

Rich,

I've seen some cheaper HEPA vacuums here too. A few were tested good by the Dutch consumer organisation. One is an Electrolux, the other a Siemens, both under €200.-. The Miele HEPA's weren't tested. I would consider the Miele Medicare too.

David,

I already have a dehumidifier and an ionizer in the bedroom. The dehumidifier is a DeLonghi and it doesn't seem to be able to get the moisture level lower than around 48%, not even in the small guestroom. It just doesn't extract more moisture out of the air. It would be running all day without a noticeable increase of the water level in the tank. What kind of dehumidifier do you have?

Louis

 

[2drumsallergy]

DeLonghi DEC180E

Hi Louis,
It's actually a DeLonghi DEC180E, it is not the quietest of machines but I suffer from Tinnitus so I dont mind the noise in fact I find it helps me to sleep. Could your dehumidifier possibly be faulty? I know within about 30 seconds of my one starting there is water dripping into the collection tank, it might be worth getting it checked out it could be low on refrigerant gas which would make it function poorly or not at all. I believe if you get the humidity lower the dust mites will greatly reduce.

Hi Sudsmaster,
My house has a four foot airspace below the downstairs floors; the floor of the airspace is fully damp proofed and concreted. The airspace has ventilation via air bricks so moisture in the outside air could possibly get in that way but its always bone dry down there. The bathrooms have automatic extractor fans as does the kitchen. We have some house plants but not in my bedroom. My three cats always sleep with me so it could be our combined breath that contributes to the moisture.

David

http://www.delonghi.co.uk/product_page.php?id=168&key=Dehumidifiers

 

[foraloysius]

David,

I have the DEM10, actually it's my second one. The first stopped working after two months due to a faulty power chip. This one works exactly the same as the previous one, so I don't think it's faulty. Perhaps the capacity is too small, but then again I can't imagine it would be too small for the guestroom.

Yes, the humidity should be under 45%, dust mites can't survive under that percentage.

Louis

http://www.delonghi.co.uk/product_page.php?id=167&key=Dehumidifiers

 

[sudsmaster]

David,

When you say the crawl space is "fully damp proofed", do you mean that there is a layer of plastic or rubber membrane under the concrete? Additionally, for fully damp-proofing, I understand it's necessary to vent the area under the plastic seal up a flue to the roof level. This also safely vents any radon gas.

My understanding is that it's good to vent a crawl space, so the air bricks are probably not hurting the humidity levels.

It's possible that the house plants elsewhere in the home are raising the humidity level in your room. Keep in mind that whatever water you put into them will wind up in the home air - it has no place else to go. And humidity seeks its own level. It wants to equalize throughout the home; only a moisture barrier in the walls, ceilings, and floors will prevent it from doing that (think thick plastic sheeting).

One possible way to reduce indoor humidity is to get a dishwasher with condensation drying, like the Bosch/Asko/Miele euro designs. American style models simply vent the bulk of the moisture into the home. The euro designs send most of it down the drain.

The humidity in my home is generally around 60%. It's lower in the winter during dry spells and in the hottest days of summer. I'd like it to be lower but I don't think the dust mites bother me anyway.

Louis,

It's possible that the rate of infiltration of humidity from outside your room is equal to the rate at which the dehumidifier can remove it. But it should still be putting water in the tank no matter what. If it's not producing any water in the tank below a certain humidity level, I also would suspect that it's defective, especially since that model has a history of defects.

 

[petek]

About a month ago I spotted a Delonghi dehumidifier at Value Village, tall tower shaped rounded on top. Anyways I took it over and plugged it in and the compressor came on but there didn't seem to be any fan action. Even though it was only about $10 I decided to leave it figuring it would just end up costing more to fix plus hassles than I wanted to deal with. Wasn't very old either, looked to be a fairly new machine. Come this summer I'll be hauling that 50 year old Oasis out of moms basement over here..

 

[foraloysius]

After a bit of testing I noticed that the humidity is coming down slowly and there is indeed an increase of the water level. But it's going slowly so I guess this dehumidifier is a bit on the small side. Thing is that you need to keep the window closed to reach a significant lower humidity level than outside. Because I don't have central air heating or airconditioning it means that there is no refreshing of the air in the room. So that is not an option. And I don't feel like buying another dehumidifier right now.

Part of the problem has been solved by the way. I was so very short of breath lately that I thought it was the allergy, but it turned out to be a side effect of the new medication I was using for a few weeks now. I even ended up in the emergency room, but the medication is so new they didn't even know it. After a few hours they established there was nothing wrong with me and I was sent home. I stopped using the medication and I feel better now. Not good but at least better. Next problems is new medication again. Sigh...

 

[mickeyd]

When I saw a photo of a dust mite magnified

I knew I had to get them out of the house. When they eat soap, they die, according to an Old Kirby manual. Just to boost the power of the Kirby Rug Renovator, I add a capful of Clorox just to be sure. For the bedding, Tide, Clorox, hot water are decades-old remedies that have never failed. Also I hike up the temp control on the hot water tank to "HOT"

Dear friend, do not under any circumstances search for magnifications of the hideous dust mite.

Best to you and your health

 

[sudsmaster]

Mickey,

Then I guess you wouldn't be interested in magnified images of the microscopic mites the live on every human's skin.

 

[lederstiefel1]

dust mite problem

Hi Louis, I'm natural healer and know a bit about allergies. Thing is that your body overreacts to normal stuff that comes in contact with you. Often it is aproblem that has to do with your biggest immune-system a human being has - the intestines! Have you already tried a clearance of your body and also a changment in your food?
Concerning the terms that make mites grow:
humidity is a must as well as warmth and that CONSTANTLY! Why did people in the old days seldom had these problems? They slept in cold and dry rooms - no central heating! Also it was common even still during my childhood to pile up the triple mattresses in the morning for airing and to shake out linnens and beddings out of the window and air them well to dry them out in the sunlight before beds were rearranged! Our "modern" mattresses are much to big and heavy to do so.
You should go back to that and also hoover the mattress each time you change the linnens. Buy a new mattress as an old one is never to become really clean again or decontaminated and cover it with a dust-proof cover to avoid skin dandruff particles can go into the mattress. Best for that would be a water-bed! Do not use duvets and wash the linnens weekly at 50°-60°C. Turn off the heating in your bedroom for ever and air the room daily very well! Hoover and dust the room and do not allow carpets in it. That should help a lot!

Ralf

 

[foraloysius]

Thanks Ralf for thinking with me. I am doing part of these things already. My biggest problem is that my bedroom and study are one. Since this is a rental I can't change that. I'm even considering moving.

 

[lederstiefel1]

Louis

Yes, that is probably the main problem with your bed - it is situated in a warm place day by day.
Do move!!

Ralf