Protect A Bed

Protect A Bed

It's been long proven that asthma can be trigged from the continual exposure to dust mite allergens. Around 30 to 40% of Australians are allergic to dust mites and while mites are no parasitic, each year they are still responsible for up to 60,000 deaths worldwide for their association with asthma.

One of the primary places dust mites accumulate is in a mattress, with the typical mattress containing anywhere from 100,000 to 1 million mites. At any one point only 5% of these dust mites are alive, and it's their faecal pellets and the dead dust mites that contain a series of proteins that are highly allergenic for susceptible people, causing everything from a blocked, running nose, sneezing and itching eyes to a severe asthma attack.

Protect-A-Bed®, an Australian manufacturer of hygienic bedding protection products, advises that asthma sufferers need to assess their sleeping environment as one of the first steps to alleviating the risks involved with being in high allergen surroundings.

"Often people seek medical assistance before assessing the environment they live in. They need to understand just how big a role the sleep area plays when it comes to their health," said CEO of Protect-A-Bed, David Kaplan. "Mattress and pillow protectors are vital for keeping the sleep environment allergy-free, however people don't realise that not all bedding protection products are made equally and choosing the right protector is just as important."

"Dust mites thrive in dark, dense, warm habitats, so mattresses, quilts and pillows serve as a breeding ground for mites," added Kaplan.

When it comes to reducing allergen exposure in bedrooms, CSIRO Entomology researcher Dr Matthew Colloff's advice includes the use of a mattress protector, in combination with other anti-mite measures. While mattress protectors may be the most effective method of isolating people from the mites and allergens in their bedding, unless old mattresses and pillows are also treated, the mites will continue to survive beneath the protector; the majority of studies suggest clinical improvement following the use of mattress protectors when combined with cleaning measures.

Protect-A-bed®'s AllerZip® mattress protector is a full mattress encasement that includes a three-sided zipper system for complete protection against dust mites. Unlike other mattress protectors, the system comprises of a protective dust mite barrier that prevents mites from penetrating through the fabric.

Australia has the second highest prevalence of asthma in the world, with one in four children, one in seven teenagers and one in ten adults suffering from the condition; according to the National Asthma Council Australia, asthma is one of the most common reasons for hospital admissions in children.

Additional allergen avoidance tips:

Dust mites thrive in humid environments- airing fabrics in direct sunlight reduces humidity and dehydrates dust mites

Reduce indoor humidity by using dehumidifiers/air conditioners

Use hypoallergenic bedding

Wash bedding monthly in hot water (above 55 degrees) to kill dust mites and remove allergens from fabric

For wash temperatures 55 degrees, the use of laundry additives such as benzyl benzoate or essential oils of tea-tree and eucalyptus can have a lethal effect on dust mites

Domestic redesign reduces the available habitat for dust mites and involved the replacement of carpets with vinyl, tiles or bare wooden floors

Regular dusting and vacuuming will help remove dust from carpet and textile furnishings.

AllerZip® Fully Encased Protectors
There is no better protection for your mattress than Protect-A-Bed®'s AllerZipe® allergy control bedding products. Protect-A-Bed®'s full mattress encasements ensure total protection from allergens and dust mites which are key triggers for asthma sufferers, as well as other conditions like eczema and rhinitis. Not all mattress protectors are made equal- AllerZip® provides mattress protection for a completely healthy and allergy-free sleep environment, while significantly extending the life of your mattress. Mattress protectors are available in terry, or smooth surface.

Dust mite barrier and allergy protection

Certified by an Entomology Laboratory to be bed bug proof

Superior protection against bed wetting

Protects against allergens such as pet dander, pollen and mould

Full mattress or base encasement for total bed bug protection

Breathable, waterproof and absorbent

100% cotton terry surface

Cool and comfortable to sleep on.

BugLock® 3-sided zipper system and Aller-Zip® seal for complete protection against allergens, dust mites and bed bugs. Bug entry, escape and bite proof.

AllerZip® Mattress Protector- Terry available in:
Single 92 x 188cm - RRP $99.99
Extra Long Single 92 x 204cm - RRP $109.99
King Single 107 x 204cm - RRP $119.99
Double 138 x 188cm - RRP $139.99
Queen 152 x 204cm - RRP $179.99
King 183 x 204cm - RRP $199.99

AllerZip® Mattress Protector- Smooth available in:
Single 92 x 188cm - RRP $89.99
Extra Long Single 92 x 204cm - RRP $95.99
King Single 107 x 204cm - RRP $99.99
Double 138 x 188cm - RRP $119.99
Queen 152 x 204cm - RRP $139.99
King 183 x 204cm - RRP $159.99

Protect-A-Bed® Dust Mite Facts

Dust mites are less than half a millimeter long, with an average life span of six weeks in optimal conditions

Mites' faeces and decomposed bodies contain proteins that are highly allergenic- causing everything from a blocked, running nose, sneezing and itchy eyes to a severe asthma attack

Each mite produces 20 faecal pallets a day, which are easily inhaled when bed-making or vaccuming as this makes them airborne

One of the primary places dust mites accumulate is in a mattress, with the typical mattress containing anywhere from 100,000 to 1 million mites. At any one point, only five per cent of dust mites in a bed are alive

Dust mites feed on human skin scales/flakes and fungi

Many Australian cities offer warm, humid environments that make them well-suited as breeding grounds- Sydney and Melbourne are particular hot spots

In the home, dust mites settle in dense areas that have optimal temperature, humidity and food resources

Clinical trials and studies have shown that reducing allergen levels in the home by at least 95% can alleviate symptoms.

Top five tips for reducing dust mite exposure in the bedroom:
1.Expose mattresses to the sun- dust mites are very susceptible to dehydration
2.Wash bedding weekly with teatree or eucalyptus oil in 55 degree C plus water, which kills mites and washes away allergens
3.Replace soft toys in bedrooms with wooden or plastic ones, or hot-wash them weekly
4.Use hypoallergenic bedding products to minimise exposure to dust mite allergens
5.Regular dusting and vacumming will help remove dust from carpet and textile furnishings.

Protect-A-Bed® (Snugfit Australia Pty Ltd) is a proud Australian manufacturer of premium bedding protection products and is the world's number one selling mattress protector. Established in Australia 16 years ago, today Protect-A-Bed® has partners and distributors in 28 countries worldwide.

Protect-A-Bed® is dedicated to improving the sleep environment of every Australian for better health and quality of sleep. Every mattress, quilt and pillow needs protection against breeding bacteria and dust mites allergens which are the major causes of asthma allergies and eczema. Protect-A-Bed® also has solutions for bed bug infestations which are at pandemic proportions in the USA and have risen by 4600% since 2000 in Australia. The range of products includes state-of-the-art mattress protectors, full mattress encasements, pillow protectors and cot mattress protectors deigned to promote health and hygiene while allow for allergy-free, comfortable and luxurious sleep.

For more information about Protect-A-Bed please visit www.protectabedcom.au

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