The gross truth about your bed sheets

You may think that your home’s environment is nice and healthy, but according to several specialists, there are so many domestic microbes including pollutants, allergens, germs and bacteria that can affect your health. According to Philip Tierno, a microbiologist at the New York University School of Medicine the most dangerous place in your home is the bedroom. Although you spend more than 24 hours in your bedroom, you didn’t know that it is a botanical park of more than 1 million dust mites, bacteria, fungi and other microbes. In fact, it is not just your own microbial life you are sharing your bedroom with. In addition to all those microbes that come from your skin and sweat, there can also be pet dander, soil, dust mites and pollen.
You may think that there is no risk for you and your family. But according to a few polls, one in 3 people can have respiratory diseases, including allergies and asthma. Bacteria and fungi found in bed sheets pose serious risks for people with immune suppression. Pillows, mattresses and our bed linen are home for thousands of dust mites. These tiny creatures enjoy living in a warm moist environment. In fact, this is how they survive and reproduce.

How often should you wash your bed sheets?

According to several researchers, the bed sheets should be washed once a week. The mattress should be encased in a special outer cover as well as the pillows and the duvet. These protectors can be easily washed and it is advisable to wash them at above 60°C and even 90°C. It is very important to understand that bacteria and germs grow at body temperature, so if you wash your laundry at 60°C and above, they are not able to survive at high temperatures. Also, it is recommended to use a disinfectant spray to clean the mattress at least twice a year. It is recommended to do that when having autumns or spring clean. More than that, you should vacuum the room as well as the bed. In fact, everything around the bed should be cleaned. Additionally, if you have a pet, make sure you use a blanket for them to lie on and wash it at least once a week at 90°C.

Sheets vs. Pillow covers

You may think that sheets and pillowcases are both equal when it comes to allergens, germs and bacteria. The truth is that pillowcases are more dangerous than bed sheets in what regards this aspect. Let’s see why. Most people keep their faces and heads on the pillows and they come into direct contact with this form of life which can directly affect their health. If you think more about all those tiny creatures that you come into direct contact with during the day, you will be surprised to discover that you bring in your bed an entire Zoo when it comes to allergens, bacteria, germs and other harmful microorganisms. In conclusion, all you have to do is to wash your laundry every week. In fact, if you can, it is recommended to wash your pillowcases even twice a week. Sleeping on millions of bacteria can affect your health pretty much, therefore, pay attention to this factor and take into consideration all these negative aspects when you are too lazy to wash your bed sheets.

How to treat allergies and asthma?

Generally speaking, allergies and asthma attacks are usually caused by the same factors such as tiny particles, also called allergens or allergy triggers. On the list of allergens, you will find dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, bacteria, germs and other microorganisms that can truly affect your health and can be very dangerous especially for allergy and asthma sufferers.

What to know about allergies?

Have you ever wondered what is an allergy and how it affects your body? The main purpose of our immune system is to work hard and fight against bacteria and viruses in order to protect you. When you are allergic to pollen or pet dander, you body release some kind of chemicals like histamine. These chemicals can cause inflammation or swelling. From here to itchy eyes, sneezing or a runny nose is a small step.

What to know about asthma?

If you are an asthma sufferer things are a bit complicated. As you probably know, your airways are extremely sensitive to various types of allergens and when you get into direct contact with them, your immune system works hard to keep them away from you. In simple terms, it overreacts. The most common causes of asthma are allergens including pollen, mildew, dust mites, pet dander and other small microorganisms.
There are many treatments related to these health issues, but to control both allergy and asthma symptoms, you need to see a specialist. Most treatments are based on medications that work to open up your airways. A specialist is well qualified to prescribe nasal allergy medications or nasal steroid sprays that will make you feel better. Also, some treatments include inhaled steroids that don’t make you sleepy and fight inflammation. However, if these treatments are not good for your allergic asthma, you can try something to reduce IgE levels such as an injectable medication.