Dead skin cells from humans and pets is a primary food for dust mites. We shed about 1.4 grams of dander(skin cells and scales) per day and may scatter anywhere in the house, a large portion of it can accumulate in furnitures, mattresses and carpets. Our shedding skin provides a lot of food for dust mites and where the food is, its population grows.

The good thing about dust mites is that they are not carriers of disease. Some people however are allergic to their feces and some asthmatics may have allergic reactions to them.

How many dust mites can populate a mattress? Tens of thousands of them but you cannot see them because their size is too small for the naked eye, 250 to 300 microns. If they were to fall in line, it would take approximately 4000 of them to measure 1 millimeter. What's more their bodies are translucent.

A good nesting ground among mattresses are the coil spring and foam types. Air mattresses are exempt from this because the materials used are not suitable for nesting. the only thing where dust mites may accumulate in air mattresses are the bed covers and pillows but that's easier to wash and clean than the mattress itself.

100,000 to 10 million dust mites can thrive in a used mattress. It's a good nesting ground for them. Imagine that population and the droppings or feces that result. If you are experiencing itchiness on your face while lying in your bed without any visible cause like mosquitos, chances are that dust mites are crawling on your face.

The feces of dust mites may float in the air whenever you step in the carpet, sit on the sofa, dust your bed, etc. Those who may be allergic to the feces of dust mites may have respiratory symptoms usually sneezing, itching and watery eyes. Asthmatics could experience difficulty in breathing.

If you have a member or members of your household who experience respiratory symptoms or who have asthma, it would be advisable to minimize or to eliminate the possible breeding grounds of these mites; carpets, draperies, couches covered with fabric and your children's stuffed toys. Don't get rid of those stuffed toys though because it would break the heart of your children.

Dust mites thrive well in warm and humid areas. More can be found in non air conditioned rooms. This is one thing you may have control inside your house. Keep rooms under 70 degrees and humidity below 50% using a dehumidifier.

To prevent too much accumulation of these dust mites in your bed; wash the pillows, bed covers or mattress covers and blankets every week preferrably in hot water. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean all accessible parts of the especially the foam and coil spring types. Air mattress beds are easier to clean.

Experts also recommended that mattresses be covered or wrapped in plastic to prevent dust mites from nesting inside the mattress. This is not applicable for air mattresses though.

For your sleeping comfort and healthy respiration, its wise to choose an air mattress bed. It gives excellent posture support while sleeping which gives you a restful night's sleep.