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We spend around a third of our lives in bed. It’s meant to be a place of rest and comfort - somewhere we recharge after a long day. However, for many households, the bedroom can also contain unseen environmental allergens, including dust mites.
Dust mites are microscopic organisms commonly found in homes. Because they’re invisible to the naked eye, their presence often goes unnoticed. For some people, especially those who are allergy-sensitive, exposure to dust mite allergens may contribute to discomfort such as sneezing, congestion or irritation that seems worse overnight or in the morning.
Understanding what dust mites are, recognising common signs of increased dust mite presence, and knowing how to manage them can help you create a cleaner, more comfortable sleeping environment.
What Are Dust Mites?
Dust mites are microscopic arthropods related to spiders and ticks. They do not bite or sting. Instead, they feed on shed skin cells from humans and pets.
Because skin cells naturally accumulate in soft furnishings, dust mites are commonly found in mattresses, pillows, bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture and curtains. They tend to thrive in warm, humid environments, which makes beds an ideal habitat.
While dust mites themselves are harmless, their waste particles and fragments can act as allergens for some people. Importantly, their presence is not a sign of poor hygiene — dust mites exist in almost all homes, even very clean ones.
How do you check for dust mites in your bed?
Because dust mites are microscopic, their presence is usually identified through environmental clues or physical reactions rather than direct observation.
1. Symptoms That Seem Worse at Night or in the Morning
Some people notice symptoms that are more noticeable during sleep or upon waking, such as:
- Sneezing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, watery or irritated eyes
- Throat irritation or coughing
- General skin irritation in sensitive individuals
If these symptoms improve during the day and return at night, bedroom allergens — including dust mites — may be one contributing factor.
2. Night-Time Asthma or Breathing Discomfort
For individuals with asthma or respiratory sensitivities, dust mite allergens are a known trigger. Symptoms may feel more noticeable at night due to prolonged exposure while sleeping and reduced airflow in the bedroom.
If respiratory symptoms seem to worsen during sleep, reviewing bedroom hygiene and allergen management may be worthwhile.
3. Visible Dust in the Bedroom
While dust mites themselves cannot be seen, visible dust accumulation can indicate conditions where dust mites are more likely to thrive. Dust buildup under the bed, on headboards, window coverings or nearby soft furnishings may suggest the need for more frequent cleaning or improved airflow.
How Do You Know If You Have Bed Bugs Or Dust Mites
Bed bugs and dust mites can both affect your sleep, but the signs are very different—bed bugs are visible pests that leave itchy bites and stains on bedding, while dust mites are microscopic and typically cause ongoing allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, or asthma flare-ups; if you’re unsure what’s disturbing your sleep or health, read our guide into bed bugs and dust mites.
Why Managing Dust Mites Matters
Ongoing exposure to dust mite allergens may aggravate symptoms in people who are sensitive, particularly children or those with existing allergies or asthma.
Poor sleep quality caused by congestion or irritation can also contribute to fatigue and reduced daytime comfort. Managing dust mite levels is therefore about improving sleep comfort and maintaining a healthier indoor environment — not eliminating every dust mite completely, which is unrealistic.
How do I get rid of dust mites in my bedroom?
Lower Indoor Humidity
Dust mites absorb moisture from the air. Reducing indoor humidity below 50% can make the environment less favourable for them.
Helpful strategies include:
- Using a dehumidifier
- Improving ventilation
- Monitoring humidity levels with a hygrometer
Wash Bedding Regularly
Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets weekly in hot water where possible. Heat helps remove dust mite allergens from fabrics. If hot washing isn’t suitable, tumble-drying on high heat for a short period can also help.
Reduce Clutter Around the Bed
Soft toys, decorative pillows and unused textiles can collect dust. Limiting these items — especially on the bed — can reduce allergen buildup. Washable soft toys can be cleaned regularly, and items that can’t be washed should be kept away from sleeping areas where possible.
Managing Dust Mites in the Bed
If you suspect dust mite levels are contributing to discomfort, the following steps may help reduce exposure.
1. Use Dust Mite Barrier Covers
Encasing mattresses, pillows and box springs in tightly woven, zippered covers can help limit contact with dust mites and their allergens. These covers create a physical barrier between the sleeper and the mattress interior.
2. Vacuum with a HEPA Filter
Vacuuming mattresses, carpets and surrounding areas using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can help capture fine particles that standard vacuums may recirculate. Regular cleaning of the bedroom floor and soft furnishings is particularly helpful.
3. Using Household Sprays (With Caution)
Some households choose to use household sprays to help manage dust mite presence on surfaces.
Important note:
This is a general household tip only. Essential oils and cleaning solutions may not be suitable for all households, particularly those with pets, young children or respiratory sensitivities. Always check product safety guidance, test on a small area first, and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Homemade sprays may help reduce dust mite presence temporarily, but they are best used alongside other measures such as washing, encasing and humidity control.
4. Consider an Air Purifier
An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help reduce airborne allergens that become disturbed when making the bed or moving around the room. While air purifiers do not remove dust mites from mattresses, they may help improve overall indoor air quality.
Creating a More Comfortable Sleep Environment
Discovering that dust mites are a common part of household environments can be unsettling, but managing them is achievable. Small, consistent steps — such as washing bedding regularly, reducing humidity and using protective covers — can significantly reduce allergen exposure.
By focusing on practical changes rather than perfection, you can create a cleaner, more comfortable sleeping space that supports better rest for the whole household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see dust mites with a UV light?
No, you cannot see dust mites with a standard UV light or "black light." While some marketing claims suggest this, dust mites are microscopic and translucent. The only way to definitively see them is under a microscope.
How long do dust mites live in a mattress?
An individual dust mite has a lifespan of about 2 to 4 months. However, because they reproduce rapidly, a colony can persist in a mattress indefinitely as long as there is a food source (skin cells) and adequate humidity. This is why barrier covers are so essential—they cut off the food supply.
Is it better to make the bed or leave it unmade?
Surprisingly, it is better to leave your bed unmade for a little while in the morning! When you make your bed immediately upon waking, you trap the moisture from your body heat and sweat under the covers, creating the perfect humid environment for mites. Pulling the covers back allows the mattress to air out and moisture to evaporate, dehydrating the mites.
Does sunlight kill dust mites?
Yes, direct sunlight can kill dust mites because the UV radiation is harmful to them, and the heat dehydrates them. Hanging your duvet, pillows, and rugs outside on a sunny, dry day is a great, natural way to reduce mite populations. However, sunlight won't penetrate deep into a thick mattress, so this method works best for removable bedding.
Can air purifiers help with dust mites?
Yes, but they are part of a solution, not the whole cure. An air purifier with a HEPA filter can capture airborne dust mite allergens that are stirred up when you make the bed or vacuum. However, because mites mostly live deep in fabrics and carpets (they aren't airborne like pollen), an air purifier should be used in conjunction with mattress covers and regular vacuuming.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not intended as medical advice. If you or your child experience persistent or severe symptoms, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
