Allergies

Allergenic micro-organisms, like fungi, bacteria, spores and dust mites, exist in abundance in our environment, and the reactivity of our population to these allergens is said to be increasing annually. As most people sleep between five and nine hours a night, allergens in our bedroom are an important consideration due to the long exposure times involved.

Dust mites, and their excretions are said to cause 25% of all respiratory allergies. Dust mites live in furniture, carpet, curtains, and other home textiles. In bedrooms the temperature and constant food supply in a mattress forms an ideal living condition. In addition, each dust mite has 3 pincers and 2 claws on each of its 8 legs, making them extremely difficult to dislodge during normal vacuuming.

The solution to this dilemma was to create an environment in which dust mites, fungi and bacteria could not survive.

All foams now produced for household use contain a specially formulated additive called 'ultra fresh'.
Products treated with 'ultra fresh' control dust mites, fungi, moulds, mildew and bacteria. Tests have shown products treated with 'ultra fresh' to be significant inhibitors of the usual household allergens.

Other actions that reduce exposure to these allergens include regular hot water washing of bed linen and fabrics, and exposure of rugs, blankets, quilts and pillows to direct sunlight.

In general a clean, dust free home (including the pets!), and a well ventilated house will reduce exposure to allergens. Also keep moulds from growing in gutters or bathrooms and in outside gardens close to windows.