The Mattress You Sleep on Every Night
Dust mites thrive in exactly the conditions most Indian bedrooms provide: warm temperatures, high humidity, and a steady supply of shed human skin. A 2017 study published in the Indian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found dust mite sensitization in over 60% of allergic rhinitis patients tested across urban Indian homes. The mites themselves don't bite. What triggers the immune response is their fecal matter and shed exoskeletons, which become airborne when you shake out a sheet or sit down on the bed. Cotton mattresses, the older, thicker kind still common in many Indian households, absorb moisture and hold it, creating ideal mite habitat. Washing pillowcases weekly in water above 60°C kills mites. A zippered allergen-barrier cover over the mattress cuts exposure significantly.
