Bedroom

Mattress & Bedcovers - Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny bugs that are too small to see with the naked eye that live in fabrics. The mattress, pillows and bedding have the most amounts of dust mites.

• Put dust-proof or allergen-proof covers on the bed mattress, box spring and pillows.

• Wipe off plastic covers with a damp, soapy cloth once a week. Use mattress pad over the plastic for comfort. Wash mattress pad, sheets and pillowcases once a week in hot water (130°F); Caution: Temperatures this high may scald skin.

• Use bedcovers that are washable.

• Avoid using pillows, comforters, or other products made with feathers.

• Keep the humidity level between 40 and 60 percent. A humidity monitor can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Stuffed Toy - Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny bugs that are too small to see with the naked eye. They are found in all fabrics, including stuffed toys.

• Limit the number of stuffed toys.

• Choose washable stuffed toys. Wash in hot water (130°F) once a week or put in a freezer overnight, both will kill dust mites. Dry thoroughly. Caution: Temperatures this high may scald skin.

• Reduce clutter and unnecessary clothing in the bedroom and closet.

Cat - Pets

Many animals such as cats and dogs shed skin flakes called dander. Animal dander is a common asthma trigger. Fish, turtles and snakes do not shed dander.

• Consider finding a new home for your pet(s).

• Keep pets with dander outdoors.

• If you can not remove the animal, do the following actions:

  • Keep pets off furniture and out of bedrooms, keep bedroom doors closed.

  • Place dense vent filters over air vents to trap floating dander.

  • Vacuum carpet, window coverings, and fabric-covered furniture when people with asthma are not present. Use HEPA filter vacuums or HEPA filter bags.

  • Consider using a HEPA air purifier to help filter airborne allergens.

  • Bathe animals with fur weekly.

  • Pets usually kept in cages, like gerbils and birds, should remain in cages as much as possible. Clean cages often.

  • Place caged animals away from vents and returns.

  • Wash hand after handling, feeding, or cleaning the animal’s cage.

Carpet - Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny bugs that are too small to see with the naked eye. They are found in all fabrics, including carpets.

• Choose hard-surface flooring when possible.

• Use washable area rugs. Regularly wash area rugs in hot water (130°F); Caution: Temperatures this high may scald skin.

• Regularly vacuum carpet and area rugs when people with asthma are not present. Use HEPA filter vacuums or HEPA filter bags.

• Clean spilled liquids immediately. Be sure wet areas on carpets or rugs are dry within 24 to 48 hours to avoid mold.

Window-Unit Air Conditioner - Mold

Air conditioners are helpful to people with asthma. Running the air conditioner will reduce humidity levels in the house and help filter outdoor pollen, mold spores and air pollution.

• Check drain pans for standing water and mold. Drain and wipe with a damp, soapy cloth.

• Make sure drain pans slope away from the house.

• Check the window sill for standing water and mold.

Drapes - Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny bugs that are too small to see with the naked eye. They are found in all fabrics, including drapes.

• Use washable drapes or blinds.

• Regularly wash drapes in hot water (130°F); Caution: Temperatures this high may scald skin.

• Regularly wipe dust from blinds with a damp, soapy cloth.

HEPA Air Purifier - Pets, Mold & ETS

A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) air purifier reduces airborne allergens and irritants by drawing air through a filter.

• If pets or cigarette smoking is allowed in the home, consider using a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom of the person with asthma or in the living room.

• A HEPA air purifier will also reduce the amount of mold spores in the air.

Space Heater – Nitrogen Dioxide

An un-vented or malfunctioning gas fueled space heater can release nitrogen dioxide, a source of indoor air pollution. Nitrogen dioxide is a gas that can irritate the lungs and cause shortness of breath. There are many different types of space heaters, all of which are a fire hazard and not recommended as a primary heating source.

• If a space heater is necessary, use an electric space heater with an automatic shut off when knocked over.

• An un-vented gas fueled space heater should be the right size for the room being heated and in good working order. Crack a window to allow gases to escape.

• Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector, to alert you to excess carbon monoxide.