so i was recently diagnosed with an allergy to dust mites. (cats, also, but i'm not concerned with that one at this time.) i've heard a lot of random tips from people as to things to do/not do to alleviate my suffering. i'd like to get some hot tips from the MTGS community at large as well.
for the record... my doctor has me taking singulair, and i just started the allergy shot routine this past week.
i've heard that "hypo-allergenic" pillows are actually worse for dust mite allergies. does anyone know if this is true?
a redirect to web resources would also be cool. thanks in advance for your assistance.
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That depends entirely on whether or not you are allergic to the material used in making the pillow.
The hypoallergenic pillows I've seen are made of/stuffed with polyester, but some people are allergic to polyester. Others are made of wool and silk... but some people are allergic (or claim to be allergic) to wool and silk.
I'd suggest finding out first which things you are allergic to aside from dust mites before making a purchase of new pillows/bed. You can ask your doctor, or go to an immunologist (if he isn't one) for an allergy test. Its kinda annoying but it can help find out which other things you are allergic to.
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"Sometimes, the situation is outracing a threat, sometimes it's ignoring it, and sometimes it involves sideboarding in 4x Hope//Pray." --Doug Linn
I have the same thing. (as well an a LOT of other allergies just diagnosed)
I tried hypoallegenic pillows, air cleaners, those allergy cases you put your mattress and pillows in, basically followed every suggestion out there. Didn't make a lick of difference. Take the medication routine suggested by your allergist until you find the one that works best for you.
Also, instead of the allergy shots, ask your allergist about allergy drops. Instead of shots you get a specially mixed formula based on your allergies and put 3 drops under the tounge once per night. It's just as effective as the shots, with the obvious benefit of not having to get a needle in the arm every week for 3 years.
I tried hypoallegenic pillows, air cleaners, those allergy cases you put your mattress and pillows in, basically followed every suggestion out there. Didn't make a lick of difference. Take the medication routine suggested by your allergist until you find the one that works best for you.
part of the reason i inquired here is because a lot of what i heard amounted to, "yeah, you're screwed, good luck with that." if that's what it is, then it is what it is. i recently acquired the allergy cases: i started off with a microfiber one that specifically called out for alleviating dust mite allergies. i'm planning on putting it on tomorrow and observing any changes. my mattress is relatively new (~1 year) and, due to a previous bedbug infestation (since remedied), my boxspring is (largely) sealed and i've been using other protective sleeves on my mattress. a coworker had suggested putting the mattress and pillows in plastic cases and then using other coverings to not feel like you're sleeping on plastic; this sounds expensive, so it's last resort trial unless people tell me that's just crazy talk.
Also, instead of the allergy shots, ask your allergist about allergy drops. Instead of shots you get a specially mixed formula based on your allergies and put 3 drops under the tounge once per night. It's just as effective as the shots, with the obvious benefit of not having to get a needle in the arm every week for 3 years.
i'll ask, but there's a chance that my insurance eats the cost of the shots, which may not be the case for the drops. i'm perfectly OK with the shots (but i may have a different opinion later; i've only taken one shot), which was the doctor's recommendation.
Valarin, good luck with your situation. i feel blessed that dust mites and cats turned out to be my only problems, despite the potential of the dust mite allergy being difficult to overcome.
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part of the reason i inquired here is because a lot of what i heard amounted to, "yeah, you're screwed, good luck with that." if that's what it is, then it is what it is. i recently acquired the allergy cases: i started off with a microfiber one that specifically called out for alleviating dust mite allergies. i'm planning on putting it on tomorrow and observing any changes. my mattress is relatively new (~1 year) and, due to a previous bedbug infestation (since remedied), my boxspring is (largely) sealed and i've been using other protective sleeves on my mattress. a coworker had suggested putting the mattress and pillows in plastic cases and then using other coverings to not feel like you're sleeping on plastic; this sounds expensive, so it's last resort trial unless people tell me that's just crazy talk.
I tried the cheap case, the expensive cases, the "special" (more expensive) cases, plastic cases for the mattress, etc. None of it made a lick of difference. Dust mites don't just live in bedding. I tried air filters, HEPA air filters, dust mite specific HEPA air filters, I removed all the carpet from my house, I steam cleaned the hardwoods, I got special vaccum bags and vacuum filters and scoured the house clean, and all I got for my efforts was a lighter wallet and an uncomfortable bed
i'll ask, but there's a chance that my insurance eats the cost of the shots, which may not be the case for the drops. i'm perfectly OK with the shots (but i may have a different opinion later; i've only taken one shot), which was the doctor's recommendation.
Insurance doesn't cover the drops in the US (yet, some insurance companies are considering adding it), they are covered and commonly used in Europe. My drops cost $200 for a 4 month supply. Considering my allergy shots (given the depth and breadth of my allergies) would be two shots in each arm every week, I'm happy to pay $200 to skip 64 injections, not to mention time and hassle driving to the allergists every week for years on end.
Also, shots tend to take at least a year to be effective, drops usually become effective in 6 months
Valarin, good luck with your situation. i feel blessed that dust mites and cats turned out to be my only problems, despite the potential of the dust mite allergy being difficult to overcome.
Ehh, they're just allergies. When I got the test done the testing sites on my arms broke out like christmas lights I've been on the drops 4-5 months now and should start seeing improvement in about another month.
I tried the cheap case, the expensive cases, the "special" (more expensive) cases, plastic cases for the mattress, etc. None of it made a lick of difference. Dust mites don't just live in bedding. I tried air filters, HEPA air filters, dust mite specific HEPA air filters, I removed all the carpet from my house, I steam cleaned the hardwoods, I got special vaccum bags and vacuum filters and scoured the house clean, and all I got for my efforts was a lighter wallet and an uncomfortable bed
no doubt, thanks, this is good to know. i also ripped out the carpeting (which, unbeknownst to me, was about as old as i am, and i'm closer to 40 than i'd like to admit ) in my apartment, after the bedbugs. i was considering buying an air cleaner; your comment above, though, is making me reconsider.
Insurance doesn't cover the drops in the US (yet, some insurance companies are considering adding it), they are covered and commonly used in Europe. My drops cost $200 for a 4 month supply. Considering my allergy shots (given the depth and breadth of my allergies) would be two shots in each arm every week, I'm happy to pay $200 to skip 64 injections, not to mention time and hassle driving to the allergists every week for years on end.
i don't stress the trip to the allergist, actually, as the office and hours are convenient for me, and it's only one needle... though, like i said, i don't quite know how i'll feel about it in a few months.
Also, shots tend to take at least a year to be effective, drops usually become effective in 6 months
if the medication i'm on now prevents me from suffering the main symptom i was facing (repeated sinus infections), i can deal with all the disadvantages for the money savings. the bedbug cleanup cleaned me out financially. i'll pay attention and see if they do get covered, perhaps talk to my allergist about the possibility of switching if and when they do.
Ehh, they're just allergies. When I got the test done the testing sites on my arms broke out like christmas lights I've been on the drops 4-5 months now and should start seeing improvement in about another month.
yeah, when i was getting the scratch tests, i was worried at first because nothing was turning up. my allergist did a second run of the airborne allergens (using a more sensitive test that required injections), and found it then. i'm hoping that i'll see some improvement at some point, as i'd rather not need to be on meds if i don't have to.
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To help with allergies and with goals to limit the amount of chemicals in our household we bought an all natural rubber mattress with all natural rubber pillows. They are quite expensive but we have seen good results.
The mattress does not have any flame retardants, can be flipped, and is rated to last 40 years or so.
The pillows are stuffed with shredded foam rubber and can be opened up to remove just the right amount to get the puff you desire.
I still have allergies but I seem to have less phlegm in the morning. I used to almost gag on it as it dripped down the back of my throat for a few hours every day (I know gross right?). Now, I still have drainage but it is at a minimum. For full disclosure, I've also started to see a chiropractor on a regular basis and exercise a few times a week. Everything together seems to be making a difference.
I find that washing my pillows frequently helps. I just do two pillows and a load and let them drip dry.
I received allergy shot for the past 5 years and they are defiantly worth the time and effort. Now I just have a nasal spray that I use only occasionally and I no longer need shots. If you are getting the shots at an allergist, the nurses there are really good at giving shots and you'll barely feel them.
I guess anyone with allergies knows what it means to try everything.
I personally have tried everything, and at long last some things worked for me.
So here's my review of everything
Hypo-Allergenic Pillows: No difference
Hypo-Allergenic Blanket: Positive effect because I realized I would actually breathe in fibers from other blankets. The dark fibers would actually show up when i went to blow my nose
Honey: small Positive difference. 1 tablespoon of raw honey a day helped
Allergy Medicine: Little to no difference. *crom, *cort, zyrtec,
Decongestants: Negative impact. These actually made my allergies worse for some reason as I built an immunity.
Adjust Sleep position: Tremendous and critical impact since my allergies come in a post-nasal drip
Air Purifier: Tremendous and Critical positive impact. I don't know where I would be without it. My air filter is gigantic however.
Showering before bed each night: Tremendous and Critical positive impact. Keep that dust on your body to a minimum.
Not making your bed: I think this helped. I never make my bed anyway. But when I make it in the morning and come back in the evening it feels gross, and its supposed to increase the proliferation of dust mites.
Shaking your pillow, not placing it on the bed again after its fallen off: Strong Positive.
Keeping windows closed at all times. No difference one way or another for me. Some allergy doctors recommended. But notably Im not allergic to pollen.
Keeping your room clean at all times: positive impact
Vacuuming frequently: positive impact
Nasal Strips: Critical Positive Impact. On the same level as the air purifier.
I hope these suggestions help. Good luck to a fellow sufferer.
In addtion to getting an air purifier for your room, I have found that if you have central heating/air conditioning then a lot of the dust that the mites live in can be in the duct work of your home. So getting your ducts cleaned can work wonders and then replace the air intake filters to your home with higher quality ones.
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for the record... my doctor has me taking singulair, and i just started the allergy shot routine this past week.
i've heard that "hypo-allergenic" pillows are actually worse for dust mite allergies. does anyone know if this is true?
a redirect to web resources would also be cool. thanks in advance for your assistance.
The MirroCube - 420 card Mirrodin themed cube
And if I've offended you, I'm sorry, but maybe you need to be offended. But here's my apology and one more thing...
The hypoallergenic pillows I've seen are made of/stuffed with polyester, but some people are allergic to polyester. Others are made of wool and silk... but some people are allergic (or claim to be allergic) to wool and silk.
I'd suggest finding out first which things you are allergic to aside from dust mites before making a purchase of new pillows/bed. You can ask your doctor, or go to an immunologist (if he isn't one) for an allergy test. Its kinda annoying but it can help find out which other things you are allergic to.
"Sometimes, the situation is outracing a threat, sometimes it's ignoring it, and sometimes it involves sideboarding in 4x Hope//Pray." --Doug Linn
also, i've already been to an allergist: that's how i found out about this in the first place. i did all the tests already. i just want answers now.
The MirroCube - 420 card Mirrodin themed cube
And if I've offended you, I'm sorry, but maybe you need to be offended. But here's my apology and one more thing...
I tried hypoallegenic pillows, air cleaners, those allergy cases you put your mattress and pillows in, basically followed every suggestion out there. Didn't make a lick of difference. Take the medication routine suggested by your allergist until you find the one that works best for you.
Also, instead of the allergy shots, ask your allergist about allergy drops. Instead of shots you get a specially mixed formula based on your allergies and put 3 drops under the tounge once per night. It's just as effective as the shots, with the obvious benefit of not having to get a needle in the arm every week for 3 years.
i'll ask, but there's a chance that my insurance eats the cost of the shots, which may not be the case for the drops. i'm perfectly OK with the shots (but i may have a different opinion later; i've only taken one shot), which was the doctor's recommendation.
Valarin, good luck with your situation. i feel blessed that dust mites and cats turned out to be my only problems, despite the potential of the dust mite allergy being difficult to overcome.
The MirroCube - 420 card Mirrodin themed cube
And if I've offended you, I'm sorry, but maybe you need to be offended. But here's my apology and one more thing...
I tried the cheap case, the expensive cases, the "special" (more expensive) cases, plastic cases for the mattress, etc. None of it made a lick of difference. Dust mites don't just live in bedding. I tried air filters, HEPA air filters, dust mite specific HEPA air filters, I removed all the carpet from my house, I steam cleaned the hardwoods, I got special vaccum bags and vacuum filters and scoured the house clean, and all I got for my efforts was a lighter wallet and an uncomfortable bed
Insurance doesn't cover the drops in the US (yet, some insurance companies are considering adding it), they are covered and commonly used in Europe. My drops cost $200 for a 4 month supply. Considering my allergy shots (given the depth and breadth of my allergies) would be two shots in each arm every week, I'm happy to pay $200 to skip 64 injections, not to mention time and hassle driving to the allergists every week for years on end.
Also, shots tend to take at least a year to be effective, drops usually become effective in 6 months
Ehh, they're just allergies. When I got the test done the testing sites on my arms broke out like christmas lights I've been on the drops 4-5 months now and should start seeing improvement in about another month.
i don't stress the trip to the allergist, actually, as the office and hours are convenient for me, and it's only one needle... though, like i said, i don't quite know how i'll feel about it in a few months.
if the medication i'm on now prevents me from suffering the main symptom i was facing (repeated sinus infections), i can deal with all the disadvantages for the money savings. the bedbug cleanup cleaned me out financially. i'll pay attention and see if they do get covered, perhaps talk to my allergist about the possibility of switching if and when they do.
yeah, when i was getting the scratch tests, i was worried at first because nothing was turning up. my allergist did a second run of the airborne allergens (using a more sensitive test that required injections), and found it then. i'm hoping that i'll see some improvement at some point, as i'd rather not need to be on meds if i don't have to.
The MirroCube - 420 card Mirrodin themed cube
And if I've offended you, I'm sorry, but maybe you need to be offended. But here's my apology and one more thing...
The mattress does not have any flame retardants, can be flipped, and is rated to last 40 years or so.
The pillows are stuffed with shredded foam rubber and can be opened up to remove just the right amount to get the puff you desire.
I still have allergies but I seem to have less phlegm in the morning. I used to almost gag on it as it dripped down the back of my throat for a few hours every day (I know gross right?). Now, I still have drainage but it is at a minimum. For full disclosure, I've also started to see a chiropractor on a regular basis and exercise a few times a week. Everything together seems to be making a difference.
Here is the place we bought the mattress and pillows from.
http://www.lifekind.com/
I received allergy shot for the past 5 years and they are defiantly worth the time and effort. Now I just have a nasal spray that I use only occasionally and I no longer need shots. If you are getting the shots at an allergist, the nurses there are really good at giving shots and you'll barely feel them.
I personally have tried everything, and at long last some things worked for me.
So here's my review of everything
Hypo-Allergenic Pillows: No difference
Hypo-Allergenic Blanket: Positive effect because I realized I would actually breathe in fibers from other blankets. The dark fibers would actually show up when i went to blow my nose
Honey: small Positive difference. 1 tablespoon of raw honey a day helped
Allergy Medicine: Little to no difference. *crom, *cort, zyrtec,
Decongestants: Negative impact. These actually made my allergies worse for some reason as I built an immunity.
Adjust Sleep position: Tremendous and critical impact since my allergies come in a post-nasal drip
Air Purifier: Tremendous and Critical positive impact. I don't know where I would be without it. My air filter is gigantic however.
Showering before bed each night: Tremendous and Critical positive impact. Keep that dust on your body to a minimum.
Not making your bed: I think this helped. I never make my bed anyway. But when I make it in the morning and come back in the evening it feels gross, and its supposed to increase the proliferation of dust mites.
Shaking your pillow, not placing it on the bed again after its fallen off: Strong Positive.
Keeping windows closed at all times. No difference one way or another for me. Some allergy doctors recommended. But notably Im not allergic to pollen.
Keeping your room clean at all times: positive impact
Vacuuming frequently: positive impact
Nasal Strips: Critical Positive Impact. On the same level as the air purifier.
I hope these suggestions help. Good luck to a fellow sufferer.