A review of the bio-hazards presented by dust mites in older mattresses Executive Summary Dear Member, Bert H. Jacobson, EDD a), Tia Wallace, MS a), Hugh Gemmell, DC, EDD b) a)School of Applied Health and Educational Psychology, Oklahoma State University. b)Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, Bournemouth, England. Submit requests for reprints to: Dr. Bert H. Jacobson, School of Applied Health and Educational Psychology, Oklahoma State University. Paper submitted July 24, 2006; in revised form September 25, 2006. Sources of support: Support was received from the International Sleep Products Association, the European Bedding Industries Association,and the Better Sleep Council Canada (all non-profit trade associations). A review of the bio-hazards presented
By Duncan Bain PhD
House dust mites are positively linked to numerous allergic health problems. Mites are especially prevalent in mattresses. Older mattresses can be shown to have higher dust mite populations than new mattresses, especially in damp environments. The antigens contained in the mite faeces may continue to build up even if the mite population is stable. Control of mites is probably best achieved by an integral approach combining enclosure of the mattress in an occlusive cover, cleaning, and certainly periodical mattress replacement. In the Author’s opinion extended guarantees and prolonged replacement cycles for mattresses (up to 20 years in some cases) are a cause for concern and the standard industry recommendation of 7 years combined with improved consumer education with regard to hygiene and inimical environment (to dust mites) maintenance is prudent.EBIA Communication - “Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multi-centre trial”
We grasp this opportunity to draw your attention to an interesting scientific study directly involving mattresses, carried out by the Kovacs Foundation in Spain (*). It is entitled
“Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multi-centre trial”
and has meanwhile also been published in the renowned medial journal The Lancet. Though conclusive scientific evidence is still lacking, the study of clearly established a positive link between patients suffering from chronic low-back pain and the beneficial effects of new medium firm and firm new mattresses on their conditions.Subjective rating of perceived back pain, stiffness and sleep quality following introduction of medium-firm bedding systems
Study: New mattress reduces stress
