Do you long for the soft, airy feel of a down duvet, but struggle with a house dust mite allergy? Would you like to reduce the risk of allergies developing in the youngest members of your family? Or do you simply want duvets and pillows that are easy to keep clean and free from dust mites commonly found in bedrooms?
Then pillows and duvets from Nordic Sleep by Fossflakes are the right choice. They are inherently allergy‑friendly – and incredibly easy to keep clean and dust‑mite free.
A runny nose or eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, breathing difficulties, as well as dry skin or eczema, are all common symptoms of house dust mite allergy. Many people experience some or all of these symptoms, but the good news is that there are several effective ways to reduce them.
Why house dust mites cause allergies
There are two main triggers behind dust mite allergies: enzymes found in dust mite droppings and particles from dead mites. Both are microscopic, which makes them difficult to eliminate completely – and both are commonly found in duvets and pillows.
House dust mites feed primarily on shed skin cells, which is why they tend to thrive in beds and bedding. While this may not be visible to the naked eye, it can still have a significant impact on people with allergies.
It’s about moisture – not dust
It’s a common misconception that dust is the main issue. In reality, humidity is the key factor influencing how quickly house dust mites multiply.
Dust mites thrive at temperatures between 17 and 32°C and in environments with a relative humidity of 55–75%. They absorb moisture through their skin, which means that when humidity levels are low, they dry out and die. In other words, the worst environment for dust mites is a warm but dry room.
If you can keep relative humidity below 45% during winter, you can significantly reduce the number of dust mites and help prevent allergy symptoms.
In Denmark and much of Northern Europe, lower humidity is relatively easy to achieve during colder months by airing out the room and then heating it. In summer, ventilation is still important, but humidity levels are often harder to reduce, as outdoor humidity typically ranges between 60 and 80%.
The easiest route to dust‑mite‑free duvets and pillows
House dust mites also die at temperatures above 55°C. This means that duvets and pillows need to be washable at 60°C and capable of drying completely – even small amounts of residual moisture create ideal conditions for mites.
That’s why one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take is to replace down duvets and pillows with fibre‑filled alternatives. All Nordic Sleep by Fossflakes pillows and duvets are filled with fibres that feel like down and can easily be fluffed back to restore volume. The key difference is that they can be washed in your own washing machine and either air‑dried or tumble‑dried. Simply choose a gentle drying programme – there’s no need for dryer balls or repeated shaking during the process.
5 additional steps you can take
- Wait before making the bed, allowing moisture from the night to evaporate
- Choose a mattress on legs or a slatted base, allowing air to circulate and moisture to escape
- Furnish bedrooms with easy‑to‑clean surfaces, such as hard floors and ample space between furniture
- If you prefer rugs, choose ones that can be washed at 60°C
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Do your children love cuddly toys? Only choose soft toys that can be washed at 60°C – and wash them regularly
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