Pillow Dust Mites: How to Protect Yourself and Keep Your Pillow Clean

8 min read

What Are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are microscopic arthropods (related to spiders and ticks) that feed on dead human skin cells. They are invisible to the naked eye, measuring about 0.2 to 0.3 millimetres. Every person sheds about 1.5 grams of skin cells per day, enough to feed a million dust mites.

Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius and relative humidity above 50%. Canadian homes in winter, with central heating and closed windows, create ideal conditions. Bedrooms, particularly pillows and mattresses, are their preferred habitat because of the combination of warmth, moisture (from body heat and perspiration), and abundant food (skin cells).

Why Pillows Are a Dust Mite Haven

Your pillow is the perfect storm for dust mites:

• Temperature: Your head radiates heat all night, keeping the pillow warm
• Moisture: Perspiration and exhaled moisture create humidity inside the pillow fill
• Food: Skin cells shed from your scalp and face accumulate in the pillow
• Shelter: The fibrous fill of most pillows provides hiding places where mites can reproduce undisturbed

Research has shown that a pillow used for two years without washing or a protector can have 10% to 15% of its weight made up of dust mite droppings and dead mites. While this statistic is frequently exaggerated online, the core fact is accurate: pillows accumulate significant biological material over time.

Health Effects of Dust Mite Exposure

Allergic Reactions

Dust mite allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing, especially upon waking
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth, or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Coughing
• Facial pressure and pain

Asthma Triggers

For people with asthma, dust mite exposure can trigger or worsen attacks. The Canadian Lung Association lists dust mites as one of the top five indoor asthma triggers. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing, especially at night or early morning.

Skin Reactions

Some people develop eczema flare-ups from dust mite exposure. The allergen can cause itching, redness, and rash on skin that contacts mite-infested bedding.

How to Eliminate Dust Mites from Pillows

Hot Washing

The most effective method. Wash pillows in water at 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher. This temperature kills dust mites and denatures the allergen protein in their droppings. Wash every 3 to 6 months. See our feather and down pillow guide for washing instructions specific to down pillows.

High-Heat Drying

Tumble dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes after washing. The heat kills any mites that survived washing and removes residual moisture that would attract new mites.

Freezing

For pillows that cannot be hot washed (some memory foam), place the pillow in a sealed plastic bag and freeze for 24 hours. Freezing kills mites but does not remove the allergen (droppings remain). Follow with vacuuming or airing in sunlight to remove debris.

Sunlight Exposure

UV light from direct sunlight kills dust mites and helps dry out moisture. Place pillows in direct sunlight for 3 to 4 hours. This is a good supplementary method but less effective than hot washing.

Best Pillow Materials for Allergy Sufferers

Prevention Strategies

1. Use Dust Mite Proof Pillow Protectors

This is the single most effective step. A dust mite proof encasement is a tightly woven fabric cover with a zipper that completely seals the pillow. The weave is too tight for mites or their droppings to pass through. Good protectors cost $10 to $25 CAD each and last for years.

At Mattress Miracle, we carry pillow protectors that block dust mites, bacteria, and fluids while remaining breathable and comfortable.

2. Wash Pillowcases Weekly

Even with a protector, wash your pillowcase every week in hot water. The pillowcase is the outermost layer and collects the most skin cells and moisture.

3. Keep Bedroom Humidity Below 50%

Dust mites cannot survive in humidity below 40% to 50%. In Canadian winters, indoor humidity can drop below this naturally. In summer, use a dehumidifier or air conditioning to keep levels in check. A hygrometer ($10 to $20 CAD) lets you monitor bedroom humidity.

4. Replace Pillows on Schedule

• Polyester fibre: every 6 to 12 months
• Down alternative: every 1 to 2 years
• Feather/down: every 2 to 3 years
• Memory foam: every 2 to 4 years
• Latex: every 3 to 5 years

5. Air Your Bedroom

Open windows for 15 to 20 minutes daily when weather permits. Fresh air circulation reduces humidity and disrupts the warm, stagnant conditions mites prefer.