Table I.

Priorities in the Approach to Decreasing Dust Mite Exposure

I. Bedroom

Cover mattress with plastic or fine woven fabric; cover pillows and comforters with fine woven fabric; mattress pads, sheets and all blankets should be suitable for washing every 1–2 weeks Remove carpet if possible; decrease upholstered furniture, drapes, clothing, etc. Room air cleaner; best to use HEPA filter placed on polished floor

II. Whole House

Decrease to 45% relative humidity or less Ventilate house at times when there is low outside humidity Choose a house with 2nd floor bedrooms Avoid concrete slabs except in the basement and certainly avoid fitted carpets on a concrete slab

III. Specific questions beyond the bedroom

Carpets should be area rugs if possible; ideally they should be cleaned or put out in the sun and beaten Vacuum carpets twice weekly Avoid upholstered furniture as much as possible and reduce clutter to facilitate cleaning