Table A1.

 Recommendations on the use of single measures on HDM avoidance (letters in column 2 and 3 denote grade of recommendation)

Measures used individually	In favour	Against
Encase mattress and pillows in plastic or special allergen proof fabric	D	A *
Hot wash bedding at 55°C and damp wipe mite proof covers every 1–2 weeks	D	None
Remove carpets and replace with hard wood floor	D	None
Use of acaricides on carpets and soft furnishing	D	None
Minimise objects that accumulate dust	D	None
Remove soft toys from the bed as they harbour high levels of Der p 1	D	None
Remove upholstered furniture and replace with leather, plastic or vinyl furniture	D	None
Do not dry clothes on radiators and remove infrequently worn clothing from the bedroom	D	None

^* May be useful if used as part of a range of measures to reduce HDM exposure.

HDM, house dust mite.