Preliminary test of encasement of bedding with the high-density fabric for reducing house-dust mites (Acari : Pyrogliphidae)

Abstract

The effect of encasement of bedding with high-density fabric was examined in an effort to prevent infestation with house-dust mites. The study was conducted using the bedding of 22 asthmatic patients. They were divided into 2 groups; floor bedding (futon mattress), blanket and pillow encased with a high-density fabric were supplied to 1 group, and to the other group bedding was supplied without such encasement. Both of the encased and unencased bedding were wrapped in cotton sheets. Dust was collected from 2m^2 of the upper surface of the cotton sheet before and 4 weeks after the encasement. The mites found were mostly Dermatophagoides. The numbers of both live and dead mites decreased significantly by the encasement. The proportion of futon mattress infested with more than 10 live mites/2m^2 was lower in the encased (0/8) than in the unencased bedding (2/14) after 4 weeks. That with dead mites was also lower in the encased than in the unencased bedding (1/8 and 9/14,respectively).