New mattresses: how fast do they become a significant source of exposure to house dust mite allergens?
BACKGROUND
Sensitization and exposure to mite allergens is a major risk factor for asthma. Little is known about the rate of build-up of allergens in the mite micro-habitats.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the rate of increase in mite allergen levels in new mattresses.


METHODS
Der p 1 was measured in the dust samples collected from six identical new single mattresses over a period of 2 years.


RESULTS
Der p 1 increased significantly at 4 months as compared with baseline level (P < 0.01), but no difference was found between the concentrations at 4, 8, 12 and 24 months. There was a significant correlation between Der p 1 concentration in mattresses at 4, 8, 12 and 24 months and Der p 1 levels in the bedroom carpet at the beginning of the study.


CONCLUSIONS
New mattresses can become a significant source of exposure to mite allergens after a short period of time (< 4 months). There is little justification for advising mite sensitive patients to replace their mattresses as a part of avoidance regime.
Custovic
A
A
North West Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Green
R
R
Smith
A
A
Chapman
M D
MD
Woodcock
A
A
D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D001513:Beds; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology
D000485:Allergens; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D004391:Dust; D006023:Glycoproteins