The combination of sweat, saliva, dandruff, dead skin cells and even food particles make it the optimal environment for a whole host of germs such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and even tiny bugs to grow.
The most common microorganism that might be inhabiting your year old mattress is bacteria. Old mattresses are breeding grounds for skin, oral, intestinal and fecal bacteria. These can sink into your mattress and multiply in numbers overtime. Another common companion for you in bed are dust mites.
Cotton, wool or polyester batting is commonly used as fill in quilts and down alternative comforters. These are less expensive and more easily laundered than natural down or feathers. Synthetic fibers are best in the form of thermofused (where fibers cross) batting.
Bacteria and fungi accumulate in bedding over time. They not only trigger allergic reactions but may also affect your skin, eyes, and immune system. These microorganisms can worsen asthma and interfere with your sleep.
Germs from respiratory viruses can live a few days, while some that cause diarrhea can live for weeks. Bacteria can live for weeks and can even multiply. You should wash any soiled bedding as soon as possible and wash sheets regularly when someone is sick.
MOST HYGIENIC BEDDING OPTIONS
Germs can live on bedding for just a few hours and are able to survive on different types of bedding fabric for different amounts of time. When it comes to health and the risk of getting sick, the less chance of germs surviving, the better.
Although many people think that bed bugs can only be found in dirty beds, this is completely false. Bed bugs are solely attracted to anywhere blood can be easily accessed, so no matter the cleanliness of your bed, you'll still be at risk.
Due to sweat and fluids from colds and other viruses, your pillow can harbour harmful bacteria including mold, fungi and dust mites that you will breathe in every night. Studies have shown that pillows could hold up to 1 million bacterial spores that could trigger allergies, headaches and other health issues.
Your bed may host bacteria
Take Staphylococcus aureus, which is fairly contagious and can cause skin infections, pneumonia and worsen acne. Not only have S. aureus been found to live on pillowcases, research also shows that some strains are resistant to antibiotics.
Unhealthy Skin and Breakouts
Your skin is the part of your body that comes in direct contact with your bedsheets, pillow covers, and duvets every night. The dangers hiding in the fibers hence impact your skin first. Bacteria on your linen can cause breakouts, whiteheads, skin inflammation, and intense itching.
Your mattress, sheets and pillows can help ensure—or prevent—a good night's rest. “One's mattress is responsible for proper back alignment, pressure relief, temperature regulation and even pain alleviation,” says Po-Chang Hsu, M.D., a medical expert at SleepingOcean in Boston.
The origins of "bed" have more to do with gardening than with sleeping. Bed comes from the Teutonic word "bhedh" (to dig). Historians explain that, at one time, resting places for both animals and people were dug out of the ground. These resting places were the models for the flower beds of today.
Good bedding is essential in providing insulation, warmth, and comfort. It's unlikely that most will not want to replace linen often, but it is recommended that you do. If this is the case, ensure that they are often washed, reusable for a longer period and that they are of high quality.
Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids: Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most common compounds used to control bed bugs and other indoor pests. Pyrethrins are botanical insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemical insecticides that act like pyrethrins.
Those with skin conditions often find themselves irritated at night due to these microscopic creatures. Imagine burying your face in a pillow, or getting into a bed full of dust mites! In fact, this is a reality for most of us. The bed and bedroom are where typically 100,000 to 10 million mites reside.
Bed Bugs will try to live as close to their food source as possible. They can often be found directly on the mattress in the tufts and folds, along the seam, and even inside the mattress. They can also be found in the box-spring, bed frame, headboard and furniture near the bed.
Pillows and upholstery can carry bacteria, allergens and tiny insects such as dust mites, bed bugs and fleas. Here's how to minimize germs in your home's comfiest places.
A recent study found that even after a week of washing, the average pillowcase still has over 170,000% the number of bacteria as a toilet seat. Per square inch, they contain 24.90% bacilli, 40.76% gram negative rods, 11.58% gram positive cocci, and 22.75% gram positive rods.
Sleeping on Germs
A newer mattress has only three million CFUs of bacteria, but by the time it is 7 years old, it has over 16 million. That's a lot of company to host every night.
Memory foam, latex, and cotton are some of the most popular options and they offer comfort and spine support while being affordable. If you are constrained by tight budgets, then feather pillow stuffing will do the job. If you can extend your budget, then down pillow stuffing can work well for you.
The average American has two to three pillows on their bed that are stuffed with polyester (a synthetic), feathers, down materials, or a combination of the latter two. The least expensive pillow stuffing we manufacture is polyester, although it is the most durable, easily washed, and causes few allergic reactions.
Use hot water and a heavy-duty detergent, as high temperatures can help get rid of any remaining bed bugs and their eggs. It's also a good idea to put your bedding in the dryer set to the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes, as this can help kill off any remaining bed bugs and their eggs.
No matter how flawless your mattress appears on the outside, your bed sheets may tuck away a breeding ground for pests ranging from bed bugs to dust mites right where you sleep. These pests really make a person itching miserably at night when they should be sleeping soundly in their bed!
If you're suddenly experiencing signs of a bed bug infestation in your home for the first time, they likely snuck their way in as a stowaway on a purse, luggage, or clothing. Secondhand furniture, particularly mattresses, box springs, couches, and chairs, may be harboring hungry bed bugs.