Exposure to house dust mites, especially in mattresses, can be a factor in the development of house dust allergies and in symptoms of these allergic conditions.  Polyurethane mattress covers have been manufactured for this purpose because they are allergen impermeable, but permeable to perspiration.  Do they work to protect allergy symptoms?

Polyurethane mattress covers and pillow cases were given to 26 children.  High quality cotton covers and pillow cases (that were not allergy-protective) were given to 21 children in the control group.  Compared to cotton coverings, polyurethane produced significant long-term reductions in dust mite allergens concentrations in mattresses and reduced need for inhaled steroids among children with allergy-induced asthma.  

(Halken S et al: J Allerg Clin Immunol 2003; 111:169-176.)

Comment: The extent to which dust protection helps allergic conditions may depend somewhat on how much dust there is in the child’s bedding to begin with.  This is not the first study to show significant benefits.  These covers can get expensive, so it’s good to know they work.       - H.T.