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| |  Protection From Indoor Allergens Is Right Under Your Nose NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 1996 -- Runny noses, chronic coughing and watery eyes are nothing to sneeze at if you are one of the estimated 60 million Americans suffering from allergies. For many sufferers these annoyances are a year-round problem and their homes and bedrooms -- far from being safe havens -- are often the reason for their discomfort. Since houses today are more energy efficient and tightly constructed than in the past, they trap an even higher concentration of indoor allergens and pollutants that can trigger allergies. "Since most people spend up to eight hours a day -- one-third of their lifetime -- in the bedroom, it is important that this room be the first place to start an allergy control program," advises Dr. Vincent Vaghi, allergy specialist. "For example, bacteria as well as mold, mildew and dust mites -- common indoor allergens -- thrive in pillows, bedding, carpets and stuffed toys," he warns. Fortunately, there are ways you can alter this allergen-filled environment. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a voluntary, non- profit patient-advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., has a few tips to help reduce your exposure and wake-up refreshed. -- Purchase Hypo-Allergenic Pillows, Mattress Pads and Comforters with Antimicrobial Fibers Down or feather pillows are a favorite breeding ground for dust mites, another allergy trigger. One of the first steps is to replace them with pillows that are treated with a powerful antimicrobial fiber that inhibit the growth of bacteria and certain mold and fungus. -- Wash All Bedding in Hot Water Cool water, detergents and hot drying are not sufficient to kill dust mites, so wash pillows, sheets, blankets, mattress pads and comforters in hot water. Enclose you fiberfill comforter in a duvet, which can be easily removed for frequent laundering. Make sure to look for hypo-allergenic sleep products that are machine washable and dryable. -- Vacuum and Dry Clean Carpeting Frequently Carpeting and area rugs are another favorite home for dust mites and mildew. Vacuum carpeting and rugs frequently, and be sure to replace bags or filters often. If you are allergic to dust, wear a mask while vacuuming. After vacuuming, allow dust to settle, then wipe all surfaces clean with a damp cloth. "Many people are unaware of the allergens present in their environment that can make them feel miserable, such as pollen, mold, fungus and dust mites," says Mary Worstell, executive director for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. "The key to improving your chances for a good night's sleep is limiting exposure to bedroom allergens," she advises. To help in the fight to keep bacteria and allergens at bay in the bedroom, DuPont Sleep Products recently developed a line of antimicrobial pillows, mattress pads and comforters. Included in this line is the Comforel(R) pillow with Allerban(TM), a powerful antimicrobial fiber which inhibits the growth of bacteria and certain mold and fungus for the life of the pillow. "The demand for antimicrobial products now is tremendous," states Donna Kelloway, DuPont segment manager, pillows. "DuPont as a corporation, sees indoor air quality as an important issue, which is why DuPont Sleep Products has formed an educational alliance with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to educate consumers about common allergens -- especially those that thrive in bedding." For a package of free information including "How to Reduce Exposure to Allergens," an educational brochure with tips on managing allergies, call 1-800-7-ASTHMA.
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