Dust Mites in Pillows: What They Are and How to Reduce Them
Dust mites in pillows are one of those subjects that is easy to find alarming and hard to find clear advice about. You will see dramatic claims online about how many mites live in a bed, and plenty of products that promise to solve the problem. The reality is calmer and more practical: house dust mites live in every UK home, they are not a sign of dirt, and there are sensible steps that can reduce your exposure if you are sensitive to them.
This guide explains what dust mites are, why pillows and bedding attract them, what the UK health sources actually recommend, how to apply the advice to your own pillows, and where the limits are. It is general information, not medical advice.
What are dust mites?
House dust mites are microscopic creatures, around 0.3 mm long, which means you cannot see them. NHS patient information describes them as being found in every home, no matter how clean, especially in mattresses and bedding. They thrive in warm, humid and dark conditions and feed on the skin flakes that people shed all the time. They do not bite or sting.
That last point matters. Dust mites are not parasites living on you, and their presence is not a sign that your home or your bedding is dirty. It is simply what happens when warm, slightly damp, skin-flake-rich fabric is available.
Why pillows and bedding?
A bed gives dust mites everything they like: warmth from your body, moisture from sweat and breath, and a constant supply of skin flakes. Pillows, mattresses and duvets are all soft, fibrous and difficult to dry out completely, so they offer plenty of places to live. A hospital leaflet on avoiding house dust mites lists pillows among the places they are found, alongside beds, mattresses, carpets and soft furnishings.
Because your face is in contact with a pillow for hours every night, it also puts you in close contact with whatever is in it, including mite droppings, which is what people with an allergy react to.
Dust mites and allergy
For most people, dust mites cause no problems at all. For some, the proteins in mite droppings trigger an allergic reaction. Allergy UK, the national charity, describes house dust mite allergy as very common. A factsheet from Cambridge University Hospitals explains that allergies develop to the droppings, which can persist after the mites have died.
Common signs of a dust mite allergy include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy eyes, and it can also make asthma and eczema worse. Allergy UK has noted that a runny nose and sneezing are among the most common indicators. These symptoms are shared with many other conditions, so do not assume you have a dust mite allergy without advice. If you think you might, speak to your GP or pharmacist.
It is also worth noting that NHS guidance on reducing house dust mites is aimed at people who have been diagnosed with an allergy. The Cambridge University Hospitals leaflet states that the measures it describes should only be used if a diagnosis of house dust mite allergy has been made. If you are not allergic, ordinary bedding hygiene is enough.
What helps reduce dust mites
It is impossible to remove dust mites completely. The NHS and Allergy UK advice is about reducing your exposure. The measures that appear most consistently in UK guidance are these.
Cover pillows with allergen barrier covers
Special covers made from tightly woven or membrane fabrics stop mites and allergen passing through. The Allergy UK factsheet recommends using allergy-proof covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows. This is different from an ordinary pillow protector, so look for covers described as allergen-proof or mite-proof, and follow their cleaning instructions. They usually need to be wiped or washed regularly.
Wash bedding that is not covered
Allergy UK recommends washing any bedding that is not encased in a barrier cover at 60 degrees Celsius or above, because that temperature kills mites. The charity explains that a cooler wash will only wash the allergen away temporarily.
Freeze pillows that cannot be washed hot
The Cambridge University Hospitals leaflet says an alternative to washing pillows is to freeze them, which kills the mites. It is a practical option if the care label does not allow a hot wash, although freezing does not remove the allergen itself, so washing afterwards matters where it is possible.
Reduce warmth and humidity
Because mites like warm, humid conditions, ventilating the bedroom and letting bedding air can help. NHS patient information suggests opening windows and turning the heating down as part of reducing mite numbers.
Clean the room
Damp dusting and vacuuming with a suitable filter, such as a HEPA filter, are part of the standard advice. The NHS leaflets note that people with an allergy should ideally avoid doing the vacuuming themselves, since it can stir up allergen.
Replace pillows regularly
Advice varies. A local authority guide suggests washing pillows at 60 degrees or replacing them every six months, and Allergy UK advice reported in the press suggests buying new pillows every year. If you are allergic, speak to your GP or an allergy specialist about what is right for you. Our own guide to when to replace pillows give general lifespans for everyday use.
Remember the limits
The NHS leaflet is clear that these measures lower dust mite allergen but do not completely remove it. No pillow, cover or cleaning routine makes a bed mite-free.
Washing pillows: what the temperature means
The 60 degree advice is the most practical point in the guidance, and also the one that people often cannot follow, because many pillows cannot be washed that hot. You must check the care label on your own pillow. Do not wash a pillow at a higher temperature than the label allows.
- If the label allows a 60 degree wash, that is the temperature recommended for killing mites. Make sure the pillow is dried completely afterwards, because damp filling causes its own problems. See how to wash pillows.
- If the label only allows a cooler wash, the pillow will be cleaner but the mites will not be reliably killed. A barrier cover becomes more important.
- If the pillow cannot be machine washed at all, freezing, a barrier cover and regular replacement are the alternatives to consider.
A word on our own pillows: the care labels for our products are still being confirmed with the supplier, as noted on each product page, so we cannot tell you from the website whether a particular pillow is rated for a 60 degree wash. Please check the label on the pillow you receive, and contact us if you would like to ask before buying.
Feather or synthetic?
It is tempting to assume that synthetic pillows are better for allergies, or that feather pillows are worse. In practice, dust mites can live in any pillow, and the filling is only one factor. What matters more is whether you can wash or cover the pillow in a way that actually reduces mites. A synthetic pillow that can be washed hot may be more convenient than a feather one that cannot, but that is a matter of care, not a guarantee.
We cover this in more detail in are feather pillows hypoallergenic and feather vs synthetic pillows. We make no medical or allergy claims about any of our pillows, and the word “hypoallergenic” on a product is not a guarantee that it will suit someone with an allergy.
A simple routine
If you want a manageable plan, this routine reflects the main UK advice. Adjust it to your pillows’ care labels.
- Every week: change pillowcases and other bedding, and wash them at 60 degrees if the labels allow. Allergy UK recommends washing any bedding that is not encased every week.
- Regularly: wash pillows themselves as the care label allows. One NHS trust leaflet suggests hot washing pillows at least fortnightly for people with a diagnosed allergy; ask your doctor what is right for you.
- Day to day: pull back the covers when you get up so the bed can air, and keep the bedroom ventilated.
- Cover pillows with barrier covers if you have a diagnosed allergy, and follow the cleaning instructions for the covers.
- Replace pillows that are flat, lumpy, stained or worn out, and consider replacing them more often if you are allergic.
- Dust and vacuum the room with a damp cloth and a suitable filter.
You can read about general pillow washing and storage in the Pillow Care Guide, and learn how a zipped cover fits in our guide to pillow protectors and pillowcase sizes.
Choosing a pillow if mites are a concern
If you or someone in your household reacts to dust mites, these points can guide your choice.
- Check washability first. A pillow you can wash at a higher temperature, or cover with a barrier cover, is easier to manage.
- Do not rely on marketing labels. Terms like “anti-allergy” and “hypoallergenic” are not a substitute for care and covers.
- Think about the filling’s care needs. Synthetic fillings such as hollowfibre are generally simpler to wash and dry, and our synthetic fill pillows include hollowfibre and microfibre options. We do not claim they are suitable for allergy sufferers.
- Replace on a schedule. Plan for regular replacement rather than expecting a pillow to last indefinitely.
- Ask your GP or pharmacist. They can advise on your symptoms and on what to do about the bedroom.
For an overview of the options, our how to choose a pillow UK guide and the Pillow Filling Guide are good places to start, and you can browse everything in the shop.
Frequently asked questions
Do all pillows have dust mites?
Dust mites are found in every home, and bedding is one of their favourite places, so it is safe to assume that most pillows contain some. That is normal and does not mean a pillow is dirty.
How do I get rid of dust mites in my pillow?
You cannot remove them completely, but you can reduce them. Washing at 60 degrees, if the care label allows, kills mites, and freezing a pillow is an alternative for those that cannot be washed hot. Barrier covers, regular washing of bedding and a well-ventilated room all help.
Does washing a pillow kill dust mites?
Only at a high enough temperature. Allergy UK explains that washing at 60 degrees or above kills mites, while cooler washes rinse allergen away temporarily. Check that your pillow’s label allows a hot wash before you try it.
Are feather pillows worse for dust mites?
Not necessarily. Dust mites can live in any pillow. What matters is how well you can wash, cover and replace it. See are feather pillows hypoallergenic.
Can a pillow protector stop dust mites?
An ordinary protector helps keep a pillow cleaner and is easy to wash. For a diagnosed dust mite allergy, UK guidance recommends allergen barrier covers, which are made of special fabrics that mites cannot pass through. Look for products described that way and follow the care instructions.
How often should I replace pillows if I am allergic?
Advice varies between sources, from around every six months to every year. Ask your GP or allergy specialist what is right for you.
Are dust mites dangerous?
Dust mites do not bite or sting. For most people they are harmless, but for people with an allergy, their droppings can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, a blocked nose and itchy eyes, and may worsen asthma or eczema. Speak to a healthcare professional if you are concerned.
The bottom line
Dust mites in pillows are normal, not a sign of dirt, and not something you can eliminate. If you are sensitive to them, the UK advice is consistent: cover your pillows, wash bedding hot where the labels allow, freeze or replace what you cannot wash, keep the bedroom aired, and see a professional about your symptoms. For everyone else, regular washing of cases and sensible pillow care is plenty.
Sources and further reading
- Allergy UK: House dust mite allergy factsheet (PDF)
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Dust mites in your home
- Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust: House dust allergy
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust: House dust mite avoidance (PDF)
- Portsmouth City Council: House dust mites
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This guide is general information and is not medical advice. If you think you may have an allergy, speak to your GP or pharmacist.