hakcayurek
07-30-2006, 02:13 PM
We are expecting a baby very soon. As the time approaches, our anxiety grows. Now, we are trying to make a decision for the crib mattress. We have read BBB and looked at this great forum. The majority think that the foam mattresses are the way to go. Our only concern is the chemicals in the mattresses. We have read the discussions about New Zealand study of wrapping etc. Although we are aware that it has since been disputed, we still think some underblanket is necessary. If the baby urinates and it leaks to the blanket, it may be a good environment for the bacteria to grow. In fact, we have just found an article from the pediatrics journal (see below). It says, the type of the mattress didn't make any difference on dust mite allergens but the usage of underblanket did.
In this repect, an underblanket makes sense. A google search returned Baby's Sake website with instructions about how to use infamous Dr. Sprott's wrap. http://www.babysake.com/Howtowrap.htm
Our question is that, are there any dangers of using this underblanket. Do you have any suggestions for underblankets?
Thanks for your replies.
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TITLE: HOUSE DUST MITE ALLERGENS ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATTRESSES
AUTHOR: MICHAEL J. WELCH, MD, San Diego, CA
TEXT:
Mosbech H, Jensen A, Heinig JH, Schou C. Clin Exp Allergy. 1991;21:351-355
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study was to investigate whether different types of bed mattresses result in differences in the occurrence of dust mite major allergens in mattress dust.
Methods
Dust sampling was done on three different mattress surfaces. Concentrations and amounts of the major allergens for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, and Dermatophagoides microceras were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The mattresses were found in homes in the same geographic area. These homes were selected from a list of customers provided by three firms selling different types of mattresses. Twenty-two water mattresses, 12 spring mattresses, and 17 foam mattresses were studied. The homes containing the different mattresses were found to be comparable with regard to age of mattress, use and age of underblankets, size of carpets, type and age of heating, ventilation, and occurrence of pets in the bedroom.
Findings
The concentration of the different mite allergens did not differ significantly between the different mattresses. Interestingly, the lowest concentration of allergens was found in the mattresses using underblankets as compared with the group of mattresses without such protection.
Reviewer's Comments
Allergists have often advised the use of waterbeds to help dust mite control in the bedroom. It has been a well-held notion that mite growth is reduced when a waterbed mattress is utilized in contrast to a spring or foam mattress. Therefore, it was somewhat surprising that no difference in mite concentrations were registered between the three mattress types in the study. The use of a synthetic underblanket did seem to make a difference with regard to mite allergen load. It was speculated that human dander is deposited on this underblanket; and, by washing, this dander is removed, thereby reducing the availability of a major food for the dust mite.
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In this repect, an underblanket makes sense. A google search returned Baby's Sake website with instructions about how to use infamous Dr. Sprott's wrap. http://www.babysake.com/Howtowrap.htm
Our question is that, are there any dangers of using this underblanket. Do you have any suggestions for underblankets?
Thanks for your replies.
--------------------------------------------------
TITLE: HOUSE DUST MITE ALLERGENS ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATTRESSES
AUTHOR: MICHAEL J. WELCH, MD, San Diego, CA
TEXT:
Mosbech H, Jensen A, Heinig JH, Schou C. Clin Exp Allergy. 1991;21:351-355
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study was to investigate whether different types of bed mattresses result in differences in the occurrence of dust mite major allergens in mattress dust.
Methods
Dust sampling was done on three different mattress surfaces. Concentrations and amounts of the major allergens for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, and Dermatophagoides microceras were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The mattresses were found in homes in the same geographic area. These homes were selected from a list of customers provided by three firms selling different types of mattresses. Twenty-two water mattresses, 12 spring mattresses, and 17 foam mattresses were studied. The homes containing the different mattresses were found to be comparable with regard to age of mattress, use and age of underblankets, size of carpets, type and age of heating, ventilation, and occurrence of pets in the bedroom.
Findings
The concentration of the different mite allergens did not differ significantly between the different mattresses. Interestingly, the lowest concentration of allergens was found in the mattresses using underblankets as compared with the group of mattresses without such protection.
Reviewer's Comments
Allergists have often advised the use of waterbeds to help dust mite control in the bedroom. It has been a well-held notion that mite growth is reduced when a waterbed mattress is utilized in contrast to a spring or foam mattress. Therefore, it was somewhat surprising that no difference in mite concentrations were registered between the three mattress types in the study. The use of a synthetic underblanket did seem to make a difference with regard to mite allergen load. It was speculated that human dander is deposited on this underblanket; and, by washing, this dander is removed, thereby reducing the availability of a major food for the dust mite.
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