The National Institutes of Health and Mayo Clinic both suggest encasing pillows and mattresses in dust-proof or allergen impermeable covers. To be a successful barrier to dust mites and their waste, the cover should be made of woven fabric and have a pore size smaller than 10 microns.

You can use a conventional vacuum cleaner outfitted with an upholstery brush to vacuum your mattress. (Be sure the vacuum has a high-quality HEPA filter.) Specially designed bed vacuums are also available.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that typical household insecticides are not effective in dust mite protection.

Before investing in dust mite products, sprays or dust mite protection services, ask your allergist for further advice on removing dust mites from your home.

If you’re buying down pillows or comforters, Johns Hopkins University researchers say feathers should be thoroughly cleaned before they’re stuffed into a bedding product. The researchers say nearly all American feather companies clean feathers routinely, but that some foreign manufacturers do not take this extra step.

Look for quality bedding that will stand up to frequent washings. Sources of information and products include: PrimaLoft, the Martha Stewart Allergy WiseCollection for Macy’s, and the Asthma and Allergy Friendly Certification Program.