Each adult sheds about one and a half grams of skin every day. Dust mites are tiny creatures that can live in your bedding and carpets, feeding on this shed skin. This is why dust mite-proof pillow and mattress covers are essential for those with dust allergies. Dust mites thrive in places with people or animals, warm temperatures, and high humidity. They prefer indoor environments where they can find plenty of food like mold spores and dead skin cells from humans and pets. If you are sensitive or allergic to dust mites, you might experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and even asthma. Dust mites often settle in carpets, draperies, stuffed animals, and upholstered furniture, but their favorite spots are mattresses, pillows, and soft bedding. Using dust mite covers can significantly reduce their presence. Studies have shown that children with asthma needed less medication when they used these covers, as the dust mite colonies in their mattresses decreased. However, always consult your doctor before changing any medication. You can find dust mite covers for mattresses, pillows, and box springs at mattress and allergy supply stores, available in various materials.