Molds in bed may cause health problems

Our environment is naturally full of microbes. Under normal conditions, these microbes are beneficial for the development of our immune system. If microbial growth occurs in the wrong place, it may cause problems. People spend a significant number of hours per night sleeping in their beds. Therefore, it is inevitable that sweat and skin particles are left behind.

A warm bed and slightly moist sheets may offer beneficial growth conditions for mold. If a person has allergies or a chronic disease, such as asthma, they may react to mold more easily. A study by Woodcock et al. showed that several different types of molds can be found in pillows. The most common was Aspergillus fumigatus, which is a well-recognized cause of allergies (Woodcock et al. Allergy 2006).

If a person shows symptoms at home, it often raises questions whether there is mold in the building. Before taking any further action, it may be worth testing for mold in the mattress or pillows since they are close to the person’s airways during nights. Hygicult Y&F test can easily detect mold in bed. The test can be taken at home and the result is easy to interpret. If there are some colonies on the test slide, it is advised to wash the sheets/pillow, and test again. If there is heavy growth (several colonies), it is advised to purchase a new mattress or pillows.

In the episode 1 of the show Jaksa paremmin, Vesa from the bed manufacturer Unikulma and Laura from Aidian discuss bed hygiene and problems which may occur with microbial growth.

You may watch the show and order a Hygicult Y&F test from here TV-ohjelma | Jaksa paremmin

(Episode 1 of season 10. Video in Finnish, requires free sign up)

Reference:

Woodcock, AA & Steel, N & Moore, Caroline & Howard, Susan & Custovic, Adnan & Denning, David. (2006). Fungal contamination of bedding. Allergy. 61. 140-2.