How MiteGuard dust mite barrier bedding covers work
MiteGuard® dust mite barrier covers work by using a 100% natural cotton fabric woven so tightly that the gaps between fibres are as small as 3.5 microns. Dust mites measure 200-300 microns and their allergen particles 10-30 microns, so this precision microweave stops both from reaching the sleeper, while still letting the fabric breathe.
The size difference, to scale
How does the barrier fabric actually stop dust mite allergen?
Because the cotton fibres are woven so tightly together, the fabric creates a physical barrier between the bed and the sleeper that dust mites and their allergen particles can't pass through — including the faecal particles and body fragments that carry most of the allergen.
MiteGuard fabric and construction methods have been independently tested with live allergen in an international laboratory, and were developed with a leading New Zealand microbiologist. For more on what actually neutralises dust mite allergen day to day, see our breakdown: What Actually Kills Dust Mites?
- Proven to block dust mite and cat allergen to below detectable levels (>99.9%)
- Breathable: 86% of the airflow that passes through a standard poly/cotton sheet still passes through a MiteGuard cover
How does MiteGuard's complete encasement design work?
Every MiteGuard cover fully encases the mattress, duvet, pillow or cushion, forming a complete allergen barrier rather than a partial one. Full encasement matters because dust mites live and breed inside the mattress itself — see where dust mites actually come from for the full picture.
- Extra-strong cotton tape secures every seam
- Durable YKK zips throughout
- An internal flap closure shields the zip — keep it flat against the zip when closing
- Natural, unbleached, formaldehyde-free cotton — occasional flecks or coloured threads in the weave are normal, not a fault
Our covers are easy to care for — see product care for washing and drying guidance, or read more about dust mite allergy symptoms and triggers.
Why did precision microweave replace older barrier fabrics?
Towelling-surfaced "barrier" covers, still sold by some brands, aren't recommended: their deep pile traps skin particles and humidity — ideal conditions for dust mites to thrive if not washed weekly — and as partial (fitted-sheet) covers with restricted airflow, they can force allergen out of the mattress into the bedroom air every time the sleeper moves.
(1) Owen S., Morganstern M., Hepworth J., Woodcock A. Control of house dust mite antigen in bedding. Lancet 1990; 335: 396-97.
(2) Vaughan J.W., McLaughlin T.E., Perzanowski M.S., Platts-Mills T.A.E. Evaluation of materials used for bedding encasement: Effect of pore size in blocking cat and dust mite allergen. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999; 103: 227-31.
MiteGuard covers are made in New Zealand from fully researched, proven effective allergen barrier fabrics. All our covers come with a 5 year manufacturer's guarantee.
