Although plastic mattress covers have been shown to be effective in reducing the amount of HDM allergen in the bed, they have also been found to release volatile organic compounds (VOC). These compounds have been shown to produce airway inflammation and limit airflow after one-hour exposure in animal models.⁶⁶ Their presence in the bedroom has also been associated with type-2 T cell (Th2) deviation and increased allergic sensitisation in children.⁶⁷

Sleeping infants whose airways are in close proximity to plastic may be exposed to high concentrations of VOCs for considerable periods of time.²² Sensitisation to inhaled allergens such as HDM could thus be enhanced either by airway inflammation resulting in increased airway permeability and enhanced allergen presentation to the immune system,^{66, 68} by VOC-induced Th2 deviation⁶⁷ or by a combination of both.²²

Further study is required into the potential adverse effects of volatile organic compounds in the bedding environment.²²

Content Updated March 2005