Allergic pathology, in the last 20 years, has registered a notable increase especially in the most developed countries mainly due, according to recent studies, to a lower incidence of infectious diseases and greater air pollution. An important role is played in this field by respiratory allergies (such as asthma) which, in their broadest sense, involves about 20% of the Western population.

The origin of most allergic manifestations affecting the respiratory system is to be found in domestic environments. It is inside our homes, in fact, that dust mites proliferate (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae).

The problem of dust mite allergy, in particular in its respiratory manifestation, undoubtedly represents a pathology of social importance.

Studies on the geographic and seasonal distribution of mites in various ecosystems in the home have shown that they are found in various niches, including: beds, carpets, sofas, armchairs, upholstered furniture and clothing.

In these ecosystems, mites find the environmental conditions suitable for their life: temperature between 15 and 30° C; high relative humidity (60-80%) and the presence of nourishment since their diet consists mainly of the microscopic scales of our skin (dandruff and skin flaking).

Since their ideal environment is represented by warm and humid places, their presence is particularly concentrated in the bed, in fact, the temperature of the pillow and mattress on which we sleep (from 20° to 30° C), the humidity released by our body (sweat), and the scales that come off our skin due to the skin rubbing with the sheets, are ideal elements for the development of these little spiders.