FAQs

Dust mite allergy

A mite is an arachnid, invisible to the naked eye, which measures between 170 and 500 microns.
There are nearly 50,000 species, but only the house dust mite is allergenic to humans. Responsible for 60% of allergy cases, these little creatures are not directly allergenic; rather, it is the proteins present in their droppings and the particles from their corpses that cause allergic reactions. To live and grow, mites need warmth, humidity and darkness. They feed on dander, such as dead skin cells and hair, which is why mattresses are their preferred habitat. To learn more about mites, consult our “ What are mites ” factsheet.

The symptoms of dust mite allergy can vary from person to person. However, here are the most common symptoms:

  • Sneezing
  • Nasal congestion and/or runny nose
  • Itchy, watery, or red eyes
  • Feeling of tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing and/or coughing
  • Protect your mattresses, duvets and pillows with a complete anti-mites and filter cover classified as a medical device.
  • Maintain the room temperature at a maximum of 19°C.
  • Maintain humidity levels between 40% and 55%.
  • Ventilate the room every day for at least 15 minutes.
  • Choose a base with wooden or metal slats rather than a box spring.
  • Wash your bedding regularly (see the question on washing frequency).
  • Avoid dust nests such as trinkets, soft toys, unclosed dressing rooms or cupboards, etc.
  • Machine wash your child's comforter regularly.
  • Avoid plants in the bedroom.
  • Avoid textile items like curtains and rugs. If this is not possible, choose washable textiles and wash them regularly.
  • Avoid the presence of pets in the bedroom.
  • Replace carpets with washable flooring. If this is not possible, vacuum the carpet regularly and carefully with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.

ProtecSom anti-mites covers

ProtecSom anti-mites covers are integral protections which completely envelop the bedding elements (mattress, mattress topper, duvet, pillow, bolster, etc.). In this way, they form a mechanical barrier that cannot be overcome by mite allergens, which helps protect allergic patients. The allergens then remain locked inside the cover, unable to reach the allergic patient. ProtecSom covers also cut off dust mites from their food source, such as dead skin cells, dandruff, etc., and thus limit the colonization of bedding.

anti-mites covers show a reduction of more than 62%* in symptoms experienced by allergy patients. (Insert study link)
*62.5% in 2020

Yes. Our anti-mites stand out thanks to their manufacturing under the ISO 13485:2016 process (international standard for medical devices).
To date, ProtecSom covers are medical devices (class 1).
They are specifically designed for patients allergic to dust mites and actively contribute to the reduction of associated symptoms, thus improving the quality of life of allergic patients. The ISO 13485:2016 process ensures:

  • Verified effectiveness: Permanent checks are carried out to validate the compliance of each batch of textile with efficiency standards.
  • Accuracy of information: all information provided to healthcare professionals and patients is in accordance with the technical data of the devices.
  • Compliance with all current standards.

Our ISO13485:2016 certification is audited each year by an independent notified body.

Yes, our ProtecSom anti-mites covers are CE marked.

In France, anti-mites covers do not have a LPP code which allows them to be reimbursed. As a result, they are not currently covered by social security. However, we invite you to contact your mutual insurance company which can, in certain cases, cover anti-mites covers.

ProtecSom offers several ranges of anti-mites to meet everyone's diverse needs and preferences. Each range can offer specific characteristics in terms of materials, comfort and budget. For example, some people may prefer natural materials like Texaal® Cotton, while others may look for the best value with Noxaalon®. By offering a variety of ranges, ProtecSom allows you to choose the protection that best suits your personal sleep and budget requirements.
To discover our ranges, click here .

Yes. All ranges of ProtecSom anti-mites covers have demonstrated equivalent effectiveness. The differences lie exclusively in the textile used, the level of comfort offered, durability and price.

No. anti-mites covers are free from any acaricide treatment, whether chemical or natural. Their effectiveness is based solely on their filtration technique.
At ProtecSom, we are committed to offering you healthy devices. As such, our anti-mites are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 CQ 939/1 certified. This certification guarantees the compatibility of all cover components with the most fragile skin, particularly that of babies.

anti-mites covers are not reimbursed by Social Security . As a result, they are only in very rare cases covered by mutual insurance companies.

ProtecSom anti-mites covers do not undergo any chemical treatment, whether acaricide or otherwise. Indeed, the use of an acaricide does not allow a direct and immediate fight against dust mite allergy. Even though anti-mites treatments will eliminate the mites, mite allergy is not caused by the mites themselves, but by a protein present in their corpses and their excrement. Even after the dust mites die, allergenic particles will remain present in the bedding. This is why covers treated against dust mites are not effective on the symptoms of dust mite allergy.

No. ProtecSom was the first laboratory to introduce anti-mites covers without polyurethane coating to the French and Belgian market. None of the ranges we offer are coated with polyurethane (plasticization), which preserves your sleeping comfort. Laminated covers can be noisy and lead to increased sweating due to their high steam resistance.

All our ranges of anti-mites have passed the steam resistance test. Vapor resistance rates how difficult it is for sweat to pass through a fabric. A product that offers good breathability has low evaporative resistance, which should not exceed 5 m².Pa/W.
Here are the vapor resistance values ​​of ProtecSom anti-mites

  • Texaal® Cotton: 3.1 m².Pa/W
  • Noxaalon® in Evolon®: 2.4 m².Pa/W
  • Noxaalon® Bamboo (end of series): 2.2 m².Pa/W
  • Texaal® Polyester: 7.8 m².Pa/W

Texaal® Cotton , Noxaalon® and Noxaalon® Bamboo ranges

Order ProtecSom anti-mites covers

ProtecSom anti-mites covers completely envelop your bedding items (mattress, duvet, pillow, etc.) and close with a zipper protected by a large flap.

To ensure the effectiveness of anti-mites covers and facilitate their installation, it is important to never choose a cover with dimensions smaller than those of the bedding item to be protected. It is therefore very important to know the precise dimensions of your bedding items to choose a suitable cover.

We advise you to use a meter to measure your bedding items:

  • For a mattress: measure the length, width, and height (the height of a mattress is not always very regular across the entire mattress, it is necessary to add 2 cm to the measured height)
  • For duvets and pillows: measure the length and width
  • For ergonomic pillows (with thickness): measure the length, width and height. As our pillow covers do not specify a height measurement, simply add this measurement to the length and width to get the correct size.
  • For a bolster: measure the length and diameter
  • For a mattress topper: we invite you to consult our Guide page for equipping your mattress topper with a ProtecSom anti-mites .

For more detailed advice on measuring your bedding items, consult our advice sheet (insert advice sheet link).

Once you have measured all your bedding items, go for the closest size we offer, but never go a size smaller.

Examples:

  • I measured my mattress and it is exactly 140x190x19. As mentioned previously, add 2cm to the measured height, giving a corrected measurement of 140x190x21. Therefore, you will need to choose a mattress cover of size 140x190x21 in the Noxaalon® range or a cover of 140x190x22 in the Texaal® Cotton range.
  • I measured my ergonomic pillow and it measures 40x60x9. As explained previously, add the measured height to the length and width, resulting in a corrected measurement of 49×69. You will therefore need to choose a pillow cover of size 50×70, whatever the range chosen.

Tip: When measuring your mattress, measure it at the ends, where it is thickest. For additional advice, see our page “ How do I choose the size of my anti-mites ? “

Thanks to our manufacturing workshop located in Valognes in Normandy, we can create your custom cover in a few days. For all standard shaped covers, you can estimate the price and order your cover directly by following this link .

For all requests for covers with particular shapes (round mattress, boat mattress, etc.), we invite you to contact us via our contact form (insert link) or by telephone at +33233887094.

At ProtecSom, we believe in transparency and fairness. This is why we have opted for fair prices all year round. This approach ensures that all patients receive the same treatment, without purchasing pressure or waiting for temporary discounts. In addition, by maintaining stable prices, we contribute to thoughtful and responsible consumption. By choosing ProtecSom, you benefit not only from quality medical devices, manufactured in France, but also from personalized customer service (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and devices guaranteed for at least 10 years for any manufacturing defect. By purchasing ProtecSom, you support a responsible and supportive approach, focused on improving the quality of life of patients allergic to dust mites.

However, we offer a “complete set” offer all year round. For the purchase of a mattress cover and a duvet cover, you receive free pillow covers (one pillow cover for a single set or two pillow covers for a double set).

For more information on our policy of selling at the right price all year round, see our page, “ The right price all year round ”.

You have several ways to place your order:

  • Directly on our website: https://www.protecsom.com
  • By telephone, by dialing +33(0)233887094, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Via a pharmacy or a medical equipment reseller, who can contact us on +33(0)233887094.
  • By mail, you can fill out the order form that you will find in our “Mite Allergy” brochure (insert brochure link), then return it to us at one of the following addresses:

In France
ProtecSom
Free Response 67032
50700 Valognes
(No postage required)

Internationally and overseas
ProtecSom
Espace d’Armanville
BP 46
50700 Valognes

You have several payment options to pay for your order:

  • Bank card: We accept bank cards such as Carte Bleue, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. For Bank Card transactions, we use the Axepta secure payment solution (BNP Parisbas solution) to ensure the protection of information exchanges.
  • PayPal: You can also make payment through your PayPal account using the secure PayPal app. Every transaction is secured by advanced encryption technology.
  • Bank transfer: You have the option to pay for your order by bank transfer.
  • Check: We accept payment by check.

Orders are shipped upon receipt of payment. For payments by check and transfer, please take into account additional time for receipt of payment when processing your order.

For more details on payment by credit card, consult our “ Secure Payment ” section. For detailed information on payment terms, consult our “ General Conditions of Sale ”.

Yes, it is possible to pay for your order in several installments:

  • Via PayPal: When you choose the payment method on our online store, you have the option of selecting payment in installments via PayPal. The process continues directly in your PayPal account.
    • PayPal offers its customers the possibility of paying in 4 installments without additional costs. In this case, the total amount is spread over a period of 3 months. Payment in 4 installments with PayPal is available for purchases between 30 and 2,000 euros. To benefit from this, the customer must reside in France and their Paypal account must be associated with a verified bank account or a debit card valid for the duration of the reimbursements to be made.
    • By bank card: You have the possibility to pay in 2 installments free of charge for any order exceeding 100€, and in 3 installments free of charge for any order exceeding 150€. The first payment will be taken on the day your order is shipped. The following will be taken on the 10th of the following month. For example, for an order amounting to €180.95 paid in 3 installments, made on April 15, a first payment of €60.95 will be collected on April 15, a second payment of €60 will be collected on May 10 , and a third payment of €60 will be collected on June 10. Our secure online payment system does not support fee-free installment payments. To benefit from this option, please contact us by telephone on +33(0)233887094 (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
  • By check: You have the option of paying in 2 installments free of charge for any order exceeding €100, and in 3 installments free of charge for any order exceeding €150. The first payment will be collected on the day your order is shipped, and the following payments will be collected on the 10th of the following months. For example, for an order amounting to €180.95 paid in 3 installments, made on April 15, a first payment of €60.95 will be collected on April 15, a second payment of €60 on May 10, and a third payment of €60 on June 10.

To pay in installments by check, simply follow these steps:

  • Place your order on our online store.
  • When paying, select the “Payment by check” method.
  • Then prepare 2 or 3 checks for the corresponding amounts, all dated the day of sending, indicating your order number on the back.
  • Send your checks in envelopes to the following address: ProtecSom – ZA d’Armanville – BP 46 – 50700 Valognes.
  • Your order will be shipped the day your checks are received.

Once your order is validated, it is immediately transmitted to our logistics department for rapid shipping. However, if you wish to make any changes, you can contact us via our contact form or by telephone at +33233887094 , to discuss possible solutions with our customer service.

In accordance with the regulations in force in France, you have 14 days from the date of delivery of your order to cancel your order.

For any request to cancel your order, it is imperative to contact us either via this contact form (insert link), or by telephone at +33(0)233887094 (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Orders are processed and shipped within 72 business hours.
Delivery times then vary depending on the delivery method chosen. We offer several delivery options to ensure a service adapted to your needs:
Metropolitan France

  • Colissimo – In PickUp relay or PickUp Station locker: Delivery to one of the PickUp relays or Pickup Station lockers among 8,000 collection points throughout France. The best price and fastest delivery, free of charge.
  • Colissimo – À La Poste: Delivery to one of the 10,000 post offices across France. Fast and free delivery time.
  • Colissimo Domicile – with signature: Delivery to an address of your choice, with signature. Fast and secure delivery time.

Overseas and international

  • Colissimo international – with signature: Delivery to an address of your choice, with signature.

To obtain more information on international or overseas shipping costs, consult our “ General Conditions of Sale ” which lists shipping costs depending on the destination.

Deadlines are provided for information purposes only.
We do everything we can to respect them as much as possible. However, any delay cannot give rise to penalties, cancellation of the order, refusal of goods or claims for damages. As delivery is ensured by La Poste or a private company, ProtecSom cannot guarantee a precise date or time for receipt of your package.

ProtecSom packages

Rest assured, your order will reach you no matter what!

We are at your disposal to resolve this situation and we assure you that we will ensure the delivery of your order. If your package is proven lost after investigation, we will reship your order at our expense.

Before contacting us, please check the tracking of your package on Colissimo (https://www.laposte.fr/outil/suivre-vos-entreprises).

If within 10 days of your order you still have not received your package, our customer service will be available to assist you in finding it. To do this, please provide us with your order number, your name, your full address and your telephone number in order to facilitate our research, via our contact form or by telephone at +33233887094 .

If you cannot collect your package on time, it will be automatically returned to us. We invite you to contact us at +33233887094 or via our contact form (insert link). Let us know if you would like a reshipment or refund of your order.

If your package is returned without prior notification from you, our customer service will take the initiative of contacting you. We will check delivery arrangements with you to organize a new shipment of your order.

Installing my anti-mites covers

ProtecSom anti-mites covers are covers that completely envelop the bedding items, thus creating an impenetrable barrier for dust mite allergens. As a result, the state of wear of your bedding elements has no impact, and there is therefore no need to invest in a new mattress. However, before installing the cover, please carefully vacuum your mattress using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter, making sure to ventilate the room well before, during and after the operation. If possible, we advise you to wear an FFP2 mask during this operation to reduce the inhalation of mite particles.

We advise you to wash your cover before its first use. This will allow the Noxaalon® covers to soften, and the Texaal® covers to begin to shrink (shrinkage margins taken into account when making your cover).

To find out how to clean your anti-mites cover, consult our advice sheet (insert link).

Before installation, we recommend that you machine wash the cover once. Be sure to ventilate the room well before, during and after installation. Using an FFP2 filtration mask during installation will reduce the inhalation of mite particles.

Proceed as follows:

  1. Strip your mattress, duvet and pillow bare.
  2. Shake duvets and pillows vigorously, preferably outside.
  3. Wash them, if possible at 60°C. All of our covers can be tumble dried.
  4. Vacuum the mattress carefully on all sides using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.
  5. Insert each item into its cover, spread the flap under the closure and close the anti-mites cover.
  6. Place your traditional sheets (fitted sheet, duvet cover and pillowcase) back on top of the anti-mites covers.

A user manual (insert instructions link) is included in your package, you will find our installation advice there. We are also available by telephone at +33233887094 or via our contact form (insert link).

You can also consult our advice sheet “How to install my anti-mites cover?” »

The openings on ProtecSom anti-mites covers have been minimized to reduce the risk of allergen leakage. A cover with fewer openings is more effective against dust mites. For easier installation of the mattress cover, we recommend that you seek help from a second person.

ProtecSom anti-mites covers and maintenance

  • You can machine wash your anti-mites cover with your usual laundry detergent.
  • All ProtecSom covers are designed to withstand repeated washing at 60°C (100 wash/dry cycles for Texaal® covers and 50 cycles for Noxaalon® covers).
  • ProtecSom covers are tumble dryer compatible.
  • The use of fabric softener, bleach or any other bleaching agent is not recommended for those with allergies, as is the use of solvents such as ethylene perchloride or petroleum solvents (mineral spirits).
  • It is recommended to wash Noxaalon® covers with the closure closed, while Texaal® covers should be washed with the closure open, as indicated on the label.
  • It is not recommended to iron your anti-mites covers.
  • It is best not to take your cover to the dry cleaner, as the chemicals used can be potentially allergenic.

For more details, please consult our advice sheet on maintaining your anti-mites cover. (Insert advice sheet link).

anti-mites mattress covers placed under a fitted sheet. anti-mites duvet and pillow covers should be washed once a month. Make sure to clean your regular sheets (fitted sheet, duvet cover and pillowcase) once a week. These maintenance tips are included in the instructions for use (insert link) attached to your order.
For more details, we invite you to consult our advice sheet on maintaining your anti-mites (insert link).

After-sales service and repairs

Yes, this is normal because cotton is a natural fiber that shrinks over time. The shrinkage rate after washing of Texaal® Cotton is known before it is manufactured, which is why a margin of between 1% and 6.5% (depending on the batch of textile) is provided when making the cover. Your cover will obtain its final size after several washes.

Texaal® Cotton mattress covers: an additional safety margin is added to its length and width to facilitate its installation and guarantee its effectiveness.

If you wish to exchange your cover:

  • You have 14 days from the date of receipt of the products to return them to us in perfect condition and unpacked, in order to request a refund or exchange.
  • As our anti-mites covers are medical devices, an opened product cannot be put back on sale; opened products are therefore not returned.
  • Only the return costs will be your responsibility, while we will cover the return costs.
  • In the event of a change in dimensions between the exchanged covers, the difference in price between the covers will be taken into account.
  • Please note that custom-made products cannot be returned or exchanged.
  • No returns can be processed without prior contact with our after-sales service, during which we will provide you with a returns number.

To contact us: by telephone at +33233887094 or via our contact form to initiate processing of your request.

If your cover is torn, contact our After-Sales Service by telephone on +33233887094 or via our contact form to initiate processing of your request.

In the event of a manufacturing defect, you automatically benefit from the warranty. Texaal® covers are covered by a lifetime warranty for any manufacturing defect, Noxaalon® covers benefit from a 10-year warranty for any manufacturing defect. In this context, we cover the transport costs.

If the cover is repairable, it will be returned to you after being processed in our sewing workshops. This process usually takes 48-72 hours after receiving the package.

If the cover is not repairable, we will exchange it for a new cover.

Please note that the warranty only covers manufacturing defects and does not apply to damage caused by misuse or improper maintenance conditions.

We recommend that you contact us as soon as possible to facilitate the pick-up process.

For more information, see our Warranty and after-sales service .

ProtecSom anti-mites covers that are returned in their original, unopened and intact packaging are back on sale.

ProtecSom anti-mites covers are Class 1 medical devices, and as such, any product that has been opened or used cannot be re-listed.