Open Airways “New Year = New Pillow” Habit
Open Airways will be giving free ‘pillow vouchers’ to all students with asthma who are on the 2023/2024 Bermuda Student Asthma Registry to encourage the “New Year = New Pillow” habit.
A spokesperson said, “Asthma? Allergies? Are you sleeping next to this guy? Open Airways, Bermuda’s only asthma and COPD charity are promoting the “New Year = New Pillow” habit, recommending everyone replace their pillow at the beginning of each year.
“To encourage this habit, Open Airways will be giving free ‘pillow vouchers’ to all students with asthma who are on the 2023/2024 Bermuda Student Asthma Registry. [Students with asthma should be added no later than January 20th to receive a pillow]. The 2023/2024 registry was released in September, therefore many students have already been added. If you have not yet added your student [or expect you have not], please do so by accessing: https://bit.ly/2023BermudaStudentAsthmaRegistry or go to the Open Airways website www.openairways.com.
Lindsay Bishop R.N., Director of Asthma Education with Open Airways explains “The reason for this ‘New Year=New Pillow’ initiative is twofold. We want to instill good habits that promote health and improve asthma symptoms for all, and we wish to have every student who has asthma be included on the Registry.”
“Changing your pillow every year is important because we spend much of our lives with our nose and mouth next to our pillow as we sleep. Pillows can include mold, dust mites, fungi and pet dander, all of which are triggers for those with asthma and allergies. In a humid climate like Bermuda, mold and dust mites thrive. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America [AAFA] estimates that 10% of the weight of a pillow is from dust mites and their droppings! They also advise replacing your pillow every 1 to 2 years, or in some cases much sooner.
“Molds, bacteria and fungi love the warm, moist environment of pillows in Bermuda. If you spill something on your pillow, wash both the pillow and pillowcase immediately.
“Pillows and pillowcases should also be washed on a regular basis, weekly to monthly, depending on which research you read. According to the US Asthma and Allergy Center, washing reduces bacteria, mold, fungi and dust mites, helping those with asthma and allergies to have fewer symptoms, feel better and possibly need less medication.
“The Bermuda Student Asthma Registry provides local asthma healthcare providers as well as the ministries of Health and Education, the ability to track and ensure proper support is in place for students with asthma. The Registry is a collaborative effort of the Department of Education, the Department of Health, Bermuda Hospitals Board [BHB] – Asthma Education Centre and Open Airways.
“The confidential information provided allows the expert team of local asthma specialists to prioritize services to target those most in need. They can prioritize helping those who have missed school or sports, those who have needed hospital care and can also provide the correct equipment for those who need it. Analysis of the registry is showing that many students over age 4, are still using the ‘mask’ spacer, designed specifically for those aged 0-4. Many teens [and adults] have also stopped using spacers altogether. [Using a spacer with inhaled medications increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the medication helping deliver it to the airways where it is most needed.]
“In addition to their ‘New Year = New Pillow’ campaign, Open Airways offers a variety of services throughout the community. They provide free one-on-one hour- long consultations for those with asthma or COPD, most regularly, in the home. They distribute spacers and provide technique demonstrations at every opportunity. They facilitate lunch and learns, health fairs and PTA meetings, and in May, they hold their annual World Asthma Day event in Hamilton. They also keep health care professionals up to date on the latest internationally accept guidelines. All Open Airways services are free. Should you have any questions or concerns about your asthma/COPD, please contact : 536-6060 or Nurse@openairways.com.”
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