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Allergy to Down Comforters

If you have trouble getting a good night's sleep because you are up coughing and sneezing, allergies could be the culprit. If you know you do not have an illness that would cause allergy-type symptoms and have no known allergies, take a good look at the type of bedding you are using--down comforters do cause allergies.

  1. Contents

    • A down comforter is filled with feathers from a goose or a duck. These feathers generally lay flat with a central quill; however some are filled differently to create a bushy appearance. This type of fill makes the down comforter very soft and allows wicking, which basically is the process whereby something drains or absorbs moisture. In this case, the fill wicks moisture away from the body of the sleeper, allowing it to "escape," while the comforter maintains the body heat, keeping the sleeper warm and dry. However, the feathers used are often what causes allergies.

    Lining

    • The lining of most down comforters is made of silk, satin, cotton or linen. Often, these fabrics, in conjunction with down feathers, contribute to the allergy problem. Synthetic fabrics that are non-allergenic are available, but they are perceived as cheaper and thus, less desirable. They are less likely to "breathe" as well, meaning the comforter may make you feel sweaty and overly hot.

    Dust

    • Down feathers are cleaned during the gathering process but even with an excellent cleaning and filtering system, dust particles can still find their way into the bedding. As with any type of bedding, dust mites can also be present, causing allergy problems.

    Symptoms

    • A skin rash may be the first sign of an allergy to down comforters, and this rash may occur on parts of the skin that do not come in direct contact with the bedding. Along with skin rash, postnasal drip, coughing and sneezing may also accompany the symptoms of this allergy, according to The Healthcare Center.

    Prevention/Solution

    • If you suspect you have an allergy to your down comforter, do not use it. Replace your bedding with a hypo-allergenic bedspread to see if your symptoms do subside. If they do, then being allergic to down comforters is most likely the case. If you truly love your down comforter and hate to part with it, there are imitation, non-allergenic down comforters available that will give you the comfort you desire.

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