Do you wake up itchy after snuggling into your down-filled comforter at night? Many people find down bedding warm, fluffy and incredibly comfortable. But for others, down comforters can cause annoying skin reactions and leave them scratching.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore what’s behind the rashes, bumps and itching that can happen when you use down. Read on to learn what makes down a trigger for some people’s allergies and sensitivities—plus solutions to help you sleep through the night rather than scratching!
What is Down and What’s in It?
Down refers to the layer of fine, fluffy feathers located closest to a bird’s skin that help insulate them. Commonly used for bedding, down comforters are puffy, warm, and soft. They are filled with the plumage of ducks and geese.
Down clusters trap more air than regular feathers can. This gives down bedding its prized lightweight, cushy texture that keeps your body warm. But some of what’s inside natural down can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions for sensitive people.
Why Might Down Make You Itch?
There are a few reasons why snuggling under a down comforter at night could make your skin crawl—and not in a good way! Here are some of the potential causes of itching and other reactions:
Feathers and Down Particles
While thoroughly cleaned down should not contain full feathers, small bits of feathers and down can escape through the stitching of comforters over time. These fine particles can irritate sensitive skin and make it break out in rashes or hives.
Dust Mites
Microscopic dust mites feed on the dead skin cells naturally shed by humans. These critters thrive in bedding and can trigger allergic symptoms. When a down comforter is fluffed, clouds of particulates from dust mite droppings can be released. Breathing these in can cause respiratory irritation.
Dander and Saliva
Even after washing, down can retain traces of bird dander (tiny flakes of skin) and drying. Contact with these residues can activate some people’s allergies and make them itchy.
Mold and Mildew
If down gets wet and isn’t properly cleaned and dried, mold and mildew can grow inside the filling. Spores released from molds are a common allergen and can cause issues like wheezing, sneezing, and skin irritation in those with sensitivities.
Dyes and Chemicals
Some down comforters are treated with dyes, scents, flame retardants or other chemicals that may trigger contact skin allergies, asthma, and other hypersensitivities in those prone to reacting.
Down Allergy Symptom
Not everyone reacts negatively to close contact with down bedding. But if you seem to get itchy, stuffed up or sneezy when sleeping under a down comforter, you could have a sensitivity.
Some signs your symptoms may stem from a down allergy or irritation include:
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Runny, itchy nose and respiratory issues
- Puffy, irritated eyes
- Itchy skin, hives, redness or rashes
- Worsening of eczema or other skin conditions
- Sneezing spells, especially at night or when making the bed
- Nighttime coughing or congestion
If your reactions only seem to flare up when you’re in bed, it’s quite possible your down comforter is the culprit.
Solutions for People with Down Allergies
If you experience itching, sneezing or other annoying reactions from your down bedding, don’t lose hope! There are many products available today made specifically for those with feathers allergies and down sensitivities.
Here are some options to let you sleep soundly and wake up comfortable without allergy symptoms:
1. Try a Hypoallergenic Down Alternative Comforter
For a similar lightweight, lofty feel to down, you might opt for a “down alternative” fill made from hypoallergenic synthetic materials like microfiber or polyester. These mimic the qualities of natural down but avoid the allergy triggers.
High quality down alternatives trap heat nearly as effectively as natural goose or duck down. Just make sure to choose ones with a high fill power. This indicates how “fluffy” the fill is based on volume—the higher the number, the better for warmth and softness.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic and allergen-free
- Maintains fluffiness well over time
- Less expensive than down
- Easy to clean in machine
Cons:
- Not as warm or durable as quality down
- Needs more frequent replacement than down
2. Try an Allergy-Free Down Comforter
For those set on real down’s unmatched coziness, several brands now offer allergy-free down comforters. These use washing techniques with ultra-high heat, fungicides and other sterilization methods to eradicate dust mites and remove proteins that trigger allergies.
For example, Alpine Down’s Comforters undergo what they call “hyperclean®” treatment to strip the down of allergens. Hungarian down goods company Puhuri only uses down from geese raised outdoors, as sunlight helps break down antigens.
Allergy-free down goes through extra processing to guarantee its safety for sensitive sleepers. This does come at a price though.
Pros:
- Maintains down’s signature warmth and cuddliness
- Third party tested to be hypoallergenic
- Longer lifespan than synthetic alternatives
Cons:
- More expensive than regular down
- Needs professional cleaning to maintain allergen-free promise
3. Try a Blended Down-Alternative Comforter
Another option is to split the difference price-wise while still avoiding down allergies. Mixed fills blend hypoallergenic synthetics with sterilized down to offer a happy compromise.
Products like the Buffy Cloud Comforter use an outer layer of eucalyptus breezy fill coupled with a recycled plastic inner fill. The breezy fill wicks away humidity to deter dust mites. Prices run $160-$200 for Queen and King sizes.
Pros:
- Less expensive than 100% down
- Hypoallergenic inner layer
- Outer breezy fill resists dust mites
Cons:
- Not as fluffy or durable as 100% down
- Needs occasional re-fluffing
4. Allergy Protectors and Covers
If you don’t want to replace your existing down bedding, using mattress, pillow and duvet protectors can act as a barrier between you and allergens. Protective covers made from tightly-woven, high thread count fabrics seal out dust mites, pollen, pet dander and other allergy attackers.
Regular hot water washing kills any allergens trapped inside. Just be vigilant about using mattress and pillow protectors as well as a duvet cover to fully separate your skin from contact.
Pros:
- Lets you keep using your favorite down bedding
- Washable and reusable
- Affordable add-on solution
Cons:
- Extra laundry to maintain protection
- Not as breathable as uncovered down
Other Bedding With Natural Allergy Protection
In your search for an itch-free night’s sleep, don’t forget to consider bedding fills beyond down alternatives. Natural fabrics like breathable linen, temperature regulating wool, mold-resistant bamboo or sustainably sourced eucalyptus can make excellent hypoallergenic comforter options too.
Do You Need To See an Allergist?
While over-the-counter allergy relief medication, natural supplements and avoidance of triggers can help ease allergy suffering at home, symptoms persist for some. Seeing an allergy specialist (allergist) for testing may be the next step.
Through a simple skin prick test checking reaction to common household allergens, an allergist can get to the bottom of what exactly makes you itchy, sneezy or wheezy. Customized allergy shots can then work long-term to desensitize your immune system.
Yes, Down Can Make Certain People Itch
For most folks, sinking into a down-filled duvet is pure cozy bliss. But about 10-15% of Americans have feather allergies that make close contact with down bedding cause itching, hives, and other irritations.
Luckily, awareness and options for people sensitive to down have expanded greatly. Thanks to stringent cleaning methods, barrier protectors and down alternatives mimicking feathers’ fluffiness, almost anyone can enjoy the comforting benefits of this classic filling.
Hopefully this beginner’s guide has helped explain why down can make you itchy and given you solutions to stop the scratching! Just remember—a comfortable, allergy-free night’s sleep is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Down Comforters and Itching
Can a down comforter actually give me a rash?
Yes, for those with sensitivities, contact with materials commonly found inside down comforters like feathers, dander, mold or dust mites can definitely cause skin irritation and rashes. Be attentive if new spots pop up after getting under your puffy duvet at night.
Why does my down comforter make me so itchy at night?
Nighttime itching under the covers can result from lying underneath down comforters for hours in close contact with allergens like dust mites. The friction against sheets can further exacerbate skin irritation and cause scratching. Try protectors to see if symptoms improve.
How do I know if I have a down or feather allergy?
Signs of a down/feather allergy include itchy skin, hives, worsened breathing issues like wheezing or coughing, runny noses and eye irritation shortly after extended contact with these materials. An allergist can diagnose definitively through medical tests.
What filling is best for people allergic to down?
Hypoallergenic down alternatives made from synthetic fills like microfiber polyester are the best bet for warm, fluffy and allergen-free bedding if you are allergic to actual feathers and down. High quality options mimic the loft and comfort of down well.
Can you be allergic to down but not feathers?
It is unlikely to be allergic to down itself but not feathers, since true down is simply a layer of delicate underfeathers closest to birds’ skin. The proteins, dander and dust mite matter that trigger allergies are present in both. Those with down sensitivity typically react to feathers too.
Can I wash my down comforter to get rid of what’s making me itchy?
You can try washing a non-sterilized down comforter to eliminate allergens making you react. Use extremely hot water (at least 130°F) and extra rinses. But for long term use, investing in hyper-cleaned hypoallergenic down or an alternative may still be best if you have a confirmed allergy.
Will a down comforter topper help me avoid allergies?
For managing mild down/feather sensitivity, a protective topper can add a barrier to avoid direct irritation from a regular down comforter. But topiers with feather or down fill will likely still trigger moderate to severe allergies needing hypoallergenic bedding. Protecting the full bed is ideal.
