Duvets and allergies: debunking the myths

Bed environment

Dust, bedrooms and allergies: a trio that’s not always easy to manage

For those who suffer from allergies, the discomfort is a real and constant challenge. Whether it's seasonal allergies caused by grasses or year-round allergies due to mold or dust mites in the air, the discomfort and helplessness are always looming. Today, we're specifically focusing on those who suffer from dust mite allergies. It is commonly said that paying attention to cleanliness in spaces and environments is crucial, especially when there are children allergic to dust. In particular, the children’s room should always be thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed to prevent asthma triggered by allergies, which understandably worries many parents.

However, it’s evident that achieving a completely sterile and dust-free environment, especially in the bedroom, is not possible. Dust mites are microscopic organisms invisible to the naked eye, which thrive in dust, particularly in warm and humid environments. Our homes, therefore, provide the ideal habitat for their development, even when they are clean. Yet, it’s not the dust mites themselves that trigger allergic reactions, but rather their waste. Dust mites are present in all homes because they thrive in conditions preferred by humans (around 30°C temperature and 55% humidity). This makes it almost impossible to eliminate them entirely.

Myths

It is a common misconception that goose feathers cause dust allergies, but this is completely false. It has been scientifically proven that feathers and down do not serve as a food source for dust mites. On the contrary, it’s the skin flakes of humans and pets that provide the primary nourishment for these microorganisms.

The problems related to allergic asthma caused by duvets occurred many years ago when people came into contact with the bedding used by our grandparents. Often handmade, these duvets did not meet the standards that we, at Punto Piuma Home, uphold today. It’s important to note that all the feathers used in our workshops for duvet fillings are thoroughly depolluted and sterilized. However, our anti-dust mite measures go beyond just treating the feathers. The fabrics we use also have specific certifications to ensure they are ideal for covering feather-filled duvets. In addition to having a very dense weave that prevents dust mites from entering and dust from accumulating, the fabrics feature a special internal border at the seams that ensures the feathers stay inside.

No duvets in the sun

Finally, for proper duvet maintenance, it’s unnecessary to wash them too often, and contrary to popular belief, you should never leave your duvet in the sun, as this practice actually encourages the formation of dust mites on the fabric. Even after washing, it's best to use a professional dryer for the most crucial phase of care.