At least 20% of people will suffer from some sort of feather related allergy. Feather pillows are highly popular, due to their superior comfort as well as their ability to last longer than other types of pillows. But for those suffering from a pillow feather allergy, they don’t get to experience that luxury feather pillows can offer.
For those that are allergic to birds, it’s practically impossible for them to have feather pillows as they should avoid birds/pillows at all costs. For other types of allergies, reactions are not associated with the feathers themselves, but the allergens that can get trapped in the feathers. Dust mites are the most common type of allergen that can latch onto the feathers. As well as animal dander, pollen, and even mold spores can also be present. This is why the use of a pillow case can prove essential.
Feather pillows can cause allergic reactions for some people, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and respiratory issues. Here are some solutions for feather pillow allergies:
Synthetic materials: Use pillows made of synthetic materials such as polyester or microfiber. These materials are hypoallergenic and do not contain feathers.
Down alternative: Consider using a down alternative pillow, which is made from synthetic fibers that mimic the feel of down.
Cotton: Use a pillow made of 100% cotton, as it is naturally hypoallergenic and breathable.
Memory foam: Memory foam pillows are made of a dense, heat-sensitive material that molds to the shape of your head and neck.
Pillow protectors: Use a pillow protector made of a hypoallergenic material such as microfiber or cotton to encase your feather pillow, this will help to reduce exposure to feathers.
Wash the pillow: Regularly washing your feather pillow in hot water to kill any dust mites or allergens that may be present. Read our guide on why washing your pilow case is important to uncover why keeping these bedding items clean is essential.
Air out the pillow: Air out your feather pillow outside for a few hours each week to help reduce any odor or allergens.
Using a humidifier: A humidifier can help to keep the air in your bedroom moist, which can help to reduce the symptoms of feather pillow allergies.
Consult a doctor: If your symptoms persist, it's important to consult a doctor to rule out any other underlying medical conditions.
Pillow cases are a great solution for those suffering from allergies. No matter the pillow type, pillow cases are vital in order to maintain freshness, it’s important to ensure that your pillowcase has a zip, so that the feathers are enclosed. But if your feather allergy is extremely aggressive then it would be advised that you avoid using feather pillows entirely.
Here at Get Laid Beds, we have Pinsonic Pillow Protectors that use a zip in order to protect your pillow. This type of pillow protector is non allergenic and non toxic, making them suitable for allergy sufferers and children. ‘Pinsonic’ is the technical term for the way in which the layers of the protectors are bonded together using ultrasonic fibre bonds, this means that the protector is highly stable and works well to ensure that the feathers don’t escape, meaning that it shouldn’t affect your allergies. This is because the pillowcases themselves are quite thick, as well as being stitched really tightly to ensure that it keeps your allergies at bay.
Overall, the best way to ensure that your pillow feather allergy is limited is by investing into a reliable pillow case. Our Pinsonic Pillow Protector has proved highly effective for those that suffer from allergies so we would recommend that you go with that. Read more about the benefits of pillow protectors.
