Our recommendations are as follows:

To recap, most duvets and pillows filled with synthetic clusters are generally considered the most appropriate choice for allergy sufferers simply because they are hypoallergenic and wash easily. However, as the washing temperature is restricted to 40°C with a low temperature drying programme, dust mites and their allergens remain following each wash. Duvets and pillows, including the reasonably priced ‘So Soft’ duvets and pillows, ‘Cotton Touch’ hollowfibre duvets and hollowfibre pillows with a pure cotton cover, the ‘Perfectbalance’ duvets and pillows from The Fine Bedding Company are therefore not as effective at eradicating the cause of the problem (i.e. the dust mites and their allergens) as are the Spundown and Amicor anti allergy duvets.

Recommendations for Eczema Sufferers

Eczema is also triggered by the house dust mite allergen. However, when it comes to choosing the most appropriate bedding for those who suffer from Eczema, we suggest polyester covers should be avoided (thus excluding Spundown duvets and pillows from your list of options). This is due to the fact that synthetic fabrics and fillings are generally less forgiving when it comes to changes in temperature as they lack the breathability of natural fillings. So, for anyone with eczema, natural fillings such as pure cotton, silk or feathers and down are a cooler option of duvets and pillows, particularly those with a pure cotton cover.

Our recommendations are as follows:

• The Mulberry silk duvet offers a natural, cool alternative to synthetics. These luxury duvets are chemical free and filled with 100% long Mulberry silk fibres which are not only naturally hypoallergenic but naturally resistant to dust mites. The 200g weight (equivalent to a 4 tog rating) is ideal for warmer climates or hot itchy children. Many find the 400g weight all seasons duvet (equivalent to an 8 tog) to be perfect for year round use in the UK, light enough for summer and warm enough for winter in a centrally heated home. These luxurious duvets drape blissfully over the body. Washing a silk duvet is, however, not recommended at all and local soiling should be carefully cleaned with a sponge. As far as cleaning is concerned the silk floss simply requires sun-purification, achieved by placing your silk duvet outside on a sunny day 1-3 times a year.
      Mulberry Silk Duvets, lightweight duvets, 200g and 400g from £100.00 each, read on... >
            Mulberry Silk Duvet Reviews, read on... >
  

• Feather and down duvets and feather and down pillows: Don't be put off by the so-called "feather allergy". Though dust is created as feathers break down with use, this may be avoided by purchasing high quality down bedding with only a small proportion of feathers. It is the house dust mite allergens (which makes up the large proportion of the dust content of any unwashed pillow or duvet) no matter what the filling, that forms the primary cause of most allergies and irritations. The general advice that allergy sufferers should choose duvets and pillows filled with synthetic clusters, rather than down, is simply due to the easy-care qualities of the synthetic equivalents. After all, having a down duvet washed at your local launderette is costly and relatviely time-consuming and couldn’t possibly compete, for example, with the practicality of washing any size of Spundown duvet at home.
  Furthermore, contrary to popular belief feather and down duvets and pillows are not a preferred habitat for house dust mites as the tightly woven casings, required to keep the feather and down inside, act as an almost impenetrable barrier for dust mites. Plus the humid climatic conditions required by dust mites for survival and growth are not provided by feather and down duvet and pillows, i.e. the rapid increase in warmth, whilst the person is sleeping, with the quick drop in humidity when the room is aired.
      Hungarian Goose Down Duvets, blissfully lightweight duvets, from £112.50 each, read on... >
      Hungarian Goose Down Pillows, soft support pillows £90.00 each, read on... >
      Goose Down Duvets, lightweight duvets, from £55.00 each, read on... >
            Goose Down Duvet Reviews, read on... >
      Goose Down Pillows, soft to medium support pillows @ £55.00 each, read on... >
            Goose Down Pillow Reviews, read on... >
  

• The Perfect Balance microfibre duvets and microfibre pillows may also be considered an option for sufferers of Eczema. Although they are filled with silky soft hypoallergenic microfibre, the microfibre filling is blended with Lysoft. Lysoft may not be a ‘natural’ fibre like cotton or silk, but it isn’t a ‘man-made’ fibre either, it’s what is termed a ‘regenerated’ fibre as it is created from natural raw materials. Lysoft is softer and more breathable than naturally occurring fibres such as Egyptian cotton and silk. When used to make up the filling and casings of the Perfectbalance duvets and pillows, it provides this easy care bedding with all the breathability associated with natural bedding.
      Perfect Balance Duvets, lightweight duvets, from £50.00 each, read on... >
            Perfect Balance Duvet Reviews, read on... >
      Perfect Balance Pillows, soft to medium support @ £27.50 each, read on... >
            Perfect Balance Pillow Reviews, read on... >
  

Allergies to Latex or Sensitivities to Chemical Based Materials

Pillows filled with latex chips or synthetics such as polyurethane memory foam or polyester ‘hollowfibre’ or ‘microfibre’ clusters are not recommended for anyone allergic to latex or who is sensitive to chemical based materials. Polyester covers should be avoided too. Please therefore choose from the list of natural bedding above.