Down Alternative Comforters

Allergies

• Many people who experience allergic reactions to a down comforter assume that the down itself causes the allergies; however, it is the dander or dust mites that are the actual culprits. Be aware of allergies to any natural or synthetic materials before purchasing a down-alternative comforter.

Hypoallergenic Comforters

• While there are hypoallergenic down alternatives, there is no such thing as hypoallergenic down. Claims that the down itself is hypoallergenic refer to a chemical that has been used to kill mildew within the down; there is little that can be done even with washing to remove dander and dust mites.

Down Alternatives

• Synthetic materials are usually used in place of down in order to create a comforter that will not cause allergic reactions but still have the same warmth and quality of a down comforter. Some down alternatives include silk and microfibers, both of which will mimic the feel of a true down comforter. Wool is another alternative used in some comforters.

Microfiber and Silk Comforters

• Microfiber is a very thin synthetic material, usually made of polyester or nylon. Comforters made from microfiber are very soft, and due to the formation of the microfiber, are more stain- and wrinkle-resistant than traditional comforters.

  Silk can cause allergic reactions similar to the effects of asthma; however, comforters made from high-quality silk are less likely to cause adverse reactions because they are "degummed" more thoroughly, which removes excess sericin (the substance that most often triggers the allergic reaction). Undyed silk or raw silk may be a good alternative for those sensitive to chemicals in dyes.

Wool Comforters

• Comforters made from wool or lanolin (a wool extract) are heavy and high-quality hypoallergenic alternatives to down comforters. Most comforters made with wool will be covered with cotton. Both wool and cotton allow air to move through the fabric and will respond to the body's temperature, making a wool comforter ideal for use throughout the year.