Frequently blocked or runny noses, asthma, eczema or itchy eyes can all unfortunately be triggered by your bedding.

What is a surprise is that it isn’t the duvet filling itself causing the allergy, but it’s the dust and the dust mites inside your bedding that are the issue.   Most anti-allergy duvets are made from synthetic (polyester hollowfibre) filling, but many people can still use a feather or down duvet if they’re careful – read feather & down advice below.

The common house dust mite is the pesky pest which feeds on the tiny bits of dead skin, hair and other ‘dust’ gathering in your bedding.  Often, they’re not a problem, but if you start to sneeze when you enter your bedroom or find your nose getting blocked when sleeping, or your breathing getting more difficult at night, a dust-mite allergy could well be the cause.

See post by Susie, Duvet Advisor reviewer:    My 11 year-old’s ‘hayfever’ = house dust-mite allergy

Dust mites particularly  like living in duvets older than 6 months (lots of ‘food’!), untreated feather and down duvets and infrequently cleaned duvets.  They can also get through most duvet covers, but have a hard time penetrating covers which are tightly woven – see below about thread count.   

So our best advice for anti-allergy duvets?

• Choose an anti-allergy duvet treated to reduce bacterial growth which can prompt allergies.
• Choose a washable duvet (wash at 60 degrees to kill dust mites)
• Freeze your duvet (!) or hang in bright sunshine if you can’t wash it.
• Use a high thread cotton cover to prevent dust mites getting through in the first place.

And don’t forget to keep the bedroom really nice and clean, with other soft furnishings and cuddly toys, washed or hoovered regularly.

Read the best Anti-Allergy Duvet reviews

Anti-Allergy Pillows?   Go to our sister site Pillow Advisor for anti-allergy pillow reviews and advice