Feather bedding better for asthma sufferers 

Source: ONE News

Some asthmatics may be better off with an eiderdown duvet or a feather pillow rather than synthetic bedding, according to Otago University researchers.

Feather bedding contains lower levels of fungal cell products, which may have a negative effect on asthmatics with respiratory problems, according to the Wellington-based researchers.

The study, which has recently been published in the Journal of Asthma, confirms that synthetic bedding has much higher levels of fungi-related beta glucan than feather bedding.

Beta glucans are components from the cell walls of fungi that can account for up to 60% of the weight of the cell.

They are also present in large quantities in house dust.

The study follows earlier international evidence that shows house dust mites, whose faeces is known to affect asthmatics, are also more prevalent in synthetic bedding compared to feather bedding.

"This study adds further strong evidence in a New Zealand setting that feather bedding is better than synthetics if you have asthma," said lead investigator Rob Siebers.

"This is because beta glucan is pro-inflammatory and associated with lung function changes, including peak flow variability in children," he said.

There have already been a number of studies overseas that show synthetic bedding is associated with more asthma symptoms compared to feather bedding.

The New Zealand research looked at 178 samples obtained from 35 floors, 35 mattresses, 35 duvets and 73 pillows.

Total beta glucan levels of synthetic pillows were two to three times higher than from feather pillows, although this measurement just failed to reach statistical significance.

With duvets the beta glucan levels were much higher; seven to eightfold in synthetic duvets compared to feather.

Allowing cats and dogs in the bedroom resulted in even higher levels in synthetic duvets, an effect not seen in feather duvets. Similar results for synthetic duvets have been found in previous Otago University studies for house dust mite infestation.

Mattresses older than five years also had about three times the amount of beta glucan compared to mattresses less than five years old.

The study did not show any significant relationship between lower beta glucan levels and vacuuming, airing the bedding and the age of a carpet.

The researchers said further research was needed to determine what levels of beta glucan were associated with asthma and respiratory symptoms.