Feather Pillow Allergies: Symptoms, Causes & Relief

Allergies to feather pillows are one of the most commonly reported allergies. Symptoms that include sneezing, sniffling and clearing your throat can easily ruin a good night's sleep.

Definition

• Allergies occur when the body undergoes an immune response to substances known as allergens. Allergens can be otherwise harmless substances such as animals, foods and plants.

Feather Allergy

• Allergies to animals and animal products, including feathers, are relatively common. Many pillows and comforters contain feathers, which can trigger an allergic response.

Dust Mites

• Dust mites are tiny creatures that nest in pillows and bedding and feed on dead skin cells. Allergy to dust mites is caused by a reaction to enzymes in dust mite feces.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of feather and dust mite allergies include sneezing, a sore throat, coughing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. Symptoms are most noticeable during nighttime hours.

Remedy

• To avoid a feather pillow allergy, try switching to a hypoallergenic, synthetic pillow. This type of pillow is free of feathers and designed to inhibit dust mite nesting.