Asthmatics often stay away from feather bedding and pillows, thinking that synthetics are better because they are less allergenic. It turns out that synthetic bedding may be worse: research shows that it contains higher levels of fungal cell products, which can have negative impacts on asthma patients.
Researchers from the University of Otago in New Zealand published their findings in the Journal of Asthma, showing that synthetic bedding actually has much higher levels of beta glucan (a fungal by-product) than feather bedding. This follows in the footsteps of previous research which had similar findings.
Beta glucans come from the cell wall of fungi. In fact, beta glucans can comprise as much as 60 per cent of the weight of a fungal cell. Beta glucans are also present in house dust in large quantities.
The problem with beta glucans is that they promote inflammation. In addition, they can promote changes in lung function, up to and including peak flow variability in children.
This study is a second blow to synthetic bedding. Previous international evidence showed that dust mites also prefer synthetic bedding over feather. Dust mites are another significant allergen which also affect asthma symptoms.
Lead investigator, Rob Siebers, designed a study that looked at 178 total bedding samples from 35 floors, 35 mattresses, 35 duvets and 73 pillows. Siebers found that total beta glucan levels were two to three times higher in synthetic pillows than feather pillows. In duvets, the results more significant, with synthetic duvets having seven to eight times the beta glucans of feather duvets. If cats were allowed in the bedroom, the beta glucan levels were even higher in synthetic duvets. The same increase was not seen in feather duvets.
Siebers said that European studies show a relationship between frequency of vacuuming and beta glucan levels. However, Siebers did not find any significant relationship between lower beta glucan and any cleaning measures, including vacuuming or airing of bedding.
Source: University of Otago press release
