Is
Goose Down Hypoallergenic?
The
short answer is no.
Down is a natural product. Most people who are allergic
to down are actually expereincing a reaction to the dust and dust
mites that can be present in unclean down. If you are actually allergic
to down, you will probably have a reaction no matter how thoroughly
the down has been cleaned.
If
you are
allergic to dust or dust mites, purchasing your down items from
a reputable manufacturer will help assure that the down in your
comforter or pillow has been thoroughly cleaned. But there
is no process known to us that will remove 100% of the dust or mites
from down. In this case, using a cover that is "dust
mite proof" may help you.
Think
about it. If you are allergic to milk, this is a reaction
to the milk itself. There is nothing that science can do to
alter the genetic structure of milk to make it "hypoallergenic".
It is the same with down.
If
you are
allergic to down, you should probably stick with an alternative.
There are many synthetic fills available on the market, and some
very nice natural alternatives, such as these Hypoallergenic
Mulberry Silk Comforters.