If you have allergies, you have to be extra careful when shopping for bedding. Some types of bedding can worsen your allergies and make it harder to get good sleep. You have to be particularly careful when it comes to your comforter. 

Because it’s washed less often than sheets and it is the most exposed bedding, the comforter can accumulate an astounding amount of allergens and other icky stuff. It can be bad enough for a healthy person; it’s worse if you already have allergies or a respiratory health condition. 

Here’s what to keep in mind when you are shopping for a comforter that won’t trigger your allergies. 

Down and Feather Comforters are NOT Allergenic 

One of the most common misconceptions when it comes to bedding is that anything that’s made from down or feathers is a no-go for people with allergies. That’s not true at all. 

There are people with down or feather allergies, but these allergies are rare. The vast majority of people who experience allergy symptoms when they use natural down bedding are reacting to dust mites in the fibers. 

These dust mites typically come from inside your home and they can settle on any type of comfort, not just a down comforter. 

So if you love the comfort, eco-friendliness and cooling power of a down comforter, go ahead and get it. Most companies selling these natural comforters are thorough about cleaning the feathers inside to remove any dust mites and allergens. 

So despite what you may have heard, down and feather bedding is not allergenic for most people. You can safely sleep under a down comforter if you have allergies. 

Wool Comforters are Great for Allergies

If you are still concerned about using a down comforter, wool is another great choice. Wool is one of the best comforter materials for people with allergies. 

Wool is naturally resistant to dust mites because it’s often too dry for dust mites to thrive. Wool does a great job absorbing sweat from your skin and then quickly releases it into the air instead of holding onto it. 

That means it’s also unlikely to harbor mold. As a bonus, a wool comforter also has excellent temperature regulation, keeping you cool when it’s hot and conserving heat when it’s chilly. 

That said, a few people can be allergic to wool and should not get a wool comforter. But wool allergy is rare. 

Be Careful With Microfiber/Down Alternative Comforters

Microfiber comforters are cheaper alternatives to natural down comforters. Microfiber, a synthetic material, is naturally hypoallergenic. That is, it is unlikely to cause any allergies by itself. 

But, just like down and other materials, dust mites can settle on a down alternative duvet. A synthetic comforter can actually hold more dust mites and other allergens like mold because of its lower breathability. 

The problem with microfiber comforters is that they trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect conditions for mold and dust mites to thrive. Things get worse if you drape the comforter in a microfiber/polyester cover that traps even more heat and moisture. 

If you have allergies, either opt for a natural comforter made from down or wool, or pick a well made down alternative comforter that has good breathability. Combine it with a breathable cotton, bamboo, silk or linen duvet cover.  

Get a Comforter You Can Wash Often

The best way to protect yourself against allergens in the comforter is to keep it clean and hygienic. Many people don't wash their comforter as often as they should. Over time, they accumulate allergens like dust, dust mites, pet hair, pollen and mold spores. 

Washing a comforter in hot water is usually enough to eliminate most allergens. But make sure you follow the care instructions especially if you have a wool or down comforter as these are delicate. 

A Duvet Cover is Essential 

In addition to washing your comforter regularly, get a duvet cover for it. A duvet cover is the best defense against allergies in your comforter. 

In addition to keeping allergens out, it also keeps the comforter cleaner meaning you don't have to wash it as often. This is especially helpful for delicate comforters that shouldn’t be washed too much. 

Bottom Line: Whichever Comforter You Have, Keep It Clean 

The type of comforter you get matters when it comes to protecting yourself from allergies. A wool or down comforter is the best choice, though they are pricier. 

But no matter which comforter you get, the most important thing is how you take care of it. Even a wool comforter can be bad for your allergies if you leave it uncovered and never clean it. 

Get that duvet cover the same time you order a comforter. You can get the anti-bacterial and fart-filtering Hercleon Jax comforter and Jax duvet cover as a combo. 

Then make sure you clean the duvet cover often (once every 1-2 weeks). And if you have an uncovered comforter, clean it a couple times a month to remove the build up of allergens and dirt.