How to Choose an Anti-Allergic Duvet? Silk Duvet Guide for Allergy Sufferers

If you wake up with a stuffy nose, sneezing, or itchy eyes, the problem may be your bed. For those with dust mite allergies, a duvet is the textile closest to your face throughout the night. In this article, we explain what to look for when choosing an antiallergic duvet and why a silk duvet is a popular choice for people with allergies.

What does "antiallergic duvet" mean?

Most duvets labeled "antiallergic" on the market are polyester (fiber) filled and treated with a chemical process. The effect of this treatment may diminish with washing. Duvets that are antiallergic by their filling itself are different: in natural fibers like silk, this property comes from the structure of the fiber and is not lost with washing.

What should people with allergies look for when choosing a duvet?

1. Filling material: Fillings that trap dust and moisture create a suitable environment for dust mites to live. Breathable natural fillings that release moisture should be preferred.
2. Breathability: Dust mites love warm, damp environments. A non-sweating, breathable duvet makes it harder for such an environment to form.
3. Lint and dust: Goose feathers and some fibers can leave dust and debris over time. Long-fiber fillings produce less debris.
4. Washability and care: The duvet cover should be washable frequently, and the duvet itself should be aired out regularly.
5. Documentation: Ask for a laboratory report showing that the filling is actually made of the claimed material.

Why is it suitable for people with allergies?

Silk is a natural protein fiber obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm. Long-fiber mulberry silk used in silk duvet fillings:

• It is breathable and balances moisture. A damp, unventilated environment does not form inside the duvet throughout the night; this means it is not a suitable environment for dust mites to multiply.
• It does not trap dust or produce debris. Long fibers do not break easily; they do not leave dust like feathers or fibers.
• It is a natural fiber. Its antiallergic property comes from the fiber itself, not from a coating.
• It is lightweight. It wraps you without weighing down your chest; it makes it easier to breathe.

Note: A silk duvet is not a treatment. If you have a condition such as allergic rhinitis or asthma, continue to follow your doctor's recommendations; a silk duvet is one of the ways to reduce the allergen load in your bedroom.

What to look for when buying an antiallergic silk duvet

• 100% silk filling: "Silk blend" or "silky" fillings are usually polyester. The label should say "100% mulberry silk".
• Long fiber: Long-fiber silk filling can be used for years without clumping.
• Filling weight: It should be specified in grams. For example, İpekshop uses 850 g of silk filling in its double seasonal silk duvet and 1,600 g in its winter duvet.
• Fabric: Classic silk duvets use breathable 83-thread count cotton; premium models use 22 momme 100% silk fabric.

Tips for reducing allergens in the bedroom

• Wash your duvet cover and bedsheets once a week.
• Air out your silk duvet once a month in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
• Ventilate the bedroom for 10 minutes every morning; keep the humidity low.
• Do not forget your pillow either: what kind of pillow should people with dust allergies use?

İpekshop antiallergic silk duvets

İpekshop has been producing silk sleep products since 2011. The filling of our silk duvets is 100% long-fiber mulberry silk. You can see the silk filling inside by opening the long zipper on the edge of the duvet. It is offered in single and extra blanket sizes, as well as in four sizes, seasonal and winter.

• Seasonal double silk duvet: for spring, summer, and autumn
• Winter double silk duvet: for cold winter nights
• Premium silk duvet: both the filling and the fabric are silk

View silk duvets →

Frequently asked questions

Does a silk duvet cause allergies?

Silk is a natural fiber with a low risk of allergies. Although very rare, some people may be sensitive to silk protein; if you suspect such a situation, consult your doctor.

What is the difference between an antiallergic duvet and a silk duvet?

In fiber duvets labeled "antiallergic", this property mostly comes from a treatment. In a silk duvet, it comes from the natural structure of the fiber and is not lost with washing.

Which duvet is best for dust mite allergies?

A duvet that is breathable, does not retain moisture, and does not leave dust. A 100% mulberry silk-filled silk duvet combines these three properties.