Locations:
Search IconSearch

Is Your Bedding Disrupting Your Breathing?

Interstitial lung disease has many mysterious causes

Messy bedding after a night of sleep

Every day, you encounter irritants that can harm your lungs. Some are obvious, such as dust mites, smoking or exposure to car fumes. But did you know that even the bedding in your home can seriously affect your breathing?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Feather duvet lung is an inflammatory reaction to goose or duck feathers in linens. It’s a form of lung condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which is one of many disorders that fall under the umbrella of interstitial lung disease.

Feather duvet lung is your body’s response to long-term exposure to environmental irritants in bedding, such as feathers, that cause an inflammatory response in your lungs. As a response, tiny air sacs in your lungs become inflamed. If you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough and chest pain — and sleep with down bedding ­— it’s crucial to work with your doctors to determine all the possible reasons. Your bedding could be to blame.

Bedding may seem like an unlikely culprit for your breathing issues, but lung specialist Daniel Culver, DO, says otherwise.

“We never cease to be amazed by some of the things that cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis in some people’s environments,” he says. Feather duvet lung is one type of a larger condition called bird fancier’s lung, one of the most common forms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Pet bird owners take heed: feathers and droppings can also cause inflammation in the lungs. Even arts and craft materials, such as feathers, can cause irritation.

Advertisement

“Diagnosing feather duvet lung is challenging and interesting, and every patient has the potential to throw you a curveball,” Dr. Culver says.

Reducing your risk

Because you spend close to one-third of your life in your bed, keeping your bedding free from items that cause irritation is important. Reactions to bedding containing goose or other feathers is a common source of feather duvet lung, hence the name! If you do have a reaction to bedding such as down linens, sometimes the best way to tackle the problem is with a few simple lifestyle changes.

  • Have an evaluation by a physician. If you suspect you’re having a reaction to down bedding, Dr. Culver suggests having an evaluation by a physician. “Before pitching your favorite down pillow, you should see a lung doctor first,” he explains. “If you’re diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, then I would consider alternative bedding.” Don’t fret if you must abandon down. There are many down-alternatives available that provide just as much warmth and comfort without the irritation.
  • Do your laundry. Wash all bedding, including blankets, sheets and comforters or duvets, once a week in hot water. This kills any allergens, such as dust mites, that can cause irritation to your airways.

There are no hard and fast rules for determining your risk of feather duvet lung, Dr. Culver says. A lot of factors are at play, from how intense the exposure is to how long you’ve been living with feather-type irritants. You can also live with an irritant for some time before the condition actually develops.

Ultimately, most interstitial lung diseases are rare, says Dr. Culver.

“A lot of it comes down to genetics and having the right environmental irritants to set up the problems.” Dr. Culver says.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
January 3, 2025/Sleep
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

Tan tablets pouring from bottle into a hand
December 24, 2024/Sleep
Does Magnesium Help You Sleep Better?

Research is limited on whether the supplement can help you snooze, and there may be better options

person sitting down, holding their hand to their throat
December 18, 2024/Ear, Nose & Throat
Why You Have a Sore Throat in the Morning

Dry air and acid reflux are just two of the many possible causes of your scratchy throat

Person holds a tissue to their nose while another places an ornament on the Christmas tree
December 13, 2024/Allergies
Could You Be Allergic to Your Christmas Tree?

You’re more likely to be allergic to the debris that came in with this festive evergreen

Person wearing earbuds, sitting in bed undercovers, coughing into their elbow, with laptop open on lap
December 3, 2024/Lung
Best Ways To Stop a Cough

Certain medicines and home remedies like ginger, honey and thyme can help calm a cough

Older male reclining on couch, blowing nose, with cold medications and products on coffee table
What’s the Difference Between Walking Pneumonia and Pneumonia?

Walking pneumonia is milder and doesn’t always require medication — but it’s also highly contagious

Female asleep in bed in darkened bedroom, red alarm clock on table
November 15, 2024/Sleep
Why Women Need To Sleep More Than Men

Changing hormones, mental health issues and a higher risk for sleep disorders can all impact women’s sleep needs

Person with eyes closed, inhaling on an asthma inhaler
November 12, 2024/Lung
Why Is My Asthma Worse at Night?

Nighttime asthma attacks can be due to acid reflux, allergens and hormonal changes, but treatment can help prevent them

Trending Topics

Person sitting on floor at night next to bed in deep thought, with partner sleeping in bed
Understanding Mental Load: What It Is and How It Affects You

When you get bogged down with mental tasks, you can experience mood changes, sleeplessness and more

Hands holding two different kinds of pain medications separated by a white line
Can You Take Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Together?

You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain management and fever reduction

Smiling person with headphones on, sweeping floor in living room
Understanding Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT Exercise)

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis is all the activity we do that’s not technically exercise but is still important to your health and well-being

Ad