THERE is nothing like snuggling into bed on a cold winter night.
But the humble doona can also be an allergen breeding ground.
Bell Laboratories specialises in the sampling and analysis of workplace air and indoor air quality.
Its research found that doonas, particularly feather-filled doonas, were one of the biggest allergen culprits in the home.
Wayne Anderson from Bell said doonas contained high levels of dust in every home tested — more than 100 milligrams per cubic metre.
"Dust is a major carrier and source of airborne allergens," Mr Anderson said.
‘‘This may present a risk to many people, particularly sensitive individuals who experience allergies, given we sleep with doonas so close to our breathing zone.
‘‘Other furnishings in the home containing high sources of dust were the couch, rug and carpet.’’
''Allergens are substances that occur naturally in the environment and are in the home in the form of dust, pollen from the garden, pollution in the air or even in hair and dander from pets.
‘‘Most people are unaware that allergens are present in their home, they are too small to be seen with the naked eye, and a normal cleaning routine is often not enough to prevent them from becoming airborne.
"People can take practical steps to reduce exposure to allergens in the home.
"Our research found the Ambi Pur Allergen Reducer range was effective at reducing airborne allergens.
"Spraying carpeted floors and fabric surfaces after your pet has been on them and before activities that disturb and disseminate dust, such as before you vacuum or children come home from school, may help prevent allergens from becoming airborne."
Other ways to reduce allergens according to mayoclinic.org are:
■ Use a low pile carpet
■ Use a vaccum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
■ Use washable curtains or blinds
■ For doonas, use synthetic materials rather than feather or wool, and wash bedding and pillow cases once a week in water heated to 54 degrees.
Details: facebook.com/ambipurANZ.
