Question from EK
Hi Debra! I’m looking to buy a new a comforter and unfortunately i’m allergic to feathers and my husband doesn’t handle wool very welI. I came across a comforter which was made of recycled polyester and lyocell fibers and was hoping you would be able to explain what this is and if its a less toxic option than polyester. I’d also like to thank you for many years of guidance!
Debra’s Answer
Recycled polyester isn’t any less toxic than virgin polyester, it’s just recycled rather than going into a landfill.
Lyocell is a type of rayon. Rayon is made from regenerated cellulose fiber of various types. In the past, rayon was usually made from cotton fibers too short to spin into yarn. Lyocell is made from wood pulp. Bamboo fabrics are made by the same process, but will cellulose from bamboo.
There are other natural comforter fillings you might want to try, including silk, milkweed, cotton…there’s even a bamboo comforter with bamboo cover and fill. Google each of these for sources.
Don’t forget 100% cotton or 100% organic cotton.
Often when people are sensitive to wool, they are actually sensitive to the chemicals commonly used in processing wool. Shepherd’s Dream makes a wool comforter that is “clean.” They have samples of their products so you can test it and see how beautifully made they are. Our wool comforter is inside a cotton duvet cover from Pottery Barn.
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
I have a wool comforter from Shepherd’s Dream and have been sleeping under if for years. Still in excellent condition. Check that duvet cover from Pottery Barn to make sure it doesn’t have a formaldehyde-based permanent-press finish.
http://www.slipcovermaker.com
I recently wrote a blog post for Satara Home titled, Natural Comforter Comparison Guide, that you might find helpful. http://www.satarahome.com/blog/karen/natural-comforter-comparison-guide. It compares wool, silk and down comforters. I’ve slept with a wool comforter for 15 years and love it. I tried other natural fibers but found wool to provide the best thermal warmth. I don’t have allergy problems with wool like I do with down or cotton fiber.
You can also try a 100% USDA Certified Organic Cotton comforter/duvet or 100% Green Cotton duvet. These are all made in the USA and one is far less $$$ than the other 🙂
Mention this and get a 20% discount on your order until 2-26th 2013. Thank you!