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What is the difference between sanitized and sterilized goose down?
If you have ever had a goose down comforter or feather pillow that had an odor or smelled a bit musty, the goose down filling was probably not cleaned properly at the factory level and you received an inferior product. People are not allergic to goose down and feathers. You are allergic to goose down and feathers. People aren't actually allergic to goose down, goose feathers, or down feathers - it's what's left on the goose down before stuffing the comforter or pillow that people are allergic to. This may sound bad, but things like dust mites, dander, fats and oils are very common in unwashed goose down material. …
What is the difference between sanitized and sterilized goose down?
If you have ever had a goose down comforter or feather pillow that had an odor or smelled a bit musty, the goose down filling was probably not cleaned properly at the factory level and you received an inferior product.
People are not allergic to goose down and feathers. You are allergic to goose down and feathers.
People aren't actually allergic to goose down, goose feathers, or down feathers - it's what's left on the goose down before stuffing the comforter or pillow that people are allergic to.
This may sound bad, but things like dust mites, dander, fats and oils are very common in unwashed goose down material. It is these items that, if not washed out, cause allergies and reactions in some people. It is these items that cause odors in goose down products.
If goose down material is not washed properly at the factory and allergies occur in some products, most people mistakenly associate the allergy as being directly related to the goose down and feather filling. Because many people are unaware of these facts, they assume that it is the goose down that they are allergic to.
If you have ever felt unwell or had an allergic reaction to what you think is goose down, there are numerous ways to avoid a future reaction. It's all about choosing the right product.
I can assure you that you are not allergic to properly cleaned and sterilized goose down materials. When goose down is properly cleaned and sterilized, it becomes “truly hypoallergenic.” This type of goose down has been completely stripped of all allergenic materials and heat treated to become completely sterile before being added to the duvet or pillow shells.
Another thing to look for is “downward proof” shells. Down-proof shells do not leak. Nothing gets in, nothing gets out. When truly hypoallergenic goose down is placed in a down-safe shell, you are guaranteed an allergy-free product.
Some things to be wary of are down products that claim to be “disinfected.” There is a difference between the words “sanitized” and “sterilized.”
– Disinfection is a chemical treatment. It can be used in times when the goose down is not cleaned to truly hypoallergenic standards. By spraying a chemical disinfectant on the goose down, manufacturers only mask the allergy problem and do not solve it.
– The sterilization goose down is the result of a heat treatment over time. The top-end manufacturers wash goose down so that it is completely free of dust, dander and mites. They then heat the goose in massive commercial dryers to temperatures over 120 degrees Celsius. Once the goose down has been heated to such temperatures, it is kept there for at least 30 minutes to ensure sterilization of the goose down material.
Because of this key difference, sanitized goose down cannot be considered “truly” hypoallergenic goose down and is therefore a much cheaper, lower quality product that sterilizes goose down.
According to North American standards, there are numerous requirements that goose down must meet to be considered hypoallergenic goose down. Minimum industry standards for haze are 500mm. Top manufacturers in the industry set their own internal haze standards at 800mm to ensure true hypoallergenic goose down material is achieved.
In another article I will explain exactly what “turbidity” is and how it is calculated. Another cleanliness specification I will reveal is the “Oxygen Number.” These are two of the biggest specifications that determine the cleanliness quality of your goose down filling material.
As you can see, there are many factors that contribute to the cleanliness and quality of truly hypoallergenic goose down, and it is extremely important that you understand these factors when purchasing your next luxury goose down comforter, pillow, or goose down clothing.
Don't be fooled by companies that claim their goose down is allergy-free if they don't rid their materials of allergenic substances! Stay informed, live well.
Inspired by Darren Salkeld