A man in a checked shirt speaking, alongside an image of a woman in bed holding a tissue and looking congested.

Are you waking up with a blocked nose, itchy eyes, or constant sneezing? All these can make it difficult to get the restful sleep you need. But have you ever considered that your bedding could be making things worse?

Traditional soft bedding, such as feather, feather & down and synthetic duvets, can harbour dust mites, creating an unhealthy sleep environment and triggering asthma. The good news? There’s a natural, sustainable solution - wool duvets.

In this blog, we’ll explore how allergies affect sleep, why your bedding might be the hidden culprit, and how a Devon Duvets natural 100% British wool duvet can help to provide a cleaner, healthier sleep environment.

Why do allergies affect sleep?

Allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances, such as dust mites and pet dander. When these allergens accumulate in your bedding, they can cause:

Nasal congestion: Making it harder to breathe through the night.

Itchy, watery eyes:  Leading to discomfort and broken sleep.

Sneezing and coughing: Disrupting deep sleep cycles.

Skin irritation: Triggering rashes and itchiness in sensitive individuals.

Studies published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology show that bedding allergens are one of the most common causes of sleep disturbances. The most common of these are dust mites, which love nothing more than warm, humid environments - and these are exactly the conditions found in many synthetic and feather-filled duvets.

By switching to a wool duvet, this helps to create a sleep environment that is naturally resistant to allergens.  

How are wool duvets naturally resistant to allergens?

Wool is a remarkable natural fibre with built-in properties that make it ideal for allergy sufferers:

  • Naturally hypoallergenic - wool does not contain the synthetic chemicals found in many bedding products, reducing the risk of skin irritation.
  • Dust mite resistant – wool’s unique structure wicks away moisture, creating an inhospitable environment for dust mites, which rely on humidity to survive.
  • Breathable and temperature regulating - wool helps regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Unlike synthetic duvets, it doesn’t trap heat and moisture, preventing the build-up of allergens.
  • Antibacterial - wool is naturally resistant to micro bacteria, so this helps keep bedding fresh and clean.

A study published in Allergy and Asthma Proceedings confirms that dust mites struggle to survive in wool bedding, making it a perfect choice for sensitive sleepers.

Why choose a Devon Duvets wool duvet?

At Devon Duvets, we individually handcraft our duvets from 100% British wool that’s been specifically selected for its quality and purity and from local farmers we know. Unlike mass-produced bedding, we never use synthetic fillers, chemical treatments, or artificial blends - just natural, breathable wool encased in high-quality cotton.

  • 100% natural, sustainable and chemical-free – no synthetic treatments or artificial additives.
  • Handmade in the UK – proudly crafted in Devon, using traditional techniques.
  • Award-winning quality – independently recognised as one of the best duvets for quality and comfort.

With a Devon Duvets wool duvet, you’re not just improving your sleep, you’re investing in a healthier, more sustainable way to rest. That makes it better for you – and the planet.

Q&A: Everything you need to know about wool duvets and allergies

1. Are wool duvets good for allergy sufferers?

Wool duvets are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and bacteria. Unlike synthetic duvets, which can trap moisture and create an environment for allergens to thrive, wool wicks away moisture, keeping your bedding dry and hygienic.

2. Do wool duvets help with asthma?

Wool duvets can be beneficial for asthma sufferers because they reduce exposure to dust mites, one of the most common asthma triggers. Research has shown that people with asthma often experience better sleep quality when switching to wool bedding due to its breathability and dust mite resistant properties.

3. Do wool duvets have chemicals?

At Devon Duvets, the wool we use in our duvets is carefully washed and processed without chemicals. 

4. How do you clean a wool duvet?

Unlike synthetic duvets that require frequent washing, wool duvets stay fresher for longer thanks to their antibacterial properties. We recommend:

  • Regular airing - to maintain freshness.
  • Spot cleaning - with a damp cloth for small spills.
  • For deeper cleans – our wool duvets can be machine washed on a 30 degrees wool cycle, using a detergent specifically created for wool then air dried thoroughly. A wool duvet should not be tumble dried and dry cleaning isn’t recommended as this process uses chemicals that leave chemical fumes in your duvet. Find out more here.

5. Do wool duvets get too hot in summer?

Wool is naturally temperature-regulating, meaning it keeps you warm in the winter while allowing airflow to prevent overheating in summer. This makes wool duvets a great choice for year-round comfort. Depending on your bedroom temperature, you can choose from three ‘weights’ in our award-winning duvet range. For more information, check out our blog about wool duvets and tog ratings.

6. Are wool duvets sustainable?

Wool is one of the most eco-friendly bedding materials available. Unlike synthetic duvets, which contribute to microplastic pollution, wool is biodegradable, renewable, and sustainably sourced. At Devon Duvets, we are committed to sustainability and using British wool from British farmers we know have the highest standards of animal welfare is just one of the many things that makes our products sustainable.

7. Where can I buy a high-quality wool duvet?

Explore our range of individually handmade, 100% British made natural wool duvets. We offer a selection of sizes and weights to suit your personal sleep preferences.

If you have any questions about our duvets, or would like to chat to the team about any of our British wool filled soft bedding, then please get in touch by calling 01752 345399 or via email.