Products in synthetic bedding may affect asthma

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Products in synthetic bedding may affect asthma

Monday, 3 August 2009, 10:52 am

Press Release: University of Otago

Scoop.co.nz (press release)

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0908/S00003.htm

Fungal products in synthetic bedding may affect asthma

Synthetic bedding contains higher levels of fungal cell products than feather

bedding, which may have a negative effect on asthmatics with respiratory

problems according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Otago,

Wellington.

The study, which has recently been published in the Journal of Asthma, confirms

that synthetic bedding has much higher levels of fungi related beta glucan than

feather bedding. This is the first study of its type in New Zealand and backs up

similar evidence regarding synthetic bedding and fungi done overseas.

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Beta glucans are non-allergenic components from the cell walls of fungi that can

account for up to 60% of the weight of the cell. They are also present in large

quantities in house dust.

This study follows earlier international evidence that shows house dust mites,

which are known to affect asthmatics, are also more prevalent in synthetic

compared to feather bedding.

" This study adds further strong evidence in a New Zealand setting that feather

bedding is better than synthetics if you have asthma , " says lead investigator

Rob Siebers. " This is because beta glucan is pro-inflammatory and associated

with lung function changes, including peak flow variability in children. "

" There have already been a number of international studies that show synthetic

bedding is associated with more asthma symptoms compared to feather bedding. "

Rob Siebers' research looked at 178 samples obtained from 35 floors, 35

mattresses, 35 duvets and 73 pillows. He says total beta glucan levels of

synthetic pillows were two to three times higher than from feather pillows,

although this just failed to reach statistical significance.

With duvets the beta glucan levels were much higher; seven to eightfold in

synthetic duvets compared to feather. Allowing cats and dogs in the bedroom

resulted in even higher levels in synthetic duvets. This effect was not seen in

feather duvets. Similar results for synthetic duvets have been found in previous

University of Otago studies for house dust mite infestation.

Mattresses older than five years also have about three times the amount of beta

glucan compared to mattresses less than five years old.

Rob Siebers says that studies in Europe have shown that frequency of vacuuming

has a dose-response relationship with beta glucan levels, and that older carpets

are associated with higher levels. However this study did not show any

significant relationship between lower beta glucan levels and vacuuming, airing

the bedding and the age of a carpet.

The researchers say these results could be of importance to asthma patients as

bedding items are in close proximity to airways, but further research is needed

to determine what levels of beta glucan are associated with asthma and

respiratory symptoms.

This study was funded by the University of Otago.