Should we stay away from down clothes?

@rozie83 I'm curious about where you read that, can you give us a source?
Years ago my PCP and my daughter's pediatrician and allergist all suggested that we eliminate down comforters because the fine particles make their way through the fabric and we can breathe them in while sleeping. They are a common allergen/irritant. We got rid of our feather and down pillows for the same reason.

I never considered getting rid of my down vest and jacket, but those are not "right in my face" for 7-8 hours at a time. They are so featherlight and comfortable that I would need serious evidence to convince me to give them up.

Roz, Oof, like @sueinmn I need some strong evidence to give up my down outerwear. Super warm, super lite, and so comfortable to enjoy the fabulous winter sports we're blessed to have and enjoy here in Minnesota. I have zero allergies but am diligent in low temp drying and refluffing my vests, coats, hats,and gloves
regularly after each ski outing.
Terri

I read it on the Facebook site of Lung Matters December 2. There were several people who contributed to the commentary. I wrapped up my 4 down jackets but haven't gotten rid of them. I will be glad to hang them back up if anybody has information that down jackets, etc are ok to use with BE and/or NTM. I'm interested to see what other people know. Thank you. Roz

@rozie83 I almost never post comments about other Bronchiectasis gathering places, because each has their following and offers some good information. BUT...Lung Matters does not base many of their posts in science, but rather in the opinion of their leaders. Many of their statements and recommendations cannot be supported by sound facts or research, and challenging or dissenting voices are banned. I am not allowed on their site, so cannot see what you read there.

A few years ago, there was a discussion (I don't remember where) about feathers being a "source" of MAC. I did a very deep dive into Google Scholar and found only the suggestion that infected birds MIGHT get fecal material on their feathers. But the feathers and down in our jackets and comforters has been thoroughly cleaned before use.

So, following the Dr Jennifer Honda philosophy on managing the burden of living with BE and/or NTM, this risk would fall in the very low category. You can watch her wonderful, science and research based video here:

Are you willing to cut and paste exactly what you read on Lung Matters to this discussion?

@sueinmn
I will probably get my down jackets hung back up in my closet and use them as needed. Thank you all for your enlightenment.
I am embarrassed to say I don't know how to cut and paste, but I will try to copy and print the post.
Roz

Sorry. I tried to take a picture of some text and send it. Right now I have to go out, but if you tell me what to do, I'll try when I get back.

Your replies are why I asked the question. I appreciate all replies. Thank you.
Roz

I’m still allowed in.
It started with someone saying her previous pulmonologist told her to avoid down blankets, etc and she plans to ask her new one, but asked what people do.
Kelly Kay responded-
“National Jewish Health (NJH) asked me about feather products and pets at my very first appointment. I was in between pets at the time, so I no longer have their company 😢

After that first appointment, I went home and put every down comforter, feather pillow, and “leaky” down coat into donation bags and removed them from my house immediately.

I have two down coats kept in the front door closet that are exceptionally made and do not leak feathers or feather dust. I sleep with a Dreo oil heater in my bedroom.

Down feathers are highly problematic for our community. Feathers and feather dust can cause Feather Lung Disease, bronchiectasis, and the multi-drug-resistant infections that occur with the damage.
https://selfmatters.institute/2020/10/08/feather-lung-disease/“

I did super quick google search and found this:
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-hypersensitivity-pneumonitis-is-your-feather-bedding-making-you-sick/

@rozie83
I am not sensitive to down or feathers, so I will keep enjoying my down vests, coats and comforters. The fabric coverings of my down clothing seem tight and I don't see many escaped feathers.

@mholm
I’m with you! It was interesting though.

I didn’t see bronchiectasis in my quick search, but interstitial lung disease seemed to be the issue.