House dust mite allergen (Der p 1) accumulation on new synthetic and feather pillows.
BACKGROUND
We have previously demonstrated that synthetic pillows contain significantly more Der p 1 than feather pillows. The aim of this study was to compare the accumulation of Der p 1 allergen on new synthetic and new feather pillows.


METHODS
Der p 1 was measured in dust samples from pairs of synthetic and feather pillows placed together on 12 beds over a 12-month period.


RESULTS
After 12 months synthetic pillows contained higher concentrations of Der p 1 (19.28 microg/g; 95% confidence interval: 9.76-38.07) than feather pillows (6.45 microg/g; 2.96-14.05). There was a significant correlation between Der p 1 concentrations of pillows at 12 months and Der p 1 concentrations of the mattresses at the beginning of the study (r = 0.72; P = 0.008 for both types of pillows).


CONCLUSIONS
Synthetic pillows accumulate Der p 1 more rapidly than feather pillows and the accumulation rate of Der p 1 on pillows is governed by the Der p 1 concentration in the immediate environment they are placed in.
Wellington Asthma Research Group, Wellington School of Medicine, New Zealand.
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Rains
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Siebers
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Crane
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Fitzharris
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005241:Feathers; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D008925:Mites; D011091:Polyesters
D000485:Allergens; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D006023:Glycoproteins; D011091:Polyesters