I got my new couch about 2 months ago. It was treated with stain repellant and it's microfiber. Well, I was fine for awhile, but now I'm dealing with a migraine that I've had for a week and have to take all kinds of things to get rid of it. Seems like I'm fine until I sit on the couch, then within seconds I start to get nauseaus and my head starts hurting. I covered it with a cotton table cloth, but of course that's not doing anything. I don't know what to do, I can't afford another couch, even if I sell this one! Do I have to get plastic to cover it with? Will that even help? I don't want to go thru a bunch of stuff only to have it not help. Anyone been thru this before? I don't feel so good. :(

Thanks.

It's possible that you have become sensitive to one or more of the chemicals, dyes or materials that were used in making the couch. If that is the case then, after a while, you could become sick from the couch by just having in your home.

Also, depending upon how the couch was stored before you bought it, mold could also be a factor. If mold is the problem, I don't know what you could do.

I am chemically sensitive. I bought a new leather recliner about seven months ago. Since I am chemically sensitive, I knew that I would have to outgas the recliner for many months and possibly years before I could use it.

I've placed it in the garage and will keep it out there, outgassing, until I can safely bring it into my house. I have no idea how long it will take. I'm planning to test it within the next few weeks.

You might have to do a similar thing to your couch.

Ugh. Well, that's a good idea to keep it out of the house somehow. I bet you're right, it seems like it's been getting worse each day, so pretty soon I may not even be able to have it in the house. I can't keep it outside in the shed for so long because I wouldn't have anywhere else to sit. I guess I'll have to sell it and get something else. I really can't afford it, but I'll have to come up with the money somehow. I might also try calling Room Store and asking/begging them to exchange it for one without the stain repellant and trying that if they let me. I doubt it, but I guess I'll have to ask just in case.

Kristie

You might try covering the couch with some type of barrier cover (plastic or vinyl??), which would restrict the gases from coming through. I've never been successful with it, but you might be.

The next time you buy furniture, you might have to sit on it, for 15 minutes, or so, prior to buying, to see if you react to it also.

Regards, and best of luck! :wave:

Have you tried Febreeze or Out! or something like that? SPraying it all over the sofa? Maybe if you get a full sun day you could sit it out in the sun for a while. Just some ideas....

Febreeze (spelling?) is loaded with chemicals so don't use it! I'm not sure about the other product, though.

I have the same problems with chemicals. The last new piece of furniture I bought, I talked the store into outgassing it for me. They simply stored it uncovered in their large storage building. I only buy second-hand now.

Lu

Lu, what type of reaction(s) do you get to new furniture?

Do you buy upholstered furniture or leather type?

You might also think about having it reupholtered with a natural fiber fabric rather than the synthetic microfiber. I never use synthetic fabrics for upholstery, curtains, etc...

The problem could be in the stuffing of your sofa. Also could bein the material. Spandex, for example is made of a kind of varnish. Can you call the manufacturer to learn exactly what the contents are?