Sore throat from leather sofa?!

[natalie_1982]

My husband and I have found that if we fall asleep on our sofa then we wake with a sore throat / chest. Has anyone else heard of this? At first I thought it was just him as he has asthma, then I thought it could have been the position we had been dozing but I have fallen asleep on sofas before and not had the same effect. An effect from the leather (maybe treating chemicals?) having a reaction is the only thing I can think it could be. Does this sound plausible to anyone?

[pauln90]

Well strangely I saw an advert in a sunday paper from a firm of solicitors inviting people who had health problems after buying a new suite to contact them with a view to claiming compensation so obviously some people are having problems. As you say it maybe the chemicals are having a detrimental effect.

[natalie_1982]

Thanks gina, I'd be interested to know if you can remember any more details. Not necessarily for the compo claim but just to find out more, I have tried googling loads of things but can't seem to find anyone else who has experienced this!

[pauln90]

The advert is from a firm of solicitors in Leeds

http://www.godloves.co.uk/Home.html

and they invite people who have bought a new sofa and have suffered skin rash,sores or breathing problems to contact them.

Oh and who is Gina ???

[natalie_1982]

Really sorry Paul, I got confused!

[dilligaf]

Got confused ?

Possibly another adverse effect of sleeping on a leather sofa?

[natalie_1982]

LOL

Where there's blame there's a claim dilligaf! Ow, my neck... I think I have whiplash too.... oh, and those flashing lights are hurting my eyes......

[countrykid]

I work for a company that sells a variety of furniture types, including leather upholstery. Recently there was a feature on TV (poss Watchdog) which highlighted the problem you describe. It transpired that all of the furniture that was causing the problem was made by a particular company - I don't have the details to hand but could find out from our furniture buyer if you wish. We have not experienced such problems form the furniture we sell, but don't deal with the firm in question.

[natalie_1982]

The furniture supplier was Land of Leather countrykid, it would be great if you could find out. It seems really odd to have this reaction!

[countrykid]

Sorry for delay Natalie, my boss has been off ill, but back tomorrow. I will get any onfo I can and post on here for you. Best wishes.

[countrykid]

Hi Natalie

Can you tell me which retailer you purchased your suite from, and what the model or name is. Two companies have been identified as selling suites which have caused problems, but neither were Land of Leather in this instance. My boss is digging out a file with further info in, so I'll keep you posted. Most leather furniture is imported, with much of it from China, but if the leather is conditioned and treated properly during production, it should be fine, though some people could be allergic to certain finishes in the same way that wool makes some people itch I guess.

Cheers for now

[natalie_1982]

Hi country kid, thanks for your hepl. We bought it from the Land of Leather, Botley Store in Oxford.

[countrykid]

Hi Natalie
I'm not sure if this info will be of help, as Land of Leather isn't one of the two companies we had info on re the problems leather furniture has had with some people.

Argos stores and a company called Warmsley's (branches throughout UK) both sold suites imported from China. The supplier was a company called Linkwise. It might be worth checking where Land of Leather have their suites made and who the supplier is. They may well have several suppliers, but as with most big companies, no matter how much you as a customer might pay, they get it made as cheaply as possible. Their buyers drive a hard deal with suppliers, who may in turn look to cut corners or use "inappropriate materials or methods" in its construction. Not sure IO can be of any more help, but would love to know if you get any success. Hope you and y7our husband can eventually sit back and enjoy your furniture. It you are successful, and do get some redress, and perhaps even a refund if the goods are "not fit for purpose etc", you might take a look at the Furniture Village company, nearest store to you is possibly Solihull - but worth the trip I'd say. Or check out a smaller retailer locally that is part of a buying group called AIS. I can give you more info on this if you need it.

Best wishes

Countrykid

[adamhornsby]

We have a suite from the dearly departed Courts. It was expensive, and I hope to god it isnt made in bluming China because of the price, it also looks too nice. But we have had nothing of the problems you say.

[neil171281]

just a quick question i know a lot about land of leather sofas so what was the sofa name and i will let you know if it was effected.

[countrykid]

Hi Natalie_1982

Did you ever resolve the problem with your leather suite causing you to have sore throat etc. This story has been in the news again recenly so you may have already seen it. A court has now decided people can sue the relevant company (Land of Leather is one of them). Estimates reckon this whole saga could cost the companies concerned a total of �10 million!!. Good luck if you claim.

[Salopian48]

Hi Natalie,
Same thing here - recently bought a leather sofa which, by a process of elimination, is causing asthma-like problems for some members of my family, others unaffected. No skin problems (yet!)
Did you ever get a definitive answer to your question about the chemicals used to treat leather?

[isobel21]

I bought a leather suite from land of leather 8 months ago, since then I have had a skin rash and I have had respitory problems I ended up in hospital with respitory problems and I still have the problem