I had the same reaction. Thinking I was having an allergic reaction to something, which I never have to anything, I tried to think of anything I had eaten or anything else out of the ordinary. It seemed to present itself as a rash or welts mostly on my forearms and always in the mornings getting better as the day progressed. I used cortisone and it helped. I bought one for my grandson also 10 years old, and he had same reactions. Finally put 2+2 together and knew it was the pillows. Washed them thoroughly, rinsed them twice, ran them through the dryer, and no problems since. The new pillows as shipped have some kind of chemical associated with the fill that leaches out and causes this reaction. I've never been allergic to anything. User's recommendation: Wash thoroughly, rinse well before use.