We have been finding out recently that
not all comforters
are created equal. Intuitively, I have always known that but
the criteria for distinguishing between them were more complicated
than I realized. Here are the different variables and I have
tried to keep it simple for you.
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Fill Power
In layman's terms this means how fluffy/puffy is the fill.
Fluffy down occupies more space inside a comforter. A higher
number on the 600-800 scale means it is fluffier. Higher
fill power means it also lasts longer.
Thread Count/Barrier Weave
fabric
The thread count is the number of threads that are contained
in one square inch of fabric. Higher thread counts in a
fabric mean it is lighter and softer. The tightness of the
weave also prevents leakage of the fill inside the comforter
to the outside air. The lightness also helps the fill to
" loft"- puff up in layman's terms. Downproofness is measure
in millimeters .Lower numbers mean better down proofing.
The industry standard in '10'. An air porosity test (how
much air can pass through a fabric) is a measure of "downproofness".
Higher thread counts are obviously better for comforter
covers. In other words, no little feathers poking through
the fabric.
Cleanliness
There are acceptable government standards for the cleanliness
of feathers and down.
This cleanliness is a primary variable in determining the
hypoallergenic nature of some down comforters. Some comforter
fills are washed as many as fifteen times to get rid of
dust, dirt and organic matter. There are two "cleanliness"
tests in the industry.
- A Oxygen test determines the amount
of organic matter left in the material being tested.
The industry acceptable standard is 10. Better products
have lower numbers than that.
- Turbidity tests. Turbidity is a measure of suspended
solids, dust, dirt etc suspended in the material. The
scale goes from about 60 (unwashed feathers) to 550 best.
Type of Down
These are in order of quality. Please note that in some
comforters labeled "pure down" or 100% down are not pure,
as some feathers remain in the fill. As long as the comforter
is 75% down it can be labeled 100% in many state's (ugh!
We need a new label law here)
- Duck feather
- Duck feather and Down
- Goose feather and Down
- Goose down
- Hungarian Down Siberian Down
Weight
A comforter can be made warmer in two ways. Fill power and
weight. Clearly the aim is to get the maximum warmth at
the lightest weight. To get this you would choose a higher
fill power number. Feathers are a great deal less warm than
high grade down. Once you have selected the fillpower then
add weight for extra warmth
Construction
Sewing Quality. Better sewing means more durability,
less tendency for sewing to break. Comforters are generally
sewn through or baffled. The baffling is an internal fabric
wall which allows the fill to "loft" more. It also adds
strength to the comforter. Comforters which are sewn through
are generally better for lighterweight comforters only.
See all comforters
First Published: early November 2000
Updated: April 2007
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