There really is nothing as soft and warm as a
down comforter for a good night's sleep. However, choosing the right
down comforter for your needs can sometimes be a nightmare. Here's
the lowdown on what you need to know:
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What is natural down and why does it insulate so well?
Natural down consists of clusters of filaments from the underbelly
of a waterfowl bird such as a duck or goose. Because of its three
dimensional structure and ability to "loft", each down
cluster traps more air for its weight than any synthetic. The filaments
interlock and overlap naturally to form a protective layer of still
air that keeps warmth in and cold out. Natural down comforters consist
of a mix of down material and feathers. As long as the comforter
contains 75% down, it can be labeled in America as being "All
Down" by manufacturers (Europe has higher standards). Because
of this, it's important to be aware of the down to feather content
ratio. How do synthetic down comforters compare to the natural ones?
Synthetic down comforters provide a cost savings over
natural goose or duck down comforters, but there are noticeable
differences. A natural down comforter breathes more effectively
than synthetics, provides more thermal warmth, and is usually more
durable. Nevertheless, some of the new synthetic comforters like
our Primaloft hypoallergenic comforters rated quite well with our
reviewers.
Which birds provide the best down?
The best downs come from mature birds. Down from an immature bird
tends to have poor filling power and collapses in a relatively short
time. However, when age and maturity are equal, goose down is considered
better than duck down. Eider down is considered the finest quality
down material and thus the most expensive.
Why is fill power information important?
Fill power can tell you a lot about your comforter. The fill power
(or how fluffy the comforter is) is the number of cubic inches one
ounce of down will fill under laboratory conditions. A higher number
on the fill power (typically a range of 600-800) means the comforter
will be fluffier, warmer and last longer. Even though higher fill
power costs more, in the long run it is worth having.
What does a cleanliness rating tell you?
The cleanliness of a down comforter is measured by an Oxygen test
that indicates the amount of organic matter left after washing and
a Turbidity test that is a measure of suspended solids in the material.
The government standard for Oxygen is 10 but superior comforters
have numbers lower than this. The scale for Turbidity goes from
about 60 being unwashed to 550 being the best. Try to purchase a
comforter that has a lower Oxygen number than 10 and a rather high
scale Turbidity level.
What if I'm allergic to natural down material?
Many people mistakenly believe that they are allergic to feathers
and down. However, studies have shown that they are actually experiencing
a reaction to dust, dirt and other contaminants found in unwashed
down and feathers. As an allergy sufferer, this is why selecting
a comforter with acceptable cleanliness numbers on the above two
tests might be your best bet. Look at our helpful Comforter Product
Guide to compare these features.
What do I need to know about thread count?
Thread count is another useful feature to look for in your quest
for the ideal down comforter. The higher the number of threads that
are contained in one square inch of fabric, the lighter and smoother
the comforter tends to feel. But keep in mind the highest number
thread count of 360 for premium comforters may not be as durable
as a 220-260 count comforter that is fine for most people.
What about the sewing construction of the comforter?
Comforters are generally sewn through or baffled. Baffling is an
internal fabric wall that allows the fill to loft (puff up) more
and adds strength to the comforter. Comforters that are sewn through
are better for lightweight comforters only. Finally, the tightness
of the weave on a comforter also prevents leakage of the fill to
the outside world - commonly referred to as downproofing. Downproofness
is measured in millimeters with the industry standard being 10 for
air porosity.
In summary, while all of these factors are important
for choosing the best comforter for you and your family, the enforcement
of certain comforter manufacturer's claims may be less stringent
in some states. For this reason, it is always smart to go with a
well-known brand whose claims you can trust. As is often the case
with most healthy home products, you get what you pay for in comforter
quality. Clearly the aim is to get the maximum warmth at the lightest
weight. Be sure to purchase a duvet cover with your comforter to
protect your investment and make it last for many restful nights.
First Published: February 2002
Updated: April 2007
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