What To Look For When Buying A Down Comforter

Down comforters come in all shapes, sizes, stitches and standards. To duck or goose is the most common question when searching for the perfect comforter. Always check the label for the percentage of down fill. A general rule of thumb is the higher the down percentage the higher the quality.

what to look for when buying a down comforter

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The premium and most expensive comforters are comprised of pure, white hypoallergenic goose down. Geese are larger birds, which produce bigger down clusters, perfect for higher fill to produce more warmth for cooler climates.

Duck down and feathers are more accessible thanks to the higher population of ducks versus geese, which makes these comforters more affordable due to the materials being less expensive. The bedding market perceives duck less inferior to goose, and is perfect for warmer climates and less filled comforters.

Fill Power of 700 and above is the most outstanding quality and comes with a hefty price tag. Usually the down is collected from molting geese, which are kept for breeding purposes. Major manufactures may have limited supply, as this rare down is not your-everyday-feather. These comforters are the fluffiest but also more rare in terms of available supply but the best for chilly climates.

• A quality down comforter can last from 10 years up to as long as 20 years, depending on the care it has been given. If the filling starts to come out, or it is not fluffy anymore, it's time to consider replacing the comforter."}},"@type": "Question","name": "How much fill power should I get in a lightweight down comforter?","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "For a lightweight down comforter that is great for those warmer summer days, look for a fill power of 400 or below. If you want a down comforter that can work all year-round, the fill power should be around 400 to 600.","@type": "Question","name": "Down vs. down alternative comforter","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "The difference between a down comforter and a down alternative comforter is quite simply the fill. Down comforters have the down from geese or ducks for the filling, while down alternative comforters have cotton or a polyester/synthetic fill."]}]}] .icon-garden-review-1fill:#b1dede.icon-garden-review-2fill:none;stroke:#01727a;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-linejoin:round > buttonbuttonThe Spruce The Spruce's Instagram The Spruce's TikTok The Spruce's Pinterest The Spruce's Facebook NewslettersClose search formOpen search formSearch DecorRoom Design

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Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home.Subscribe The Spruce's Instagram The Spruce's TikTok The Spruce's Pinterest The Spruce's Facebook About UsNewsletterPress and MediaContact UsEditorial GuidelinesHome Design & DecoratingRoom DesignBedroomsHow to Pick Out a Down Comforter ByCoral NafieCoral NafieCoral Nafie is an interior design expert with over 25 years of home decorating experience. She has authored the book "The About.com Guide to Home Decorating." Her expertise covers every aspect of home decor projects, including budget makeovers and extensive renovations.Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial ProcessUpdated on 06/17/22 The Spruce / Michelle Becker

A quality down comforter can last from 10 years up to as long as 20 years, depending on the care it has been given. If the filling starts to come out, or it is not fluffy anymore, it's time to consider replacing the comforter.

For a lightweight down comforter that is great for those warmer summer days, look for a fill power of 400 or below. If you want a down comforter that can work all year-round, the fill power should be around 400 to 600.

The difference between a down comforter and a down alternative comforter is quite simply the fill. Down comforters have the down from geese or ducks for the filling, while down alternative comforters have cotton or a polyester/synthetic fill.

With a design for nearly every climate and sleeper, down comforters can bring coziness, luxury, and comfort to every bedroom. There are several things to consider when purchasing a down comforter, such as down content, fill-power, and thread count. Buying a down comforter may seem daunting, but with a little background information and some purchasing tips, you can rest assured knowing you've chosen the best down comforter for your lifestyle.

Some of these factors include knowing the difference between goose and duck down, the right warmth level, the different weaves, and how to find the best size. Doing research beforehand is an extra step, but it can help you find the best down comforter.

On the other hand, duck down has smaller clusters and provides less insulation, but duck down comforters cost less than goose down. For those on a budget and looking for a down comforter, duck down is an excellent choice.

Fill power is defined by how much material is contained inside one ounce of fabric, and measured in grams per square meter (GSM). The higher the fill power, the more insulation a down comforter has to offer. Most comforter brands list the GSM in the product description or specifications.

With gusseted stitching, an extra strip of fabric is used to connect the front and back sides. Gusseted stitches create more loft in a comforter when filled. The filling expands upward instead of outward.

You may notice some down comforters have higher prices because the thread count is higher. However, separating a single-ply fiber makes the thread weaker. A high thread count comforter may only last a few years compared to a comforter with a thread count under 800.

Chemicals from laundry detergent strip the down feathers of these oils, causing the down comforter to go flat. Dry cleaners use special solvents, effectively cleaning your comforter without damaging the material.

Another way to help your down comforter last is by adding a duvet cover. Many down comforter brands have built-in corner tabs to secure the comforter inside a duvet cover. Duvet covers protect your down comforter from stains. In case of an accident, simply remove the duvet cover and place it in the washing machine for easy cleanup.

A warranty reassures customers of a sound purchase. Enjoy your down comforter fully without having to replace it because of any manufacturing defects prematurely. These defects include loose seams and small tears.

In contrast, down alternative fill mimics the feel of down. Down alternative comforters usually contain synthetic materials, like polyester. Down alternatives are soft, but may not be as plush as down. Other down alternatives include rayon and cotton. Unlike down, down alternative comforters are hypoallergenic.

Down comforters are usually more expensive than other bedding materials because they mostly contain pure fluff from ducks and geese. The average price for a down comforter ranges between $80 to $850, depending on the type of down and the comforter size. Comforters with goose down will cost more than duck down because goose down has larger clusters.

A barrier weave stops the down from slipping out of your comforter. Several times more leak-proof than other fabrics, the tightly-woven barrier weave also mutes the sound of feathers moving inside and keeps your comforter in mint condition.

Down that slips to the edges of a comforter traps heat on the edges, keeping the warmth away from the body. A system to keep the down in place is required to keep you comfortable and warm all night long, no matter how much you move during your sleep.

Baffle refers to the material that runs perpendicular inside a comforter, creating boxes from top to bottom that hold the feathers in place. A baffle-box design keeps the down securely in place with the help of pockets sewn throughout the quilt.

The fill power is an indicator of warmth. Although a light warmth comforter with a higher fill power will not be as warm as an winter weight comforter. The amount of down inside a comforter affects the warmth more than fill power.

Fill Power in down pillow, down comforter and down duvet insert represents quality, loft and how long these will retain their fluffiness. Down fill power is the measure for space one ounce of down takes up. You can typically find fill power listed on higher end comforters. The higher the fill power, the better the insulating ability and puff up (fluffiness) a down comforter will have. Fill power is a good indicator of warmth and quality.

When it comes to down comforters there are many types of construction. Here are the most common and efficient types of construction including baffle box, gusset and sewn through box stitch. You should be looking at the construction design that will keep your down comforter fluffed up, simply because fluffed up down comforters are sure to please and would feel better than flat down comforters. 041b061a72