Comforter Down : Types of Down

Written By: Administrator on May 13, 2009 One Comment

comforter-down Choosing a down comforter requires a little knowledge about the product. Find out all of the details about down comforters before choosing some for the beds in your home.

A down comforter is a comforter filled with a substance known as down. Unlike many people think, down is not made entirely of feathers. Down is actually the soft clusters of filaments found under the feathers of waterfowl such as ducks or geese. The down traps warm air next to the bird’s skin, keeping the animal warm even in cold water.

The most luxurious down available is white goose down. Eiderdown white goose down is the best to use in lightweight blankets because it is extremely soft and warm but does not have much weight. Hypodown is another type of down created specifically for those people who are allergic to natural down.

Some down comforters are filled with synthetic, or man-made, down, but most are filled with natural down. There are different types of natural down available, each with its own unique insulating properties.

Duck down is generally the more affordable type of down, but goose down tends to insulate better. Duck down can have a stronger odor than goose down. Down from mature geese makes a warmer blanket then down from younger birds.

Protecting Your Down Comforter

down_comforter Most down comforter manufacturers recommend that down comforters only be washed every few years. As everyone knows, it is next to impossible to keep anything clean for years at a time. Consumers must protect their purchase with a down comforter cover.

A duvet used as a down comforter cover is ideal. A duvet generally works like an oversized pillowcase, with the comforter fitting inside. It has ties or buttons at the bottom to keep the comforter in place. The duvet protects the comforter from the possibility of spills or stains.

Comforter covers are available in a variety of materials, such as sateen, Egyptian cotton, percale, and wool. They can be bought at bedding and department stores.

Since some comforters come with a 75-year warranty, you might want to change your color scheme well before you’re ready to change comforters. By adding or changing your cover, you’re able to change the look of your bedding without giving up your down comforter.

With proper care and a good cover, your down comforter can provide many years of warmth and comfort.