Down is the insulating undercoat found on waterfowl that traps warm air next to the bird's skin. It is found under the breast feathers and keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer.
Each down cluster is a spherical plumule of thousands of soft fibers radiating in all directions from a central point. The down plumule is three dimensional and does not contain a quill.
Feathers, on the other hand cover the body of the duck or goose. Feathers contain a hollow quill shaft and stiff filaments radiating from the quill on a flat plane.
The outer layer of feathers is stronger as it must withstand exposure to the elements. So feathers are more durable and much stiffer than down. Down is soft and lightweight. Goose down lumules are generally larger, loftier and stronger than duck down.
Down (alone or combined with feathers) is used as filler in pillows, throws, blankets, and most often, in comforters. Sometimes, down is incorporated into eatherbeds (to be used on top of a mattress).
Down is an amazing insulator and can keep you toasty warm on even the coldest nights. It's remarkably light, so there's no need to smother under multiple layers of heavy bedding. In pillow form, down offers unsurpassed, cushy comfort and flexibility. Down bedding is some of the most comfortable on the market today.
Mistakenly, it's a popular notion that people who have allergies cannot enjoy the benefits
of down bedding. This is certainly not the case. The majority of people who are "allergic to down" are not actually allergic to the down, but they are allergic to the dust and impurities present within the down. These impurities can be removed, and most manufacturers do so in complex processes that contain as many as 10 steps. Look for a down product that has casing with high thread count. The tighter weave will not only do a better job of "holding in" the down, it will also keep feathers from poking through. A high thread count will also put a stronger barrier between you and any potential allergens and maximize down's ability to loft.
Fill power indicates the potential warmth level of down. Generally, the higher the fill power, the warmer the down will be. Higher fill power means more fluff in the down, which traps more air, creating warmth. Fill power is calculated by noting the space an ounce of down will occupy in a cylinder.
Higher fill power also indicates larger, stronger clusters from mature geese. The larger clusters have the power to fill more space with less weight. Large clusters loft higher, provide superior insulation, breathability and last years longer than the smaller more fragile down clusters found in many inexpensive comforters.
Fill power of 500-550 is good.
575-650 is excellent.
Fill power of 700 or more is extremely rare.
Many consumers shy away from down because they're afraid it will be difficult to clean and maintain. However, this is not the case. Down products can provide years of luxury and ask little in return.
* Fluff your bedding daily. To keep its loft, down needs air flow.
* If you only use your bedding seasonally, store it during the off-season in something that "breathes," like a cotton laundry bag. Storing it in a container that doesn't breathe, such as a plastic bag, may trap moisture causing the bedding to mildew.
* When in use, protect your comforter with a duvet/comforter cover. (Think of it as a giant pillowcase for your comforter.) A down pillow, just like any other pillow, should be covered with a pillow protector and pillowcase. These coverings will reduce wear and tear on your down product, as well as eliminate the need for frequent cleanings.
* Most manufacturers recommend that you professionally launder your down bedding every 3-5 years. Most down may be machine laundered, but you should be sure to follow the instructions on the label of your bedding. Considering the size of most comforters, it would be easier and safer to let a professional handle their cleaning.
* Once in a while, air your bedding outside. It's amazing what a clear, sunny day can do for freshness.
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