1. Goose down has several qualities that make it an excellent choice for filling comforters. The unique structure of these inner-layer waterfowl feathers has a remarkable ability to insulate, while still allowing for breathability. Down is incredibly lightweight, soft, and fluffy, which makes it the optimum choice for comforters.
2. When shopping for down comforters, you will likely come across terms such as "loft," "density," and "fill power." All of these refer to the grade or quality of the down feathers used in the product.
3. The warmth of a down comforter is determined not by the loft, but by what is referred to as the density or weight of the comforter. Typically, weight is expressed in general terms such as "summer weight," "winter weight", and "all-season" or "year-round weight."
5. Fill power is the most common measure of down quality you'll encounter. It refers specifically to the down's "loft," or puffiness, and is expressed in cubic inches per ounce. For example, a down comforter may have a fill power of 800+ (cubic inches/ounce), which has a greater loft than a comforter with 700+ fill power.
5. The most popular weight for down comforters is all-season weight, also referred to as year-round weight. These versatile, all-season comforters provide breathability in the summer and warmth in the winter for year-round comfort.
6. When waterfowl size and weight are equal, geese produce higher quality down than ducks, in terms of both loft and weight. Down quality varies among specific goose species as well.
7. Some of the best quality down readily available comes from Hungarian White Geese. The highest quality of down is Eiderdown, from the Eider duck. This down is extremely rare as Eider ducks are a protected Icelandic species, meaning that down can only be taken in specific quantities and only after the nest is abandoned. This rare product is not produced on a large scale.
8. Before being used in comforters, goose down is made hypoallergenic through a meticulous cleaning process that removes dust and odors. If allergies are still a concern, there are several synthetic down alternatives that provide respectable loft, insulation, and breathability.
9. Comforter construction is something to be considered. Older down comforters have an open construction, which often fails to keep the down in place. Box construction- either baffled or sewn-through - is preferable, as this structuring keeps the down securely in place and eliminates the need for regular fluffing. There are also fashion-stitched comforters, which provide a combination of structure and visual appeal.
10. Finally, don't forget about thread count as you shop. Like sheets and other linens, down comforters with higher thread counts in their shells will feel softer, smoother, and more luxurious against your skin.
