When you are shopping for a new comforter, you will likely be faced with the choice of down vs down alternative. So, which is better for you? Down is made from real feathers and down alternative is made from synthetic materials. Both have their pros and cons, so let’s take a closer look at them.
Down is the soft, fluffy layer of feathers that is found under the tougher outer feathers of ducks and geese. It is what gives down comforters their warmth and loft. Down is graded by its fill power, which is a measure of how much space it takes up.
The higher the fill power, the warmer and fluffier the down will be. A good down comforter should have between 550 and 750 fill power.
Down is sourced by gathering feathers from ducks and geese slaughtered for meat, but some down producers still life-pluck live birds. To make sure your down comforter or pillow has been ethically sourced, look for the Responsible Down Standard and Global Traceable Down Standard certification label.
Down alternative is made from synthetic materials that mimic the warmth and loft of down. It is a good choice for people who are allergic to down or who want a vegan comforter. Down alternative comforters are also less expensive than down comforters.
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Natural down has been used for centuries in duvets and pillows because it is an excellent insulator. In this section, we’ll look at the benefits and drawbacks of using natural down in your bedding.
Down alternative is a relatively new product that has only been on the market for a few decades. In this section, we’ll look at the benefits and drawbacks of using down alternative in your bedding.
Down comes from the soft, insulating undercoat that sits beneath the feathers. The undercoat is composed of two types of fibers: long guard hairs and short downy fibers. Down comforters are usually made from a mixture of both fibers, giving them their unique properties.
Guard hairs repel water and dirt, while downy fibers trap heat, making them an ideal choice for bedding. However, not all down is created equal. The best down comforters are made from 100% certified Responsible Down Standard (RDS) down, which comes from ducks and geese that have been humanely raised and treated.
RDS certification ensures that the birds have not been force-fed or live-plucked and requires access to adequate food, water, and shelter. So, if you’re looking for a cozy, natural bedding option that will keep you warm all winter long, look for a down comforter with cotton casing and RDS certification.
When it comes to comforters, you generally get what you pay for. Down alternative comforters are usually cheaper than natural down comforters, but they don’t perform as well.
Down alternative comforters are not as warm as natural down comforters and can be heavier. Additionally, some people find down alternative to be less comfortable than natural down because it is not as soft.
Finally, down alternative comforters can lose their shape over time and may need to be replaced more often than natural down comforters. So, if you’re looking for the best-performing and longest-lasting comforter, natural down is the way to go. But if you’re on a budget or allergic to down, down alternative may be a decent compromise.
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Choosing the right comforter can be tricky. Consider the following factors when shopping for a comforter:
There is no definitive answer to this question since it depends on the amount of specific materials used in the down alternative product. However, in general, down alternative is not as warm as down.
Down alternative is usually cheaper than down, although there are some premium down alternative products that are more expensive.
Down alternatives are generally better for people who suffer from allergies as they don’t trap dust and pollen like natural down can. However, there are some people who are allergic to the materials used in down alternative products, so it’s always best to check the labels before purchasing, especially if you suffer from chemical sensitivities.
Down alternative is usually easier to care for than down, as it is often machine washable. However, there are some down alternative products that require special care, so it’s always best to check the labels before purchasing.
Hotels usually use down alternative comforters as they are cheaper and easier to care for. However, there are some hotels that use down comforters, so it really depends on the hotel.
Down is usually softer than down alternative, but there are some premium down alternative products that are just as soft.
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Which is better for you really depends on your needs. If you’re looking for the best-performing and longest-lasting comforter, natural down is the way to go. But if you’re on a budget or allergic to down, down alternative may be a decent compromise. Choosing the right comforter can be tricky, so consider the following factors: climate, filling, weight, and size.
And don’t forget to fluff your comforter regularly! Do you have any questions about down or down alternative comforters? Leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to answer them. Happy shopping!
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My name is Kamila, and I'm passionate about researching non-toxic, organic products for the home. I believe it's so important to create a safe and healthy environment for our families, and I enjoy helping others do the same.