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Down Comforters
Home » Furniture » Comforters » Down ComfortersDown comforters are the best known and most popular comforters. Unlike feather comforters, which are filled with actual feathers (that may poke through the comforter), down comforters use the feather undercoating from geese and ducks rather than the feathers themselves. In general, goose down makes a higher quality (and more expensive) comforter than does duck down.
Down comforters are lightweight and warm; they work especially well during the winter, but they are good choices for all seasons. You can also purchase synthetic down comforters that are better for controlling your allergies and easier to wash than are traditional down comforters. Unfortunately, down comforters can be quite expensive; in general, they start at one hundred dollars but most sell for between two and three hundred dollars, and the most luxurious options on the market can cost nearly one thousand dollars.
The fill power of comforters ranges from 450 to 800, and the higher the fill power, the warmer and softer the comforter will be. Many experts recommend purchasing comforters with a fill power greater than 550. In addition, some experts also recommend purchasing baffled down comforters. Baffling refers to a manufacturing process that keeps the down from clumping, but, as you might expect, baffled comforters are more expensive than those that are not baffled.
Regardless of which down comforter you purchase, make sure you purchase a duvet cover to protect the comforter from moisture, oils, and dirt. If you use a duvet, you will probably only need to wash your comforter every few years. Excessive washing takes its toll on the comforter, so in general, it is better only to clean your down comforter when you are sure it needs cleaning.
If you have an agitator in your washing machine, don’t wash your down comforter at home. Instead, take it to a laundry mat or dry cleaner. Wash your comforter in cold water with a detergent that has a degreaser and dry it completely before you use it again.
Even though you rarely wash your comforter, shake out the comforter or place it in the dryer (low heat) on a semi-regular basis to refresh the down and keep it from bunching. You can also hang the comforter outside, but don’t hang it in direct sunlight. If you want to store your comforter for a season, make sure you store it in a breathable bag
Related Comforters Articles
- Introduction to Comforters and Purchasing Tips
- Down Comforters
- Silk Comforters
- Cotton Comforters
- Wool Comforters
- Polyester Comforters