Many down alternatives are machine washable, so they're easier to care for than down-based versions. Fill power ranges from 550 (low) to 800 (high) with higher fill power being associated with higher quality. These are generally synthetic materials, particularly polyester, that have a similar feel to down, but you’ll also find cotton or wool-filled duvets. into account. Another source suggests using Down, or any degreasing dishsoap, but I’m not sure that should go into the washing machine. Providing the best of both worlds, down comforters are able to deliver the warmth you need during stretches of cold weather and the air movement you need when the weather warms up. Down quality has a direct connection to everything from the bird’s feed during its lifetime, to the length of its life, to the method of washing that is used in processing. Those who like a fluffier, warmer comforter that is also breathable will like a down comforter. If you’re worried at all about an allergic reaction, synthetic down comforters are naturally hypoallergenic. Although duvets are also referred to as “down comforters,” the word comforter is more often used in regards to warm bedding that is colored or patterned, rather than solid white. As a rough rule of thumb, here’s a guide to comfortable fill powers: The number of ounces of down inside a duvet is its fill weight. It can be tricky to determine which duvet will keep you at the perfect temperature, but we've got you covered! This is another important question to ask when checking out down comforters for your bed. September 19, 2020 Now, it depends on the quality of the down and the other materials found in the comforter but, generally, down comforters are going to cost more than down alternative comforters. Shopping for comforters can be difficult. A duvet or comforter made with goose down is known for having a high level of warmth, comfort, and breathability. The synthetic materials and cotton found in a down alternative comforter are cheap to produce and harvest, while down can be pricier to harvest and process. Mattress Clarity was founded in 2015 with one goal in mind: to make your mattress and sleep product purchase decisions as simple and easy to understand as possible. This means that a small piece of down will expand more and take up more space than an equal amount of down alternative. If you’re looking for excellent Down duvets and comforters, check out all our bedding reviews. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive discounts and company news. I say, Duvet all the way. Our team personally tests all the sleep products we review to keep your REMS long and your dreams deep. Most down comforters cannot be cared for at home. September 19, 2020 Those who want to save money or struggle with allergies will be better off with a down alternative comforter. His newest film, Starlets, recently premiered at the River Town Film Festival in Clinton, NJ. Michelle Ullman has written hundreds of articles on home decor since 2011. When someone says, ‘Nice Comforter’, you look at them with the same exaggerated indignation you reserve for people that call your down gilet a vest. As you may already know, goose down has a higher value when compared to duck down. They shouldn’t trap dust mites and other allergens the way down comforters are known to do. I bought some Ikea duck down pillows and a duvet, and the wet dog smell is still very strong after going though the wash. Is there anything I can do to get rid of the smell? As mentioned earlier, down is a natural product. We receive free products to review and participate in affiliate programs. That is because it is more expansive and takes less material to keep sleepers warm. Fill power is basically a measurement of the down’s fluffiness: it refers to how much space one ounce of the down occupies. Down alternatives offer solutions for those with allergies or asthma. In general, down is warmer than down alternative fills. In reality, people aren’t allergic to the feathers themselves, but to the dust particles on the feathers. Because of this, down comforters are usually going to last longer than down alternative comforters. When many people think of a comfortable mattress, they imagine something that contains memory foam…. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Many down comforters are not designed for machine washing, so a duvet cover is required to keep the comforter in top shape. The more common fill power range for goose down and duck down is between 450 and 850 FP. March 29, 2020 Lighter and loftier than others, this high-quality comforter has a silky-soft sateen shell and goose-down filling, and it feels better to sleep under than much pricier models we tried. Down alternatives: If you are highly allergic to feathers, choose a duvet with a down-alternative fill. While down alternative comforters can be warm, they require more fill to reach the same amount of warmth as a down comforter. If you have a delightfully offbeat or clever alternative, please let me know in the comments! People with a highly acute sense of smell may notice a slight odor, even when the down is in the cleanest condition. 21 Comments. Read on for tips to choosing your perfect duvet. Down comforters typically start closer to $100 and can exceed $300. A duvet or comforter cover is another option, so you can remove and wash just the fabric cover and not the entire comforter. She's a self-taught decor expert who contributes to several publications. A down comforter is also more expensive than many down-alternative varieties. If allergens are a concern, look for a duvet with cleaned, sterilized down. Third point. to produce down of a certain fill power and content. Makes me feel OK that I ordered a duck down comforter with 650 fill power yesterday.