Down and Feather Info - FAQs
Why do people select a down filled comforter/quilt?
All down users appreciate its lifetime durability. Some desire the simplicity and inexpense of redecorating the bedroom. It makes bed making a 10 second delight in the morning and provides lightweight freedom of movement for maximum warmth. Some simply adore the cozy, luxurious feel of down and love the look it offers.
What is down?
Down is the under plumage of waterfowl. It is collected from geese and ducks (never from chickens or turkeys). Each cluster of down is made up of millions of tiny filaments that intertwine and trap air. By halting the movement of air it allows the body's warmth to stabilize under a protective envelope, winter or summer.
Are feathers a good substitute?
Feathers by comparison with down are poor insulators. They are considerably heavier, more rigid and very cheap. Inexpensive quilts are high in feather content and weigh more.
What is the difference between goose down and duck down?
The goose is normally a larger bird and its clusters of down tend to be proportionately larger. That means fewer clusters of down are needed to fill the same volume of air that would be filled by duck down. Or for the same weight of filling, goose down has more loft than duck down (age of bird or environment can affect this rule).
Is the weight of the filling an important factor?
Not necessarily. It is very easy to be deceived by claims of weight. The better the quality of down the less weight is required to fill the quilt.
Is there such a thing as pure down?
When down is collected it is always accompanied by feathers. The mixture is cleaned and separated but it is impossible to remove every last feather. In Canada, the Government is setting standards that protect the consumer from mislabeled products. Their regulations allow a certain percentage of feather to remain in the mixture with down (as has always been the case) and this percentage does not adversely alter the quality or effectiveness of a down comforter/quilt.
How do I care for my down and feathers?
Always keep pillows covered in a protective cover under your regular pillow case. Try to use only good 100% cotton covers as they absorb more and prevent pollutants from entering into the down. Once the down is greasy from hair and hair products, or skin and skin products, it looses most of its loft and softness. If you can keep these from entering the pillow or quilt contents, the down will last for many more years without having to be cleaned.