The winter season is at its peak, the cold has arrived, and there’s nothing better for recharging than a good night’s sleep under a warm, soft down comforter. A down comforter, in fact, provides the right rest by maintaining a constant body temperature, lowering the humidity level of your bed, and offering maximum breathability.
Here are 6 things to know about down comforters before making your purchase:
Quality of the down
Always check the label and composition. The ideal would be 100% goose down, or at least 90% down and 10% feathers. The higher the quality of the down, the less down is needed to achieve the same thermal capacity or Filling Power.
Origin of the Down
Feathers from farms in cold countries like Siberia, Canada, Greenland, and Eastern Europe are denser, softer, and more valuable. The higher the quality of the down, the less down is needed to produce a comforter with the same thermal capacity or Filling Power.
Filling power
Filling power refers to the thermal capacity of the comforter’s filling. The higher the down’s caloric power, the less down is needed to achieve the same thermal effect, meaning a better volume-to-weight ratio. The higher the filling power, the better the down quality; the more valuable the down, the less of it is required to fill the comforter.
Heat rating
Before purchasing, it’s essential to know which heat rating is most suitable for your needs. Comforters are classified by heat points, ranging from 1 to 5, where 1 is a very light version suitable for summer and 5 is for harsh climates. One of the most recommended models is the four-season comforter, consisting of two comforters: one light (value 1) and one medium (value 3/4), which, when combined using buttons, provide maximum comfort and warmth (1+3/4 heat points).
Fabric and packaging
The outer fabric used to encase the down also makes a difference. The cover should be anti-down cotton, with a tightly woven, compact weave to prevent the down from escaping, allow air to circulate properly, and prevent dust mites and dust from settling inside.