Down Alternative

You should consider your purchase of a down comforter or pillow as an investment. While polyester-filled products will lose much of their lofting and insulating ability after a relatively short time, a well-cared-for down comforter or pillow from this vendor may last a lifetime. The following are questions and answers you should consider before you buy:

Why Buy Down?
Down clusters are made up of light, fluffy filaments that expand and intertwine to form air pockets. These clusters trap air - nature's most effective insulator. That's what makes down so warm and light.

Since down "breathes," it naturally regulates warmth and wicks away moisture. Most synthetics, on the other hand, trap body heat and moisture so you wake up feeling clammy.

What about down allergies?

Scientists believe that it is the dust on improperly cleaned down - not the down itself - that causes allergies. All down used by this vendor is washed up to 10 times with phosphate-free soap in state-of-the-art equipment and then thoroughly sterilized.

Fills and Materials
What is Fill Power?

All down is not the same. Down from larger, mature birds offers more insulating power and a better ability to loft. These features are reflected in a down's fill power which measures the volume an ounce of down takes up. The higher the fill power, the better the insulating ability of the down & more warmth with much less weight. So, when comparing down comforters, fill power is a good measure of warmth and quality.

This vendor offers four types of down with varying fill powers. Your choice will depend on the climate, season and your sleeping preference.

European TCS Down 500-550 Fill Power
Combination duck and goose down which offers a higher fill power than some manufacturers use in their best comforters.

White Goose Down 500-550 Fill Power
Excellent loft and the white down is a preferred choice for this vendor's lighter-colored comforters.

European Polar White Goose Down 550-600 Fill Power
A high-quality goose down with plump, resilient down clusters for exceptional comfort and warmth.

White Hungarian Goose Down 600-650 Fill Power
This highly prized down has a higher fill power than you'll find in even the most expensive department store comforters.

Platinum White Goose Down 650-700 Fill Power
The world supply of this premium European down is so limited, it comes with its own certificate of authenticity.

What is the importance of Thread Count?

Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the softer the fabric and the tighter the weave. This vendor's comforters are made with only high 232 to 356 thread count cotton fabric which makes them softer and virtually downproof.

What is the advantage of a Baffled Comforter?

Baffles are vertical interior walls of fabric along the stitching line. Baffling gives down more room to fully loft. This vendor uses uses baffled squares only in their baffled comforters. While they are more difficult to make than standard open-pattern baffling (the squares must be filled individually) it is the only way to ensure the down won't shift.

What are the differences between Supersize and Traditional?

This vendor doesn't believe in one size fits all. Traditional size comforters give you classic styling with a 10" to 12" drop over the sides of your mattress. For a more elegant draped look, their Supersized comforters have about a 15" drop. Supersized is recommended if you have an extra-deep or pillow-top mattress.

Warmth
How do I choose a Warmth Level?

Personal sleeping preference is the primary factor in selecting the right comforter warmth level, but use these general guidelines to help you choose:

Super Light Comfort - for warm climates, summer, or if you prefer a room temperature 74°F or above.

Light Comfort - for warmer seasons and climates, or when the room is 69°F to 74°F.

Medium Warmth - a good year 'round choice or if you keep the room at 65°F to 69°F.

Extra Warmth - a cozy choice from late fall to early spring and for rooms kept between 62°F to 65°F.

Ultra Warmth - for people who love toasty warmth during cold winters or if the room temperature is below 62°F.

Down Care
How do I care for my down comforter and pillows?

When you first unpack your down comforter or pillow, it may appear wrinkled and flat. You can restore the natural loft by vigorously shaking or fluffing in your dryer on LOW.

Air your new comforter or pillow out of direct sunlight, for a day or two before using for the first time and then every 3 to 6 months thereafter.

With proper care, your down comforter or pillow will give you years of comfort. A comforter cover or pillow protector will extend its life even more.

Comforter Cleaning: Hand wash or machine wash your down comforter separately, in a large tumble washer. Use WARM water and mild detergent on DELICATE (do not bleach). Made sure it's thoroughly rinsed before drying on LOW in a large-capacity dryer. You may need to gently steam the fabric shell of your comforter to remove stubborn wrinkles but NEVER IRON. If your prefer, have your down comforter professionally dry cleaned.

Pillow Cleaning: Dry clean only. Take your down and feather pillow to a reputable dry cleaner experienced in cleaning such items. Do not machine wash or dry clean in a do-it-yourself cleaner.

Is My Pillow Too Old?
Here's a test you might try. Fluff your pillow well. Then fold it in half. If the down and feathers still retain their natural ability to loft, the pillow should unfold itself. If not, it may be time for a new pillow. Ultimately, the best test is comfort. If your down pillow is no longer soft and comfortable, it's time for a change.