Nat Williams asked:




If you live in a place which tends to suffer a lot from the cold, then you may find that falling asleep at night can be a pain. However, there are solutions out there to keep you warm as the cold nights draw in and down comforters are an option you can choose from.

Down comforters are designed to keep you warm when the weather turns too cold to tolerate. There are different types to select from and so within this article you will find out exactly what to look for in down comforters so that you can easily get the right one to suit you.

The main features you should keep in mind are:

Size

Price

Fill Type

Fill Power

All of the above will make a difference to how good the down comforter is. You need to understand the individual features in order to make the right choice.

There are a few types of fillings which are used in down comforters and each one will have its own comfort level. You can get down comforters which are filled with cotton, wool, polyester, duck feathers, acrylic and goose feathers. Cotton down comforters are the most common choice as they are both warm and cost effective. However, if you are looking for a extremely good down comforter then you will want to check out the goose feather ones. Just be prepared to pay a little more if you want to benefit from a superior comfort level.

One of the most important things you should keep in mind when thinking of what to look for in down comforters is the size. You will obviously want the right size to suit your bed. If you have a single bed then you will need a single down comforter. Similarly, if you have a king size bed you are not going to want to get a single down comforter. So keep the size of the comforter in mind and you can’t go wrong. It is possible to get a down comforter which is marginally too huge for your bed. Many people prefer this as it gives them even more warmth as it drapes down the sides of the bed.

Lastly, the price determine which down comforter you will get. You can get down comforters at prices starting from under $50 to over $150. So have a budget in mind and stick to it. When it comes to what to look for in down comforters, you really need to take into consideration how much you can invest and how good you want it to be. How frequently will you be using the comforter? If you plan on using it a lot then you may want to splurge a bit more and get a better down comforter.

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Michael Colucci asked:




A down comforter is a form of bedding that consists of a bag which is used to cover beds. It will often be filled with natural materials such as feathers. A down comforter could be described as a soft, thick blanket that is placed on a bed to make it more comfortable. The down is the fine feathers that can be found under the harder feathers of birds. Down is an excellent insulator, and has a number of thermal attributes. The down will capture batches of air, and this air will be used as thermal cover. While it is excellent when it is kept dry, it will lose many of its properties when it becomes wet.

The down will keep the body warm. A single down group will be composed of thousands of fibers, and these down groups will not have a quill shaft. Lofting is the process in which air is trapped, and this will allow the body to stay warm. At the same time, moisture is released while heat is contained. Because of these properties, down comforters provide a superior level of comfort that is not seen with standard comforters. Down comforters are much more expensive than other forms of bedding, and can cost as much as $600 for a Queen sized bed. Many down comforters will also be made with silk. A number of advanced models have even been designed to fight bacteria, and are hypo-allergenic as well.

When you decide to purchase a down comforter, there are a number of things you will want to be familiar with. The fill power is the measurement of space that one ounce of down can fill. The amount of space that a down can fill will vary based on the product. The thread count is the number of threads that will be present in a square inch, and the baffle wall construction is the wall in the fabric that will allow the down to expand. To care for the down comforter, you will want to fluff it each day. When you shake it a few times, it will loft back up again. It is also important to make sure the down comforter is consistently aired.

Even though it is possible for down comforters to be cleaned, it is best to protect it with what is called a duvet cover. If you decide to wash the down comforter, you will always want to have it dry cleaned. There are some models that can be cleaned in a standard washing machine, but you will want to follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Because of the cost involved with these products, down comforters will often come with warranty that may last for a number of years. A down comforter can also be purchased in a wide variety of different designs, and you can purchase a style which matches the look of your bedroom. Not only will they look beautiful on your bed, but they will be comfortable to sleep under, and they will keep you warm on cold nights.

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Mary Shanahan asked:




Down comforters are created using the feathers on geese or ducks and are the outer covering of the bird that makes up the protective and decorative plumage. Feathers have quills; they repel water and make it possible for the bird to fly. The down is underneath the feathers; it looks like fluffy little cotton balls and allows the birds to swim, even in very cold water. I have found down in my yard and noticed it is a cluster, and has a round center called a plumule, with thousands of tiny fibers radiating from its core. These fibers link to other down plumules creating air pockets, which in turn trap heat. This provides the insulation that keeps the ducks and geese warm. Down is mainly found on the bellies and is washable. Feathers, which by their very nature repel water, and are not washable. Most people who are allergic to feathers are not allergic to down.

Down comforters are constructed by sewing down and feathers between two pieces of material, usually made of cotton. There are two main types of down comforter construction: baffle box and box stitch. A baffle box comforter has thin strips of material sewn between the top and bottom material, mainly in a square pattern but there are design exceptions. Each baffle of a comforter has the same amount of down feathers. A box stitch comforter is is also usually sewn in a square pattern and has the same amount of down in each square. The top and bottom pieces of material are sewn together forming boxes, which also keeps the down evenly spread out across the entire interior of the comforter. The baffled comforter allows the down more room to expand.

Which is better? Surprisingly, the more common box stitch is more expensive to construct. Both types of construction serve a purpose. You must determine which is best for you.

A few points regarding box and baffle construction:

- Both baffle box and box stitch construction secure down in separate compartments, which will keep the down evenly distributed between the two pieces of material. Baffle box construction and box construction both provide you with the warmth you are looking for, but the look is different. The box stitch comforter gives a more fluffy look because each square is pulled together at its edges, which provides a “mounded” look, and conforms to the shape of your body better. Baffle box makes each square look more box-like and it makes the top of the comforter look flat, almost looking like another mattress. The internal walls of the baffle box also maximize expansion of each plumule to attach to each other, at the same time holding the down in place.

Box stitch is generally the best choice for lighter weight comforters used in warmer climates. The box stitch is also better for heavier comforters (using more fill) when you want a sculpted or puffy look, but does not allow the down to expand because of tight stitching.

Baffle box is usually the best choice for heavier comforters used in colder regions. The extra baffle walls allow the down plumules to expand fully (rise higher), maximizing the insulation merit of the comforter.

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Terry Edwards asked:




Oversized down comforters are the ideal way to give your king sized bed that extra touch of warmth and comfort. Here are some things to look for.

It’s no secret that down comforters add a sense of luxury and style to any bedroom, but often times it can be difficult to find one that is oversized unless you know where to look.

One of the best sources of finding the many different styles of down comforters is the Internet. There are many online retail sites that specialize in this type of comforter.

You can find oversized comforters in all price ranges depending on the type of fill they are made from. Goose down will obviously be much more costly than a poly filled down, but will give you much more warmth and comfort.

The fill power number is a key in buying any type of down comforter, regardless if it is a queen down comforter or one that is oversized.

Keep in mind that the higher the fill number the better the quality as well as the warmth. For example, a fill power number of 300 is of much lower quality than one at 750. Most people recommend a fill rating of at least 500-650 for any type of comforter.

An oversized down comforter is the perfect solution for those who have a California king size bed or one of the large European beds. Trying to use a regular king down comforter can leave you with cold feet because it isn’t big enough to cover the entire bed.

Another reason to get a high quality comforter is longevity. A luxurious, quality down comforter can literally last a lifetime, whereas a low cost $50 comforter may give out after 1-2 years.

So, if you are in need of a large comforter for your bed, take a closer look at an oversized down comforter.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

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Will Robertson asked:




Can you wash your down comforter in a washing machine at home? This is a common question. There are a couple issues when deciding how to wash a down comforter. First, will the cleaning method damage the down in some way, making it less effective? Second, will the cleaning make the cover less down proof.

Washing Down

The performance of the down inside a down comforter is actually enhanced by exposing it to water and heat. Periodic rinsing and drying makes it puff back up to its original fill power. So washing your down comforter actually revitalizes the down, bringing it back to its original fluffiness and insulation performance level.

However, strong detergents remove the oils inside down fibers cluster, making them dryer, weaker, less puffy, less breathable, and less capable of retaining warmth. As long as you wash infrequently with a mild detergent, the down and feathers inside your comforter will be fine. No problem.

Washing Fabric Covers

The covers that are used in down bedding are usually 100% cotton. Washing in a machine at home, or dry cleaning with a professional launderer, will not hurt the cotton, but it may make the fabric less down proof. Some down cover materials stay downproof after washing, and some do not. So check your comforter’s care instructions to see what is recommended for you comforter.

If you mistakenly wash a comforter that is recommended for dry cleaning, all is not lost. Usually the material loses its downproofing ability incrementally after several washings.

The difference between fabrics that remain downproof after washing, and those that do not, is the weave. The best fabrics used in down bedding have a superior weave that is meant to last for a long time through many washings.

Washing and Drying

As already mentioned, if your down bedding is recommended for washing in a washing machine, you can do it at home if your machine is large enough. You need a large, front load washer; do not use a machine that has an agitator in the center because it will put unnecessary stress on your comforter during washing. If you need a larger machine, you can go to a Laundromat or a professional cleaner. Be sure to use mild detergent. The best cleaners are those especially made for washing down and feather products.

Drying large down bedding items takes a long time – usually 2-4 hours. Be sure to dry them completely to prevent mold / mildew growth. A good method is to dry in the dryer for 1 full cycle, then lay out in the hot sun for several hours, and finish drying with another 30 minutes to 1 hour in the dryer. This method gives the bedding a nice fresh smell.

Use a Duvet Cover

It’s best to use a duvet cover over your down comforter, and wash it regularly. This will keep the down from collecting dust and body oils that are difficult to remove. Using a duvet cover, you may only need to wash your comforter every 2-3 years.

Sun Curing

Most of the down comforters in the world come from China and the accepted method of cleaning is to use a duvet cover and simply put the down comforter out in the sun for a few hours, every few months. This allows all the moisture in the down to completely evaporate and gives the comforter a nice fresh smell. It also prevents the growth of moisture and dust mites, which love warm, moist places to grow.

Storage

If you have a heavy down comforter, you may want to put it away in a closet during the summer months. Be sure to use a breathable storage bag like cotton or mesh to prevent moisture from being trapped inside the comforter. Fight the urge to wrap it in plastic to keep dust and critters out. Though it would help do that, it may also allow the growth of some unpleasant, too-small-to-be-seen things inside your comforter.

Don’t store in an attic where a mouse or raccoon can get to it. Don’t store in a crawl space which can drip with moisture on a rainy day. Find a cool dry place that’s secure from critters that like to chew and nest.

Enjoy

Down comforters are one of the most luxurious bedding items that you can own. They are soft, cuddly, and fun to sleep with. The most important thing about owning one is to enjoy it. Because we are so fond of our nice things, it’s easy to get a little strict about keeping a comforter clean. But remember, all things pass away. So if you make a mistake with your comforter, let it be on the side of enjoying it too much.

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Nat Williams asked:




There’s nothing quite as cozy on a cold, winter’s night than the familiar warmth of a down comforter. Available in endless colors, styles, sizes and materials, these types of comforters are timeless in their appeal and can also be used most of the year round. But how do you clean a down comforter that is used on a consistent basis and is it okay to launder one at home?

The dispute as to the best way to effectively clean a down comforter is a long running one, with some maintaining that dry cleaning is the best method, while others say that laundering at home is all right, provided if both are done properly.

Manufacturers of down products will list their approved methods of cleaning on the label, so it’s important to read them carefully before beginning to clean your comforter. There are professional cleaners who specialize in cleaning items made with down and some will also clean comforters sent in by mail.

Cleaning Your Down Comforter at Home

Using a gentle cleaning solution that’s specially formulated for washing down, it is possible to wash your own comforter at home, but only do so when necessary. Over-washing can impair the down clusters, remove their natural oils and even cause the comforter to shrivel or become distorted.

Most washing machines and clothes dryers aren’t built for handling items as large as down comforters, which become very heavy when wet. A front-load washing machine, such as those used commercially, are better for washing the size and weight of the comforter.

Always check the comforter for any rips, tears, or places where the seams are coming apart to ensure no down is lost during the washing process. Repair any loose stitches before washing using a matching thread. Next, the washing machine should be set to the most delicate setting, using lukewarm, never hot or cold, water, with a mild detergent thoroughly mixed into the water before adding the comforter.

Use a pair of clean, white canvas shoes, without laces, to help keep the comforter moving around in the washer, keeping the down equally distributed without letting lumps to form. Use an extra rinse cycle to be sure to remove all of the cleaner and gently pull some of the comforter from the machine to squeeze as much water out of each section as possible before running the spin cycle.

A distinct odor is natural in products made from down and should disappear once the comforter is totally dry. Again, using the clean tennis shoes, or a few tennis balls placed inside clean socks, put the comforter in the dryer on the lowest configuration possible. Every so often, carefully take out the comforter to fluff it out and redistribute, this ensures that all areas are dry and free from lumps.

A large down comforter may take three hours or so to totally dry. However, you can speed up the drying process by hanging it in the sun on a breezy day.



Dry Cleaning Your Down Comforter

If your duck or goose down comforter is only used occasionally, or only needs freshening up a bit, consider using a dry cleaning kit at home that uses your clothes dryer. Ask friends or family for their recommendations, although most products are said to be comparable to results achieved with professional dry cleaning.

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Kristy Snow asked:




People naturally prefer down because of its light texture. Down, ounce for ounce, products are fluffier, softer, and warmer than man made products. This is one product man hasn’t been able to improve upon. These characteristics make it a good bedding product.

Superiority of Down

Down is warmer, ounce for ounce, than any other bedding product. It is also the most natural. Most bedding products (non-down) have a polyester fiber fill (i.e. oil). Down reduces oil consumption. Down naturally clings together creating hot air pockets in your comforter. Down comforters are lighter than blankets, which make them preferred.

Down Saves On Heating

My husband and I love our down comforter because we can keep the thermostat at a lower level. Turning down the thermostat, saves on our utility bills and fossil fuel consumption. Simple measures go a long way in preserving our environment. Additionally, we enjoy snuggling under a soft, light,and warm comforter.

Less Blankets

Sometimes people sleep with two or three blankets at a time. My spouse used to sleep with two polar fleece blankets until we got a down comforter. Since down is so much warmer, it can usually take the place of two lighter blankets.

Best Down

Birds that are cold grow thicker feathers to keep warm. The best quality of down comes from cold weather geese and a rare migratory sea bird (the Eider Duck). Eider down is very expensive and rare so most high quality down comes from geese. It is no wonder that the best manufacturers come from Canada, Siberia, and Iceland.

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Sue Richardson asked:




All things considered, caring for a down comforter is actually pretty easy. Let’s take a look at how quick and easy it is.

At the top of the list, i.e. the absolutely number one thing you should do in caring for your down comforter is protect it from spills, dust and natural body oils by using a duvet cover or comforter cover (the terms are interchangeable). I can not stress enough the importance of using a cover. Keeping your comforter covered is the single most important step you can take to prolong the years of use. At least once a week, give your comforter a few sharp shakes. Holding it at one edge, give it a good snap-like shake. Do this several times rotating the side you hold. What this sharp shake does is ruffle your feathers – well not your feathers – the comforter feathers, keeping the down fluffed and preventing their becoming matted. Two or three times a year, place your comforter outside to air out. Use a clothesline or porch railing or some other place where the air will be able to flow through. I personally don’t have a clothesline or porch railing, but I do have a patio table with four chairs made of mesh-like material. I drape my comforter over the chairs forming the kind of “blanket tents” kids love to make. If for some reason you find it necessary to store your down products, place them in a breathable container like a cotton king-size pillow case or a bag specifically made for this purpose. NEVER store them in a plastic bag or container. NEVER. Down items need to be able to “breathe”; storing them in anything, like plastic, that doesn’t not permit airflow will ruin them.

Cleaning a down comforter? That’s a subject unto itself. However, the good news is that if you keep your comforter covered, you will not need to clean it for 5-7 years! Imagine! Some respectable manufactures even say that if kept protected with a cover, your comforter may never require cleaning. Instead, simply wash the comforter cover on a regular basis throwing it in right along with your bedding. Do this and your comforter will seldom, if ever need cleaning. If that’s not incentive to keep a duvet cover on your comforter, I don’t know what is!

Many people shy away from down comforters thinking:

1) they require too much work to maintain or

2) they are too expensive

As you can see from the above information, caring for a down cover really is quick and easy. In many ways, down comforter care is actually easier than caring for traditional bedding. As for the expense, yes, they do cost money, but so does any quality bedding. However, combining the ease of care and the years and years of use, dollar for dollar, you get will more bang for your buck with a down comforter.

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Kevin Stith asked:




Few things are as comforting on a cold winter night as a down comforter. Soft and fluffy, down comforters are like a big hug after a long day. If properly cared for, a high-quality down comforter can last for many years. So, what is the proper way to care for down? Surprisingly, down comforters actually require very little day-to-day care, aside from a little fluffing.

Down comforters should be fluffed frequently, preferably every day. They should also be covered with a duvet to protect from spills. If adequately protected, they do not require frequent cleaning. In fact, many down comforter manufacturers recommend that down comforters only be cleaned every few years, though they should be aired out occasionally.

When washing down comforters is necessary, it is best to leave it to a professional cleaner. While down can be dry-cleaned, the results are better if it is instead cleaned with specially designed solutions. If, however, you prefer to do it yourself, you will need to use an oversized front-loading commercial grade machine. If needed, you can use non-chlorine bleach. Do not use your home machine. It is not designed for cleaning large down comforters. Using it could lead to damaging your comforter—or your machine.

After washing down comforters, you should dry them in a large commercial dryer on medium heat. Although this could take several hours, do not try to speed up the process by using high heat. This can burn the comforter. Even on medium heat, it is important to check periodically and make sure the unit is not overheating. Be patient during the long drying process — failure to properly dry your down comforter could lead to mildew growth.
With proper care and infrequent washing and drying, your down comforter can provide many years of reliable warmth and comfort.

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Kristy Annely asked:




Down comforters resemble thick, fluffy quilts, but are filled with down feathers from geese or duck. The cost of down comforters is rated related to the type and quality of the down measured in ounces, and the quantity filled in every cubic inch of the comforter.
Discounts are offered by most comforter manufacturing companies. The costs vary from $50 to $300, depending on the quality of down, fill factor, size of the comforters, materials used such as satin, silk, or cotton and sometimes blended materials, climatic conditions, stitching patterns, complimentary items and accessories. Very expensive down comforters have a fill rating of over 700 cubic inches, while a lesser quality down will be closer to 300. The average down comforter has a rating of about 500. The higher the rating, the fluffier the comforter, and the more warmth it will provide.

Goose down comforters is popular for their superior quality, warmth and are used in premium hotels and resorts. Siberian down and Hungarian down are common and are exceptionally popular bed coverings, as they are extraordinarily light, soft, warm and luxurious and the feathers lay flat with a central quill. These characteristics make the down soft and more preferred than other type of comforter. Additional feature that influence the discounts made on down comforters is the warranty period.

Down comforters are widely used in colder countries and round-the-year cool climates, as they are hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and resists dust mites, mold and mildew. Premium qualities feathers are also mixed with down to increase the fill power and warmth, keeping the comforter dry. The three-sided comfort lock border and baffled box design assures that the down will stay in the sleep zone, where it is most needed. This no-shift design locks the down in place eliminating excess down shifting to the edges or bottom. Most companies that sell down comforters offer discounts, complimentary items, and free shipping. Online enquiries and orders are also accepted.

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