What is Down?

Down is not feathers. Down is the soft, fluff, undercoat of the bird that traps warm air next to the bird’s skin. It resembles dandelion fluff in appearance and weight. If you can feel pokey feathers in a comforter, be advised that it is probably only made up of ½ down and ½ feathers, which means it is of lower quality. Down has numerous light, fluffy filaments extending in all directions, without a feather’s quill shaft. Down keeps birds cooler in summer yet warmer in winter, and provides breathable comfort.

Down can insulate in down comforter & blankets, and provide support as in down pillows due to its ability to spring back to its original shape, known as lofting.

Down is more comfortable than synthetic filling due to its ability to let moisture such as perspiration escape in a process known as wicking. One never feels clammy with a quality down comforter. Simply put, down is more comfortable in varying temperatures and climates than other materials.

Down feels incredibly light to the touch, so is more comfortable to sleep under.

Down comforters look the same but are completely different once you know how to compare them on features.