Down

What is down?
It's the soft, light clusters found under the feathers of geese or ducks that trap warm air next to the birds' skin. Each cluster has thousands of soft puffy filaments that extend outward from a central quill (like a dandelion), creating a 3-dimensional structure for maximum loft and insulation. These clusters trap heat and air, which provide insulation that keeps ducks and geese warm in really cold temps, and enables them to swim in freezing waters.

What's the difference between down and feathers?
Down is lighter and more flexible than feathers. Feathers are flat, while down is puffy. Also, feathers have quills and down doesn't.

Why is down such a popular choice?
It's the lightest, most effective insulator on earth; down keeps you warm during cold months and cool during warm months — perfect for year-round use. And down is up to 4 times more thermally efficient than synthetics and up to 10 times more durable than synthetics.

What's the best kind of down?
Large cluster white goose down. It's stronger, more durable, and has more fill power than duck down. Plus, duck down can have a slight odor.

What if I have allergies?
Except in rare occasions, down allergies are a result of dust and dirt collected in the comforter, not the down itself. Look for a down product that has a cover with a high thread count. The tighter weave creates a stronger barrier between you and the impurities inside the comforter. There are certain types of down alternatives to choose from as well. A great option for allergy suffers is hypoallergenic down, which is cleaned with a process that eliminates dust and impurities. Another cozy, high-quality alternative is synthetic down. It also helps to keep your comforter lofty and fluffy so it's not weighed down by dirt.

The Big One™

Bed Size	Down Comforter
Twin	70 x 90
Full/Queen	90 x 96
King	108 x 96

Home Classics®

Bed Size	Down Comforter
Twin	68 x 86
Full/Queen	90 x 90
King	106 x 90

Sealy®

Bed Size	Down Comforter
Twin	64 x 86
Full/Queen	86 x 86
King	101 x 86

SONOMA life + style®

Bed Size	Down Comforter
Full/Queen	88 x 90
King	107 x 90

Fill power. The higher the fill power, the better the quality of down. Fill power is the space, in cubic inches, that 1 ounce of down fills. Down with high fill power is made of larger, stronger clusters from mature geese. These clusters fill more space with less weight, providing loftier down that's more breathable and durable. Fill power of 500 is good. Between 500 to 600+ is considered excellent.

• 500-550: A good option for light nighttime coverage or year-round use in moderate climates.
• 550–600: An excellent choice for a variety of climates, room temperatures and sleep preferences.
• 600–650+: Provides exceptional warmth. The best option for cold climates.

Fill weight. Fill weight measures the quantity, rather than the quality, of the down.

Cover. The cover counts! Look for one that's 100% cotton with at least a 200-thread count. As the thread count increases, the weave gets tighter, which in turn means a more leak-resistant comforter. In other words, a quality cover will lengthen the life span of your comforter.

Construction. There are two main types of down comforter construction:

Remember, the best styles maintain an even distribution of down, yet allow the sleeper to adjust the comforter to their liking.

Terrific tip: Place a duvet cover over your down comforter to protect it from dirt, dust (the real allergens!) and wear.

How do I clean my comforter? Some down comforters are machine wash-friendly, but many comforters are too big to safely and easily fit in a standard washer and dryer. So, you may want to take your comforter to a Laundromat or even a professional dry cleaner.

How can my comforter keep its loft? Shake it! To keep its loft, or warming properties, down needs air flow. Occasionally shake out and fluff your down comforter, especially after removing it from storage.

Air out your comforter a few times a year in nonhumid weather for a few hours. Drape it horizontally, rather than vertically, over a clothesline.

If your comforter becomes uneven, simply shake the down toward your desired area. Or lay the comforter on a flat surface and push down between openings in the stitching.

Where do I store my comforter? Store it in a dry, well-ventilated place. Use a breathable bag (like cotton) to prevent mildew. Avoid plastic bags because they trap moisture and don't offer any breathability for your comforter.

Is down high maintenance? Down comforters can provide years of luxury without a lot of maintenance. Many down comforters are machine wash-friendly. And if you cover your down comforter with a duvet, you can protect your comforter from daily wear and tear, as well as eliminate the need for frequent cleanings.