Kinds of Down Comforters

Duck Down Comforters

• Duck down is typically used in less expensive comforters. Eider down is plucked from eider ducks. Luxury comforters use eider down harvested from eider ducks' nests. The down offers the softest down filling. Smaller duck feathers mean the quills poke less through the cover, especially if it's a higher thread count. Most economy comforters have a duck down filling.

Goose Down Comforters

• Goose down comforters have small particles. They typically have covers with a higher thread count to keep the down from falling out. Goose down covers are heavier than a standard duvet cover. The higher thread count means less dirt and debris get into the weave, keeping the comforter cleaner for longer periods of time. Goose down offers the same amount of insulation as duck down, but since geese are plucked when they are more mature, feathers are larger and provide more warmth than duck down.

Economic Comforters

• Lower-priced comforters often mix down with feathers for filling or use cheaper graded down. Cheaper comforters also have a lower fill power, or less down per square inch. The comforter has less fluff, softness and insulation, but this may work well if your room gets warm, or you want a lighter summertime comforter. Fill power under 500 is considered light. Economic comforter covers may also have a lower thread count.

Luxury Comforters

• Luxury down comforters typically have a fill power above 600. They also have baffle-box stitching. The stitching follows a grid pattern to flatten and smooth the down, keeping it evenly distributed, as it sometimes clumps up. High-end comforters also have a 300 thread-count or higher, using goose or eiderdown for filling. Luxury comforters typically have double stitched seams for durability.