What Is the Difference Between Down & Alternative Down?

Materials

• Natural down is most often harvested from geese and ducks. Goose down is fine and soft. The softest, finest feathers are collected to produce high-loft products, such as sleeping bags and coats used for extreme weather conditions. Ducks feathers are coarser, but are much less expensive than goose down.

  Alternative down is made from polyester fibers threaded together. Thin threads trap the air the way natural down does, and thicker threads create loft. People with allergies often choose synthetic down, but some products made with down go through a washing procedure to limit allergens.

Natural Down Facts

• Although synthetic products mimic its lightweight and insulating properties, nothing is warmer or more lightweight than natural down. Down can also wick moisture from your body, which makes it a perfect choice for sleeping bags and outerwear. Down products that are well cared for can last for years. However, your down sleeping bag will take a long time to dry if it becomes wet; the feathers may irritate allergies and, depending on the products you choose, may require dry-cleaning. Down comforters, pillows and coats are often much more expensive than their alternative counterparts.

Alternative Down Facts

• Alternative down doesn't soak up water, and may even repel water; open up your wet sleeping bag, leave it in the sun and it will be dry by bedtime. Synthetic products are generally machine washable, can go in the dryer and are hypoallergenic. Products made with alternative down are cheaper than down and offer a wide range of prices to fit any budget, but they are heavier, stiffer and bulkier than natural down and wear out more quickly.

Considerations

• When purchasing a down comforter, check for a fill power of 600 or more. This gives your comforter ideal loft, which provides you with a softer, warmer blanket. Although some people don't like seeing gray feathers through their fabric, gray down has the same qualities as white. Look for a blanket sewn with a grid pattern, as the grid keeps the down in place and limits cold spots. When purchasing a synthetic down comforter, pinch the fabric between your fingers and rub it back and forth. Avoid it if the filling isn't slick, as it will probably clump together over time.