Explanation of Down Comforters

Down

• Ducks, geese and other waterfowl feature a natural insulating layer beneath their top feathers known as down. Down keeps birds warm throughout the cold winter months. That warming characteristic has made down a popular filling for bedding.

Weights

• Down comforters are available in a variety of weights, including summer weights and winter weights.

Fill Power

• Comforters are often sold by weight, but the true test of a comforter's warmth is its fill power. Fill power refers to the density of down and how well it traps air. According to the Down Comforters website, comforters with the highest fill powers are the warmest, regardless of weight.

Fabric

• The Down Comforters website recommends down be used only in fabric shells with a thread count of 220 or higher. This prevents down from escaping from the fabric. Cotton is the most common fabric used for comforter shells, according to the Luxury Bedding website.