How to Compare Goose Down Comforters

Ask about the fill power of goose down comforters. Down that comes from larger, mature birds, such as geese, have a better ability to lift and they are better at insulating. Down's fill power measures the amount of space in the comforter that one ounce of down takes up. A higher fill power means less weight and better insulation. A fill power of 600 is a good quality, 700 is excellent and 800 or higher is superb quality.

Ensure your down won't shift around when you purchase a down baffled comforter. Baffling a down comforter means stitching lines in the comforter are accompanied by vertical interior walls, making smaller pockets for the down to fill up instead of filling up the entire comforter. A baffled comforter means all the down won't shift to one side or the other; your down coverage will remain even throughout the life of the comforter.

Choose a warmth level, depending on the temperature you prefer when you sleep at night. Each retailer may categorize warmth levels differently, but the standards are the same. "Super Light Comfort" goose down comforters are ideal if you prefer a room temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit or above; "Light Comfort" is for room temperatures of 69 degrees to 74 degrees; "Medium Warmth" is for room temperatures between 65 degrees and 69 degrees; "Extra Warmth" is for room temperatures from 62 degrees to 65 degrees; and "Ultra Warmth" is for temperatures below 62 degrees.

Consider cleanliness if allergies are an issue in your home. An "oxygen" test can help determine the amount of organic matter left after you wash your down comforter, and a "turbidity" test measures suspended solids in the comforter. Look for an oxygen level of less than 10 and a high turbidity level, with 550 at the high end and 60 at the low end when you compare down comforters.