Down Comforter Buying Guide

Down vs. Feather

• To ensure that you purchase a down comforter and not a feather one, follow these easy steps. First, ball a part of the comforter in your fist. If you are being poked with any pointy or sharp objects, you have encountered a feather comforter. Down comforters do not have any pointy objects. This makes them more comfortable than feather comforters. Next, check to see if the insides of the comforter are flat and two-dimensional, as opposed fluffy balls. Down often forms into three-dimensional clumps while feathers are flat and will not form clumps or balls.

Fill Power

• Fill power is the measure of how much space one ounce of down takes up. The higher the fill power, the higher the quality of the comforter. Fill power also measures how warm your comforter will feel. A higher fill power means more warmth.

Thread Count

• The thread count is the measure of how many threads are in one square inch of the comforter's outer layer. This number is important because the down is encased in a fabric casing. You do not want your down to leak out of its casing, and you do not want dirt or dust going into the casing. A high thread count will keep dust out and keep the down in. A down allergy is rare, but dust allergies are not. To ensure you do not become allergic to your comforter, buy one with a high thread count. A high thread count also increases softness.

Purchasing a Comforter

• You can find down comforters at every major bedding store, and on many websites. There are even websites that sell only down comforters. Compare the prices each store is offering; if you look hard enough you can find some great deals.

  It is also smart to purchase a duvet cover for your down comforter as a duvet cover protects your comforter from dirt and stains.