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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between down and feather?
Down and feathers are two completely different structures. A feather is an external covering on waterfowl and other birds, consisting of a two-dimensional shaft or quill and barbs. Feathers are not necessarily inferior to down, they are functionally different, offering support rather than warmth.
A down cluster has a quill point but no quill shaft, so it is far more resilient and lighter than a feather. Down is three-dimensional and has more “loft” or fill power. Down is light and it breathes allowing body moisture to be absorbed, which makes the user feel warm and comfortable.
What if I’m allergic to down or feathers?
Studies show that less than 1% of the population is allergic to down and feathers. Down is protein, just like human hair. Many people who believe that they are allergic to down and feathers are actually allergic to the dust and dirt that can accumulate in bedding over time.
Many manufacturers offer hypoallergenic down products with anti-microbial protection, which assures purity and freshness for the life of the product. And there are several down alternatives on the market, which contain synthetic fill that feels like natural down.
Is all down equal?
No. Down can be gray or white, without a difference in quality. But, in general, goose down is superior to duck down because the birds are grown to a larger size, yielding larger down clusters.
How do I redistribute the down evenly again if it shifts?
Shake out your bedding when needed as this restores the down clusters to their original puffy shape and allows the inside of the comforter to absorb fresh air inside. It also helps maximize the loft, which in turn provides greater insulation and warmth. Products with box-stitched or “baffled” construction feature stitching patterns which prevent down from shifting and help keep it in place.
What can I do to if a product loses a little of its fluff?
1. Fluff your bedding daily to replenish the air inside.
2. Air your bedding product outside for a few hours twice a year to keep it fresh. Drape it over a couple of chairs rather than hang it over a clothesline or straight up and down.
3. Fluff in dryer on low and medium heat and add a couple of tennis balls to help fluff the bedding product.
How often should I clean my down bedding and how should I clean it?
Cleaning your bedding can help restore loft and fluffiness if done properly. If done too often (more than once every two to three years) or not done properly, it can cause unnecessary harm. Down can either be washed or dry-cleaned. The important thing is to make sure it is completely dry when the process is over. It is best to consult the label on the down product for care instructions.
How do I store my comforter?
Simply fold it away and store it in your linen closet. You can also store it in a breathable bag to prevent mildew. Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture.
Is my product 100% down?
20% of down may contain some feather content. It is impossible to separate all feather content from the down, because the down clusters are found beneath the feathers.
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Glossary
Down – soft and airy plumage clustered beneath the feathers of waterfowl. The pockets of air formed within down clusters insulate you against chill and allow moisture to evaporate freely.
Feathers – plumage or out-growth forming the contour and external covering of fowl. Feathers are resilient and provide firm support.
Fill power – the measurement of how resistant down is to compression, determined by the number of cubic inches occupied by an ounce of down. The higher the fill power number is, the better the down is at trapping air, lofting and insulating.
Lofting – the ability to bounce back into original shape.
Thread-count – the number of threads per square inch. Higher thread count creates a tighter, smoother and softer weave, which can increase the lifespan and value of your bedding.
Wicking – the ability to attract moisture and hold moisture to allow it to evaporate.
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