Warmth

Down is by far the warmest insulating material available and with proper care, it offers several important benefits. Each ounce of high-quality down has about 2 million fluffy filaments that interlock and overlap to form a protective layer of still air that keeps warmth in and cold out. It is these tiny pockets of air trapped by the down fibers that actually do the insulating.

Down has the natural ability to reloft and mold itself to the body to provide continuous warmth and comfort.

LOW DENSITY VS HIGH DENSITY

Density refers to how dense the fibers of down are at its center. Denser down traps air better and offers better insulation. High density is only found in mature down.

Superior to Synthetics

Down gives approximately up to three times the warmth per ounce when compared to synthetics. As a result, far less down is needed by weight than other fillings, which means a much lighter, warmer product. Synthetics also tend to mat and clump together over time, leaving empty cold spots for the cold to penetrate, while down continually relofts and molds itself to the body. There is nothing in the known universe that insulates as well as down.

Breathability

Down has a natural ability to breathe and wick away body moisture and perspiration, constantly keeping the body dry and warm. If you have ever worn a polyester shirt in the summer, you know what the difference is in breathability between synthetics and natural fibers.

Sustainability

Down is a sustainable, eco-friendly material that has been used for thousands of years. It is naturally occurring and compostable, and all by-products from down processing are also biodegradable. Down has the lowest carbon footprint of all insulating materials.

In contrast, synthetic fills have a huge carbon footprint. Almost worse is the fact that polyester and related materials never go away, (unless they are incinerated which is a major problem in itself). Sadly, the first polyesters made in the 1940s are still with us today.

Longevity & Value

When cared for properly, a high quality down can actually last for generations! You will be able to enjoy your products for many years to come.

Down‘s natural durability and resilience ensures that it can be washed, dried, and easily fluffed up again back to its original, soft and bouncy form.

A quality down product will certainly cost more, but it will be warm, cozy, and last for many more years, making it much better value than any other type of insulator.

MATURE VS IMMATURE DOWN

Generally, the best down comes from larger, more mature birds. When age and maturity are equal, goose down is better than duck down. However, down from a mature duck is better than down from an immature goose.

Down from immature birds has poor lofting ability and tends to collapse in a relatively short time, because its fibers are so fragile. A duvet made with a mature down will be warmer, lighter and puffier. It will last much longer than one made with immature down. 

Allergy-friendly

High-quality downs are put through a rigorous cleaning process, which includes special treatments to ensure the down is hypoallergenic. Some people believe that polyester is a better alternative to down for allergy sufferers.  Independent research studies prove that the opposite is true.

In fact, true allergies to down and feather are extremely rare. Most people are usually allergic to dust mites and keeping your down and feather products clean and protected can help eliminate most of these problems.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF DOWN AND FEATHER FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS, PLEASE READ:

• The British Medical Journal - Reduced risk of wheezing in children using feather pillows is confirmed.

• European Down and Feather Association - House dust mite allergy and down and feather-filled bedding? Much ado about nothing.

• The British Medical Journal - House dust mite allergen in pillows.