If you’ve ever purchased a new comforter or other bedding product, you’re probably familiar with the term “down,” which is usually found on the product packaging. But what is the difference between down and down alternative when it comes to this material? Our guide will explain the difference between down vs down alternative to help you determine which one is right for you. As a consumer, it’s important to choose the right type of bedding fill material that not only suits your sleeping needs, but that’s also in line with your personal preference and beliefs. This article will cover what is down alternative, what down is, and some important factors to consider when you’re looking for new bedding.
Let’s start by defining exactly what the term down means in terms of bedding products.
Some of the fluffiest pillows and bedding with a cloud like feel are filled with down. This material is the fluffy, soft layer that’s found underneath the waterproof feathers of ducks and geese. Down has an insulating ability that helps to keep these birds warm, even when they’re in cold water, which explains why it’s such a popular bedding material, too. Some products contain real duck feathers, but they aren’t the same thing as down. In a down vs feather pillow, the down won’t have any sharp quills from bird feathers sticking out of the fabric. The lack of quill shafts is one of the key differences between these two, but it’s also how the birds are treated. Down is a natural material that takes time and labor to collect and process, making it more expensive than most down alternative bedding.
There are several benefits of using down products like bedding, including:
Down comes directly from animal feathers, but the source of this material varies. Countries like Iceland and Scandinavia use colonies of 5,000 or more birds that live in “farmed” areas to protect them. People then come to collect the down from the birds’ nest or from excess down feathers lying on the ground that have been preened from the birds or fallen out naturally. However, approximately 70 percent of the world’s supply of down still comes from China. Sadly, these birds are killed for their meat, which has caused an ethical dilemma for many consumers. The bulk of the remaining down comes from either Canada or Europe where the birds are harvested for meat or pate.
When shopping for products featuring down fabric, there are some important things to consider, since not all down products are the same. First, try to make sure that the down comforters and other items you buy are ethically sourced. While this can be challenging, more companies are starting to be transparent when it comes to their supply chain, so look for those who are open and honest about where they get their down feathers, and how they source them.
Some products will indicate that they contain “goose down,” “duck down,” or “waterfowl down” which is usually duck down or a combination of duck and goose down. If the label says, “down fiber,” that means it is just dust that’s left when the manufacturer separates the down and feathers, and it’s not an authentic down product since those fibers won’t regulate temperature to keep you warm. The best down feather comforter will be thick and fluffy with straight, even finishing at the seams. You can also use your sense of touch to find the best down products. When you pinch the filling through the fabric and rub it between your fingers, it should feel extremely soft with barely any spiky quills. If it feels prickly, then it’s probably not the highest quality product you can buy.
What is a down alternative comforter? Here is what makes down alternative products different from traditional down.
Down alternative fill is made to mimic the feel and loft of real down. When it comes to a goose down vs alternative down comforter in terms of price, alternative down is almost always much less expensive than real down. Down alternative comforters or a comfy down alternative duvet features fills ranging from lightweight to heavy, depending on the season and your individual needs. We’ll examine what materials are used to make down alternative products below.
Now, let’s look at some down vs down alternative pros and cons.
Almost all down alternatives are made from fibers that may include one or more different materials including cotton, rayon, polyester, and other synthetic materials. Many of these alternative products contain microfiber or polyester, creating a warm bedding product that consumers can enjoy without having to worry about allergies.
If you’re concerned about the environment and animal welfare, down alternative bedding is a good way to enjoy a similar feel without having to purchase something made using animal products. However, not all down alternative products are organic, which means you could still be choosing something made of synthetic fibers full of chemicals and toxins. Is down alternative toxic? The answer depends on what you buy, so always look for organic down alternative items whenever possible for peace of mind.
For a down vs down alternative what is the difference between the two? Let’s take a closer look at the differences between feather down vs down alternative products.
The fill of down bedding consists of the fluffy layer of feathers near a bird’s skin although some products may also contain a small percentage of feathers. However, the best down will not have any feathers since bird feathers alone aren’t as soft or warm as down. Down alternative consists of one or more fibers that are made to mimic real down. The best down alternative duvet insert or comforter will only contain organic standard certified fabrics so it’s non-toxic and some products naturally hypoallergenic.
Both of these options are very durable; however, real down products are usually longer lasting than down alternatives. With proper care, down products can last as long as 15 years or more, even with regular washing. Choose down alternative bedding made with high-quality fibers if you’re looking for longevity.
Any product with synthetic fill has the potential to trigger allergies. However, real down can also be allergenic and may not work if you’re an allergy sufferer. If you’re looking for something that won’t trigger your allergies, an organic down alternative product is your best bet.
Since down is a natural material, it usually can’t be cleaned in your washing machine. Most should be dry-cleaned and fluffed every so often to keep them fluffy. One way to protect your down comforter is to add a machine-washable duvet cover to protect it for easy care. Most down alternative bedding can be washed and dried at home so it’s easier to keep clean. Add some wool dryer balls to the dryer to keep your down alternative comforter fluffy.
The main difference in terms of cost between these two products is that real down bedding almost always costs significantly more than down alternative bedding.
Here are some more factors to consider when choosing between a down vs down alternative product:
Remember the main differences between down and down alternative products including what they’re made of, how easy they are to care for, and the cost. Overall, it’s up to you to make an informed decision about your bedding based on your individual needs. No matter what you choose, it’s vital to select high-quality bedding like the products from Or & Zon, so you achieve the optimum level of comfort for an exceptional sleep experience.
