Settling into bed, under a warm, cozy down comforter can make even the fiercest storm or troublesome day fade into the background, clearing the way for a rejuvenating rest. But before purchasing one, it’s important to consider the many factors involved in the creation of a high quality down comforter. When all of these are held to the highest standard, the result is almost magical: a bed cover that encourages restful and refreshing sleep.

Fill Power

A characteristic that is unique to down-filled products, fill power measures the fluffiness of the feathers used in a comforter. The fluffier the down, the higher the fill power and the higher the quality of the comforter. With a higher fill power, comforters are able to trap a greater amount of air, creating a warmer yet breathable experience while remaining lightweight. High fill power could be the difference between a solid night’s sleep and restless tossing and turning, making it one of the most important factors of down comforters.

Thread Count

Thread count is quite simply the number of threads in a square inch of fabric. Finer, quality threads will result in a higher thread count and will add to the textural caliber of a comforter. The finer the thread, the lighter it is, increasing the pillowy texture of the covering. Thinner threads also allow for a tighter weave, preventing down leakage and extending the longevity of a down comforter. Softer, finer thread also creates softer fabric, which is more comfortable on bare skin because it is free of the irritation that is caused by rough material.

Down Cleanliness

Since down feathers come from animals, they must be washed and processed correctly before they can be used. Down that has not been properly cleaned and sanitized before use in a comforter can result in allergic reactions to residual dust. Before purchasing a down comforter, it’s essential to trust the manufacturer’s handling of the down, protecting each user from discomfort and potential health hazards.

Stitch Quality

While stitch quality may seem like an obvious aspect of a down comforter, it’s no less important than any other factor. Stitches that are too large or that leave holes in the fabric can lead to down leakage, reducing the quality of the comforter. By using finer thread and ensuring precise, evenly spaced and consistently sized stitches, the creator of a comforter can be confident that there will be minimal down leakage. This will allow the down to trap air and remain fluffy, creating the best experience for users.

Ease of Down Comforter Care

An unavoidable aspect of using any product, especially cloth, is that it collects dust and oils through regular use. Down comforters require a special cleaning process to ensure they maintain their high quality. Strong heat or cleaning solutions can damage the down, and incomplete drying can lead to a heavy odor. In order to combat this, it’s best to locate a cleaning service that has the materials and equipment needed to properly clean a down comforter. This includes the correct strength of soap and a drying method that will leave the down soft and fluffy. When done correctly, cleaning a down comforter restores its original level of comfort and lengthens its life.

Reliable and Ethically Sourced Materials

Down feathers are harvested from birds, so it’s important to know that the feathers are harvested as sustainably and ethically as possible. Eider down, an incredibly soft down, is harvested from abandoned Eider duck nests. Other down is harvested from live birds during their regular molting seasons. Some downs are taken from birds raised for meat. However they are sourced, the feathers are then put through the cleaning processes needed to prepare them for use. When purchasing a down comforter, it’s important to know that animals are not needlessly harmed and that the materials are not being harvested in a way that endangers the future of a species.

There are many factors that make a down comforter a quality bed cover, measuring the value and sustainability of the materials and manufacturing. When held to a high quality, these factors transform a bed into a comfy haven for sleep. When purchasing down comforters, it’s important to consider all these factors to find the highest quality comforter and gain as satisfying a rest as possible.