Down bed comforters offer a warmth and weight that no other type of bedding can replicate. However, buying the down comforter isn't as easy as it might seem. There are lots of manufacturers – some high quality and others much more inexpensively made. Some people buy down comforters by weight, as this can indicate a denser packing of feathers inside. However, weight isn't the only factor to consider when buying a down comforter. It doesn't indicate quality all by itself.
Good down comforters can provide warmth without weighing down the bed, as well as serving as a natural insulator without triggering allergies. The cost of a down bed comforter is determined by the quality of the feathers inside, rather than the amount. The quality of down is measured by “fill power”. Down that has a higher fill power is actually lighter than lower quality down. It's also better insulation. Look for down bed comforters that have a fill power of at least 550. Your comforter should list this number on the label.
Just like sheets, down bed comforters are better if they have a higher thread count. More thread per square inch means a softer product that will last longer. In addition, the closer the threads are together, the less dirt will get between them, keeping your comforter from becoming soiled. A high thread count also keeps the down inside the comforter, where it belongs.
A third indicator of quality is called baffling. This refers to a type of construction where clothe walls are sewn in to keep the down from clumping and shifting. If your comforter lacks baffling, you'll eventually find that you have cold spots where the down has shifted away. Not every down bed comforter is constructed with baffling, so look for this feature as an indicator of products that are a little better than the rest.
Did you know that down comforters also come with a warranty. When you choose your bedding, look at it closely. These can range from a single year warranty to one that's good for a lifetime. Cheap comforters won't have warranties that last as long, so what seems like a great deal might turn out not to be one over time. If your comforter fails, and the warranty doesn't cover it, you might be left with a flat, clumpy blanket that doesn't provide insulation.
Remember, if you buy a down bed comforter, that you need to use a duvet cover to protect it. These items are easier to wash than a regular down comforter, and will keep dirt and odors from attaching themselves to your bedding. For an ordinary comforter or duvet, these are useful. However, for a down comforter, they're essential. If you use a duvet cover, you'll only need to wash the comforter once ever three to five years. When you finally do wash it, you'll need to place the comforter in a large, front loading washing machine that can handle the mass, or have it professionally cleaned. You should also avoid harsh detergent and too much heat, since they can make the down in your comforter brittle and dry.
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