How to test the quality of a down comforter?
Down comforters, Ah… its just a soft, plushy, warm feel that comes along a down comforter. Mostly, when people buy a down comforter they need to have the one that has the highest quality down and a soft and smooth cover to give warmth as well as comfort. A down comforter comes in varying quality grades and if you need to buy a high quality down comforter, you will need to know what things you should check to ensure its quality.
There is a myth that you can easily check the quality of the down comforter by just picking it up and reading the label and knowing that it has a thread count of 1000 or 1200 would be a highest quality comforter you can find on the market.
But your quality test should not only be based on this single factor. Rather, you should also be aware of what you are buying actually and what has been filled inside the comforter.
But, you definitely cannot just open the comforter cover ,as it is most probably has been sewn and sealed properly to keep the down in order. For this purpose you will have to take some quick tests to ensure you have a quality down comforter.
Here are some useful tips you can implement at the spot when you are checking out some high quality down comforter on a retailer’s shop:
Test 1: Read the label
You first will have to read the label in order to get a general idea about the product’s constituents. You’ll know about the Thread count, the weight and the nature of the filling inside. You can also get some information and an idea about how you will have to maintain it and whether or not its machine washable or need to be dry cleaned.
Do not forget to explore about the fill power of the down. As the higher the fill power the better it will be. Always prefer the one that requires lesser maintenance issues and can remain in its actual form for a longer period of time. Also, you should be aware of the fact, that if its an original down comforter or an alternate down comforter which has a synthetic filling under the cover. If you need the original down you should ask for it.
Test 2: Weight is important
You may know the weight of the comforter by reading through the label. After that, you should pick it up and judge the weight in order to make it sure it is acceptable for you. Comforters that are too heavy should not be considered as the best ones. Rather, you should consider to buy lightweight or medium weight comforters as these will be easy to maintain and to use in a wide range of temperatures. While if you have got a heavy comforter you may not be able to carry it easily of use it under warmer conditions.
Test 3: Feel the quality
Have a feel test by sliding your hand over the cover. If you feel the cover as smooth plushy surface, then surely it has a higher thread count, which ensures higher breathability and softness and also ensures light weight of the cover.
Test 4: Squeeze test is necessary
At last, but it should be considered as the most important test in deciding about a down comforter.
Squeeze test will tell you about the actual quality of the inner filling and how it justifies the information given on the label.
Take a corner of the comforter and place it between both of your hands. Then press your hands with as much pressure as you can to the extent the down inside gets pressed at its maximum level.
Now if you have got a high quality comforter then you will not even feel a single pointy shaft on your hand and neither you will feel the feather’s structure. It gives you an idea that the fill inside has a high quality down, which has the maximum fill power and the feathers inside are lesser in number but are able to provide excellent fluff and comfort. While in a low quality down comforter you can feel numerous pointy shafts and feathers in your hands.
Test 5: Baffled or not?
Do keep in mind that a baffled box sewn comforter would the best. Because, a comforter sewn in this pattern would keep the down in its place and will not let it coagulate or make bumpy lumps inside the comforter. Though, most of the comforters have this feature.
Now, after reading this post, there is no doubt in saying that you will be able to select a high quality down comforter that actually is the one that you need and will be serving you the way you desire.
Leave a Reply