Fill Power. How do I measure the quality of down?
Down makes the perfect fill or duvet inserts and pillows because it’s light and fluffy yet also breathable. Down differs from feathers; it is the fluffy coating clustered beneath the feathers of waterfowl that protects them from the cold, harsh elements. It does a good job of protecting and coddling us too.
Down has been used for bedding for many generations because it works so well, and the highest quality down today should perform the same or better.
The measurement of this performance is expressed through a measurement called fill power (it tells us how fluffy the down is), and it’s generally measured in hundreds. Fill power is expressed as cubic inches per ounce. For example, one ounce of 700 fill power down would fill 700 cubic inches of space. If you’re the curious sort, you can read more about fill power here: Fill_power, but we can tell you what’s most important.
Higher fill power (around 700) means a warmer and lighter blanket because fluffier down has higher insulating power (it traps more air). It requires less down to fill the same space than a lower fill power down (say, 500), which needs to be heavier to get the same amount of warmth. What you need to know is that the best and quality duvets have high fill power so they’re perfectly warm yet lightweight. Our down duvet inserts and pillows are filled with 700 fill power white goose down.
Our down duvet inserts come in lightweight options and varieties for all seasons. You’ll want to consider how you like to sleep (warm, cool, etc.) as well as your local climate when choosing the best duvet insert for you. Our down pillows also come in three different weights. You’ll want to consider your sleep position to determine the best fill weight for you.
Down has been used for bedding for many generations because it works so well, and the highest quality down today should perform the same or better.
Product care
Even the highest quality fill power down tends to diminish over time. In order to maintain the loftiness of your down pillows it is important to give them a little TLC. We recommend washing your pillows 2 – 3 times per year to ensure loftiness and cleanliness of your bedding investment. A simple wash will return your pillows to their original fill power. Please pay attentional to the care instructions on the product tag to ensure proper care.
If you have any other questions about our down please go to our contact us page and send us a note. We’d be happy to discuss what the best down, or down alternative, duvet insert or pillow is best for you.