Down vs. Down Alternative Comforters
Down and down alternative comforters might look the same on the outside and serve the same purpose, but their fills are more different than you might think. Down comforters contain bird feathers, while down alternatives contain a synthetic fill to mimic down.
The different fills affect fluffiness, durability, care needs, and most importantly, the price tag. Down is pricey, which is why down alternative was invented in the first place.
Looking for the best comforter? If you’re wondering whether to invest in a down comforter or save some cash with down alternative, we’ve got you covered. We compare the details of the two fills to help you better understand their differences and decide which is best for you.
What is Down?
Down refers to the feathers from duck and geese underbellies. Down comforters are notably soft, warm, and fluffy. At the same time, down is lightweight and lofty, so you don’t feel weighed down by your comforter or overly hot.
What is Down Alternative?
Down alternative is a comforter fill built to simulate down’s properties and is typically made from naturally hypoallergenic materials such as cotton, rayon, or synthetic fibers. While down alternative isn’t an exact replica of down, it’s a good comforter option for cruelty-free shoppers, allergy sufferers, and people on a tight budget.
Choosing Between Down and Down Alternative
When choosing a comforter, consider how down and down alternative performs as the fill impacts coziness, weight, and lifespan. Also, be sure to take a look at both of their price tags since, even if you prefer one over the other, the comforter might not be an option if it’s too spendy.
Fill Power and Warmth
Fill power measures how many cubic inches one ounce of fiber or feather clusters take up in a comforter. It affects the fluffiness and loft, as well as the comforter’s insulating ability and breathability.
Down:
Down clusters are more fluffy and insulating than down alternatives. For down, a 500 to 750 fill power provides adequate insulation and fluff for most users. Any fill power over 750 is even more insulating and fluffy but is best for individuals living in colder climates. Since down is naturally very light, high fills won’t feel heavy or constricting.
While down is warm and fluffy, it’s still quite breathable, so hot sleepers don’t have to worry about waking up sweaty or uncomfortable.
Down Alternative:
It’s quite difficult to determine the fill power of down alternative comforters due to their composition, despite many companies advertising down alternatives as having a specific fill power. To reach the same insulation level as down, a down alternative needs much more filling, resulting in a heavier comforter.
A down alternative fill doesn’t regulate temperature well and isn’t very breathable, so a down alternative comforter with extra filling might trap body heat and lead to uncomfortable, restless nights.
Allergies
Allergy sufferers might be more inclined to buy a down alternative comforter over a down comforter because it’s less likely to aggravate allergies.
Down:
Down feathers are prone to trapping allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and skin cells, triggering allergic reactions such as rashes, itchy eyes and throat, and postnasal drip. Some down cases have a down-proof construction, meaning the negative effects of down are minimized for allergy-sufferers. However, down-proof constructions aren’t always reliable and they can be more costly than a standard down comforter.
Down Alternative:
Down alternative comforters are naturally hypoallergenic because synthetic materials and cotton are unlikely to trap allergens.
Maintenance
In most cases, cleaning a comforter is fairly simple. Down alternative comforters can be washing in a washing machine, while traditional down comforters require a bit more work.
Down:
Down vs. Down Alternative Comforters
Down comforters should not be cleaned in a washing machine; they require dry cleaning or a trip to the laundromat; however, they only need to be washed every 2 to 3 years. Using a duvet cover with your down comforter helps the comforter last longer and minimizes the need for washing. You’ll need to regularly wash the cover, but duvet covers generally have easy care instructions.
Down Alternative:
Conversely, alternative down comforters are low maintenance. The comforters are washer and dryer safe. However, they require more regular washes than down, needing to be cleaned once or twice a year if you use a duvet cover. Still, biannual care is very minimal.
Durability
When comparing natural and synthetic materials in down and down alternative comforters, down is most likely to last longer. Here are the approximate lifespans of both down and down alternative comforters.
Down:
Down comforters can last between 10 to 15 years. With proper upkeep, you can potentially make your comforter last several years longer.
Down Alternative:
Down alternative comforters usually only last a couple of years because synthetic materials, such as polyester or microfiber, break down quickly. The synthetic fills lose their shape and grow lumpy sooner than down comforters due to the fiber’s composition, so they’ll have to be replaced more frequently.
Price
Although down is appealing for its excellent durability and feel, its high cost is what usually turns people away from it. Instead, down alternative is a much more affordable option.
Down:
Down will always be more expensive than synthetic materials because animal feathers are a limited resource and require more time and labor to obtain. A down comforter can cost anywhere from $80 to over $850.
Down Alternative:
Since a down alternative is synthetic, it’s cheaper to produce, and thus more affordable. Down alternative comforters can cost less than $50 while luxury down alternatives can be upwards of $250.
