Information

There are many bedding products seen on TV, websites or stores, promoting “down-alternative duvet” beddings that are usually filled with feather fibers, down fibers or polyester fibers.  These are not the same as down.  If not well informed, consumers can easily be misled.

Here is a simple description of the difference between the two:

Definition of down:  A down cluster looks like a dandelion pod; its filaments radiate from a central quill point without a quill shaft.  It is spherical and has extraordinary insulating power.  The generally known down duvet consists of mostly down.  The greater the down percentage, the more insulating it is, as reflected in the product cost.

Down fiber and feather fiber are the loose fiber from a down cluster or complete feather.  Many products in the market claim they are made from 100% down, but are in fact made from the loose, damaged or crushed feather and down fibers.  These products are inexpensive and provide hardly any insulating power.  Other products that claim to be 100% down often consist of fillings such as polyester fiber.

Although down and down-alternative products may appear to be of equal value, their contents vary greatly.  This results in a wide range of prices, which is often confusing for the consumer.  The smart buyer should be aware of the differences.

Special note: feather and down fibers are soft to the touch, much like down, and therefore are difficult to differentiate from down.  We recommend choosing a reputable manufacturer and selecting your products carefully.