What is Down Fill?

Everyone knows that down creates the ultimate sleeping experience. But with such a vast range of products out there, it’s imperative to know what to look for – and where to get it. Here we’ve gathered some pointers to help you make an informed decision.

Down. A Primer – Down is the layer of fluffy filaments found under the belly of ducks and geese that insulates them from the elements. But it shouldn’t be mistaken for feathers. Down is warmer, fuller and more resilient than feathers – and softer because it doesn’t have quills. It also has an innate ability to breathe.

•  Much like the 5 C’s one considers when shopping for a diamond, there is a checklist of qualities to look for:

Origin –  One thing to consider is the origin of the down. Down from cooler climates is large and strong, thus it creates more insulation and warmth than down from a more temperate locale. Think: Hungary, Siberia and Northern Europe, and you’ve got the picture.

Goose vs Duck – While goose and duck down are similar in structure, geese have larger, superior down clusters, which make for a more sumptuous feeling and better insulation all around.

Case in point: Chinese duck down, which represents 95% of the down imported into the USA, is a major culprit. That’s because duck down is naturally oilier than goose down, and therefore harder to clean.

Purity – Down allergies are a common misconception – I hear about them all the time! The fact is, these allergies are actually reactions to the environment from which the down originated. And this is where quality comes in. Down that is not properly cleaned carries with it the allergens of its surroundings, be it grass, dust, mold, etc.

To avoid allergies all together, each cluster of down must be immaculate. Here’s how we achieve that at Scandia: We start with the finest white goose down available. Then we follow a meticulous, 12-step purification process to get it absolutely pristine. This proprietary measure yields down that is so refined, it is certified hypo-allergenic. And just like that, “down allergies” disappear.

Fill Power – A major consideration is fill power, an industry term used to describe the quality and size of the down. Here’s how it works:

Fill power is a measure of down’s springiness and resilience. It is calculated as the number of cubic inches one ounce of down will fill after being compressed. The higher the fill power, the warmer and loftier the comforter or pillow is. Look for something that is 600 fill power or higher and make sure that it is European goose down.

Construction – Construction counts, and when it comes to choosing a down comforter, baffle box construction is best. A baffle box is a three-dimensional form of channels and vertical walls that allow the down to expand for proper insulation, while keeping from shifting. This alleviates cold spots that are common to poorly-constructed offerings, and encourages maximum loft.

Why to Buy Made in USA – Although the best quality down comes from Europe, many companies such as Scandia Down, manufacture their products in the US to maintain optimal quality standards.