What do I need to know before buying a DOWN COMFORTER?!

[Lynn B]

I am in the market for a king-size down comforter (the winters here in NW PA are cooooold!)

I want to buy a good one, but I don't want to spend extra money just for a label! I want one that will be warm in the winter; I will remove it during warmer months. I have never purchased one before, and I don't know where to start. What should I look for? How can I tell if a certain one is good quality or poor quality? How do you care for a down comforter?

Any helpful hints or personal experiences greatly appreciated.

THANKS!

Lynn

[sneezles]

We have a king size down comforter (but rarely use it for keeping warm).
First there are 2 king sizes, standard and California. Even though our bed is a standard king I bought the California king comforter, I like the way it fits better (108" x 96").
Next is the "loft" of the filling will determine its insulating ability. The more down inside a comforter, the warmer it will be. Many manufacturers offer a variety of fillings with fewer ounces in their "warm" comforters and more ounces of filling in the "warmest" models. When we lived in the UK we had summer and winter duvets.
Then there's the baffling. Down quilts are sewn with some type of stitching that keeps the filling from shifting. Without this the down may settle and become unevenly distributed, thus causing cold spots. Better down comforters are made with baffles (extra strips of fabric sewn inside the comforter) in order to secure the filling and help it stay evenly distributed.
And then there's the filling. Comforters can be made in white down or a mixture of down and feather. The most expensive down comforters are filled with pure white goose down. Less expensive models may use less down, cheaper grades of down, or down mixed with feathers.
Then just like sheets there's the thread count. Down particles are tiny and need to be contained inside a "down proof" cover made from high thread count fabric.
And if you keep your duvet inside a duvet cover it will rarely need cleaning. You just wash the duvet cover as needed. In the UK most don't use a top sheet on the bed if there is a duvet so that would require more frequent laundering.

I bought mine from
The Company Store (http://www.thecompanystore.com/) . They have various levels of comforters to choose from

[BeachBum]

I totally agree with Sneezles. My only other thought on the matter is that I prefer one with the baffel boxes totally sewn up. Experience has shown me that otherwise everything ends up at the bottom of the bed.

[JHaris]

Originally posted by sneezles
I bought mine from The Company Store (http://www.thecompanystore.com/) . They have various levels of comforters to choose from
Just want to add to Sneezles comment. The Company Store has a king comforter that is "supersize" which gives some extra width. They really have a great selection of grades of warmth, fill and different baffling patterns. DD swears by the "box" baffling to keep the down in place. I am getting one for DGD's twin bed for Christmas. Plan on getting a medium warmth supersize from The Company Store after the holidays. I got duvet covers for all three children for Christmas last year. Definitely make sure you get a high thread count duvet if you are going to use the comforter without a top sheet.

Got used to using a comforter when traveling on business trips with DH in Europe. I was always afraid of using a down comforter because I thought my feather allergy would act up, but the duvet cover seems to provide a good buffer. The comforters are so light and cozy and since I am not a morning person, it will be even harder getting up in the morning.

[Lauren]

We have a king size down comforter that we love. I bought it about 5 years ago from either Marshalls or TJ Maxx. I see them there all the time. I would also check overstock.com.

Most comforters today seem to have the sewn squares which prevents the feathers from shifting. You can go crazy comparing cover count, feather weight, price, etc. I know becuase I recently helped my Mom pick out a down blanket from an internet site ... for a few dollars more you get a few more feathers, larger blanket, higher thread count.

If you use a duvet, than the comforter stays clean and protected and will last for years. I thought I would have allergy issues, too, but never have. One of the things I really like about the comforter is when you get into the cold bed, it warms up really quickly! :) My $.02.

[Beth]

Company Store were the first word to pop into my mind. We have 3 of their comforters. Not only are they excellent quality, they will give you a good education on down. Even if you don't buy from them, they will help you know what to look for and why to prefer one thing over another.

[Lynn B]

Thanks everyone for all the input and advice. I appreciate it.

What a wealth of information on these boards! :)

Lynn