Source: downandfeathercompany.com
Down Comforter Fill Power Guide
One of the most important features of a down comforter is the filling. There are a few varieties that can fill a comforter. The different materials provide different elements to keep you cozy and comfortable. The various elements that make up a comforter mean the difference between a good night’s sleep and tossing and turning. You may consider the weather and what’s in the comforter to make sure you make the right purchase. Your preferences should align with the type of material inside the comforter. There are plenty of things to consider when you’re looking for your next comforter.
Fill Type
- Comfort or down are the primary fillers for any comforter. You can eliminate allergens with alternative polyfill, instead of the old style feathers. These choices are available for everyone to consider when buying a comforter. The filler means the difference between being comfortable or unhappy.
Warmth
- Depending on the region you’re in, you want the best comforter for the conditions. It doesn’t make sense to have a large, warm comforter if you’re in a humid climate. You don’t want to be too hot or cold, so it’s a good idea to know the weather where you live.
Weight
- The weight of the comforter means you’ll stay warm or cold. Lightweight comforters are perfect for more temperate regions while heavier ones are perfect for cooler areas. If you’re unsure, you can try to find some that are right in the middle to keep you comfortable. There’s a wide variety of medium, extra warm, and ultra-warm to keep you warm in cold temperatures.
Fill Power Guide
The volume of a single ounce of down is the definition of fill power. The higher fill power will insulate better and weigh less. If you want to stay warmer, the higher power is a perfect way to sleep. The fill power ranges from good to ultimate with varying degrees of softness for maximum comfort. The fill power is the best way to find your ideal comforter, so make sure you know what you like. The process is easier if you what you’re looking for in a comforter.
What is Fill Power?
With winter approaching soon, down comforters will be useful. Down comforters are measured using fill power. Fill power measures the fluffiness of the mattress. Quality levels measure from 500 to above 750. While levels are available below 500, those qualities can be mostly flat. A fill power of 750 is the best of the best. A fill power of 500 is the minimum of the best quality.
How Is It Measured?
Great care is used when measuring fill power. Clusters are placed in glass cylinders for measuring. One ounce of down with 800 fill power will fill a cylinder. One ounce of 600 may only fill half of a cylinder the same size.
Each down cluster is bigger with each fill power value. While fill powers of 600 clusters are small, a fill power of 800 is about the size of a U.S. Quarter. The larger clusters allow for less air to get through maintaining warmth.
Fill Power and Price
Higher fill power unfortunately equals a higher price. Many will argue that it’s worth it. In the dead of winter with temperatures below freezing, a good night’s rest will come from a snug, warm, blanket. Higher fill power gives the most warmth. A blanket with 750 fill power will be very fluffy.
Many tests are conducted for quality. Initial results are used in advertising. Due to factors such as shipping and packaging, fill powers can drop. Bedding fill power can drop between 5-20%. This change is temporary. Regular care will bring back original values.
Fill Power Quality Levels
A breakdown of the quality of fill power is as follows:
Less than 500: These tend to be flat and offer natural warmth, but they have a short lifespan.
500-599: These powers are best for moderate weather. They are priced well and easy to find.
600-699: Provide good to high levels of warmth with easy to handle the weight. They aren’t as common as 500 levels.
700-750: These levels provide the most warmth at a light weight. The quality is good, but these levels may be hard to find.
Final Word
Fill powers with less than 500 may be cheaper, but they won’t last as long. They will offer some warmth, but won’t be as fluffy. Fill powers 600 and above tend to cost more because they come from special animals such as rare birds typically used for breeding. The feathers of older birds will be bigger than those of younger birds. If you’re looking to save money without sacrificing quality, go for levels in the 500 range. When looking for down comforters, be sure to check fill powers first.
You can also see this following video for more details
