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A Complete Guide to Downright’s Comforters and Pillows

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As one of the country’s foremost manufacturers of down products, Downright offers many different types of fill, support, and warmth level to meet your needs.  In fact, since they’re based in New York, they can even create custom comforters and pillows (if you’d like one, let us know).

But we understand that sometimes too much choice makes choosing a little confusing.  So we asked our friends at Downright to help us better understand the world of down and guide us through their collections.  As it turns out, it’s quite simple.

Naturally warm and lightweight, Downright comforters and pillows will ensure a good night's sleep.
Naturally warm and lightweight, Downright comforters and pillows will ensure a good night’s sleep.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT PILLOW?

Choosing the right pillow is essential to a good night’s rest.  Luckily, there are only two main factors to consider:

1. Firmness Level

Your specific sleeping style will determine the firmness of your pillow:

Stomach sleepers prefer a soft, plump pillow that supports the head and neck gently, while allowing the head to sink into the perfect level.

Back sleepers prefer a medium pillow that positions the head and neck in line with the natural curvature of the spine.

Side sleepers prefer a firm pillow that provides more support and positions the head, neck, and shoulders in harmonious horizontal alignment.

2. Preferred Fill

Down: Because natural down is so lightweight, it’s one of the most comfortable and desirable fills for pillows and comforters.  Down has the amazing ability to breathe, lifting moisture away from the sleeper.  With down, the higher the fill power, the higher quality the pillow.  And within down, the most luxurious pillows are those that are filled with white goose down.  All of Downright’s down is guaranteed hypoallergenic; down products will last longer and hold up better than synthetic fills.

Down/Feather Blend: Down/Feather-filled pillows are firmer than down filled pillows. They are an excellent choice for those who want a firmer support.

Comforel Down Alternative Fill: A wonderful hypoallergenic microfiber fill that offers down-like comfort, loft and softness.  Perfect for sleepers who are prone to allergies.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT COMFORTER?

Finding a comforter that’s right for you is a two-step process.  Just consider the following:

1. Warmth Level

Think about your season, climate, heating system. and thermostat setting. Most of our classic comforters are now offered in three weights to best suit your needs.

Summer Weight: Ideal for the warm sleeper, warm climates or when rooms are above 70°F.

All Year Weight: Our most popular choice. This all-season comforter is perfect for year-round use and for those who keep their bedroom temperature between 60°F and 65°F.

Winter Weight: Ideal for the cold sleeper, cool bedrooms, very cold climates and for those who prefer extra warmth during the winter season.

2. Quality Level

We have classified our comforters into seven different categories to help you easily select the right comforter for you.

– Introductory: Our most affordable down comforter features a 233 thread count cover filled with 560 fill power white down.  See Mackenza down comforters.

– Classic: These classics feature a soft, 300 thread count cover filled with high loft, 600 fill power white goose down, guaranteed to provide many years of warmth and pleasure.  See Cascada Peak, Cascada Summit, and 3-1 Anytime down comforters.

– Best Value: Opting for lasting comfort and value? The comforters in this class offer remarkable quality and sumptuous softness. A high quality white goose down with large and plump clusters, our 700 fill power white goose downs provide luxurious warmth with minimum weight. A  383 thread count cotton sateen shell gives the finishing touch to this amazing collection.  See Nirvana down comforters.

– Supreme: Exceptional superiority, the 650-800 fill power is one of the word’s finest downs. Premium clusters of down deliver superior loft and maximum warmth with minimal weight. Moreover, our silky smooth downproof fabric is made in Europe using the exclusive SanProCare process-known to enhance temperature regulation, absorption and release of moisture, and superior durability.  See Bernina Hungarian down,  Himalaya Polish down, and Himalaya Siberian down comforters.

– Ultimate: When only the very best will do; our most magnificent comforters offer unparalleled luxury, warmth and craftsmanship. The very largest, softest 920 fill power Canadian white goose down paired with a choice of Batiste lightweight fabric- or our 100% Pure Silk, Flowering Vine pattern cover, introduce you to the incredible lightness of warmth. These opulent comforters result in extraordinary comfort and promise luscious sleep for years to come.  See Logana Siberian down, Logana Canadian down, Eliasa Canadian down, and Eliasa Eiderdown comforters.

– Down Alternative: Filled with Comforel, a hypoallergenic microfiber fill that offers down-like comfort, loft and softness at a more economical price than down. Perfect for sleepers who are allergy prone.  View Sierra and Astra comforters.

– Tencel Ecofriendly: The combination of high quality 650 fill power white goose down and a Tencel® lyocell cover offers you easy-care comfort that’s soft on you and the environment. Tencel® lyocell is a natural fabric manufactured from Eucalyptus wood pulp, which is soft and silky, durable, and lightweight.  See Organa down comforters.

WHAT IS DOWN?

Down is a soft layer of fine clusters found around birds (primarily in the chest area) under the tougher exterior feathers.  Down makes for an extraordinary thermal insulator and because down is so lightweight, it’s one of the most comfortable and desirable fills for a blankets, comforters, and pillows.

Down clusters look like little cotton balls with a round center called a plumule. Each plumule has thousands of tiny fibers emanating from its core. As these fibers link to others, they create air pockets, which keep you insulated by trapping the heat.

The air within the pockets warms you naturally, using minimal weight. Down also has the amazing ability to breathe, lifting moisture away from the body. Far less down is needed in weight than other fillings, which means a much lighter, but warmer product.

WHAT IS FILL POWER?

All down is not the same. Down from larger, mature birds offer more insulating power and a better ability to loft. This means they will have a higher fill power.

Fill power is measured by the amount of cubic inches that one ounce of down will fill once it expands.  The higher the fill power, the better the quality and warmth.  In other words, a higher quality comforter will weigh less than a heavier, lower quality one; yet still provide more warmth, fluffiness, and lightweight comfort.

WHAT KINDS OF DOWN AND FILL POWER DO YOU OFFER?

At Downright we offer high quality downs with a variety of fill powers.

White Goose Down

920+ Fill Power – When only the very best will do, 920+ Canadian White Goose Down is made up of the largest uniform clusters, hand selected from mature, specially bred Canadian geese. This down delivers optimal warmth with minimal weight.

800+ Fill Power – 800+ Siberian White Goose Down is handpicked from the most premium, specially bred Siberian geese. This down will provide you with exceptional warmth with minimal weight.

700+ Fill Power – 700+ Polish White Goose Down is made from premium clusters that deliver superior loft and a higher degree of comfort compared to the top offerings of other leading brands.

650+ Fill Power – 650+ Hungarian White Goose Down comes from the finest of mature Hungarian geese. It is exceptionally soft and fluffy; guaranteed to yield pure warmth and pleasure.

600+ Fill Power – The fine down of European geese. This 600+ White Goose Down is the best in its grade. Soft, yet resilient, this down is a remarkable product that doesn’t compromise the warmth you crave.

White Down

600+ Fill Power – This 600+ White Down is the best in its grade. Soft, yet resilient, this down is a remarkable product that doesn’t compromise the warmth you crave.

560+ Fill Power – Our most affordable choice for down. This 560+ White Down has been carefully washed, making it one of the select few in this category that are also hypoallergenic. Its soft clusters, durability and light weight make this down a favorite entry level into a world of luxury and warmth.

Eiderdown – Eiderdown is the finest, warmest, most rare down in the world. The down is hand collected from abandoned nests in Eider Duck sanctuaries. Eiderdown’s unique characteristics provide you with the utmost in luxurious comfort.  While the Eiderdown comforter provides you with the greatest warmth and insulation, it is extremely lightweight and will have you feel like you are sleeping on a cloud.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS HYPOALLERGENIC?

Yes!  OxyD ® is an exclusive Downright process that ensures that our down products are 100% hypoallergenic. All our downs exceed government standards for purity, without compromising volume and uniformity. Our down goes through a unique double-wash and quadruple-rinse program so you can be assured you are getting the cleanest, highest quality down in the market.

WHAT TYPES OF FABRICS DO YOU USE?

At Downright, we search all across the globe for the finest fabrics. We use only the most exquisite down proof cotton and silks. Close attention is paid every step of the way to ensure satisfaction. No matter which type of fabric or thread count you will choose, every Downright fabric is synonymous with breath-ability, softness and quality.

HOW ARE YOUR FABRICS NATURALLY ECOFRIENDLY?

Our fabrics conform to the widely accepted Oeko-Tex, Standard 100. This highly demanding testing process was developed as a standardized certification for textiles. All Downright fabrics have the Oeko-Tex 100-Confidence in Textiles label and are certified to be virtually free of all harmful chemicals.

WHAT IS BAFFLED BOX CONSTRUCTION?

Our baffled box design means an overall better product- with optimum lofting, even distribution, and greater durability. Our three-dimensional baffle box design features interior walls (baffles) that connect the top and bottom fabrics along the stitching lines, for a better look, a better feel, and a longer life.

HOW DO YOU CARE FOR DOWN COMFORTERS AND DOWN PILLOWS?

To ensure you enjoy maximum benefit from your Downright products, please follow these simple instructions:

  • Pillows should be used inside a pillow protector and a pillow case or pillow sham.
  • Comforters should always be used inside a duvet cover.
  • Comforters may be spot cleaned for spills and aired out occasionally.
  • While frequent washing is not advised, down products may either be washed or dry cleaned.
  • Dry cleaning should only be performed by a company experienced with down products, as dirty cleaning fluid will cause the down to clump, lose its lofting ability and occasionally develop a mild odor.
  • We recommend washing only in a front-loading commercial capacity washer. No machines with agitators as these are too rough and will tear the baffles, which would void the warranty. Use a low sudsing detergent or a product specifically designed for washing down products (like Down Wash). Run through the rinse cycle twice to remove all soap. Place in large capacity dryer on lowest heat setting and dry for several hours. This step is very important, because if down is not thoroughly dried, it may develop mold and odors.

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