What is Down?
Down is the soft undercoating of waterfowl, consisting of numerous light fluffy filaments growing from a quill point, but without the quill shaft.
What Are Feathers?
Feathers are the plumage or outgrowth forming the contour and external covering of fowl. Feathers are characterized by a horny central shaft or quill from which filaments originate.
Where Do Feathers And Down Come From?
Feathers and down are commercially obtained from ducks and geese which are primarily raised for their meat. Thus the feathers become a byproduct from the processing of the fowl.
Why Does Down Insulate So Well?
Down warms without weight. Each down cluster traps more air for its weight than any synthetic fiber. Every ounce of down has about two million fluffy filaments that interlock and form a protective layer filled with air that keeps warmth in and cold our. Down is wonderfully resilient. You can flatten it and with a good shake it will bounce back to it's original loft while providing you with natural warmth.
What Is Fill Power?
Once the down has been separated, cleaned and sterilized, it's sorted by fill power. We determine fill power in a tube that gives the number of cubic inches per ounce of down. The very finest down has a fill power of at least 750 cubic inches per ounce (very rare and extremely expensive), and the lowest is around 300 per ounce. Eldridge Textlile uses 600 fill power down in our white goose down pillows and at least 650 fill power down in our white goose down comforters.
Why European Goose Down?
Geese that live in the coldest climates have best insulation. The finest goose down in the world with fill power rating 600-750 come from countries with the coldest climate. These include Hungary, Siberia and Poland.
What Is Thread Count?
Thread count equals the number of threads per square inch. The higher the thread signifies a tighter weave for a softer feel to the fabric.
Why Do We Recommend Box Stitching for Down Comforters?
Only a stitch pattern that is closed on four sides prevents the down from shifting. Box stitching or diamond stitching will achieve this. Karo-step, Ring-stitch, Tac-stitch, Channel Stitching will not prevent down from shifting and lumping, we do not advise purchasing down comforters with this construction.
What is Baffle?
Baffled Box construction-the stitching pattern of the comforter is not sewn directly through the fabric. A perpendicular wall of fabric, or a baffle is sewn inside the comforter from the top to the bottom. Thus each box is three dimensional which allows the down to expand to its fullest potential for the highest loft with no cold spots. Only the finest comforters are constructed this way.
Do My Natural Filled Products Need Special Care?
Treat your natural filled bedding kindly and it will provide luxurious comfort for a lifetime. A good shaking every day will help to re-fluff and recapture air. Never store natural filled bedding in direct sunlight. Sunlight may cause fading of the fine fabric covering. Cover loosely with fabric cover and store in a well ventilated, cool, dry place.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
What Is A duvet Cover?
Duvet covers are decorative and functional bedding accessories. they cover your comforter in the same fashion as pillow protector or pillow case protects your pillow.
What is a Featherbed?
Originating in Europe, a featherbed is placed on top of a mattress adding an additional layer of support and year round comfort. It is like a mattress pad overstuffed with feathers, literally a bed of feathers. Buy Featherbeds at Eldridge Textile.
What is a Fiber-bed?
A fiber-bed is similar to a featherbed, only the filling is synthetic and hypoallergenic for those that are sensitive to feather products.
Above information copyright Phoenix Down Corp.
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