Down Comforter Allergies? Read This!

May 24, 2010 by  
Filed under Bedroom

Down comforters or as they are called, Duvet, with duvet covers can be a blessing to enhance not only your bedroom decor, but your sleep experience. Or they can be a curse! Some of us may find that allergic reactions to natural down will give us severe problems. But those of us who want the comforter experience and not the “hives” experience are not without hope. Alternative down comforters are the way to go.

A practical solution to down comforters in the case of allergies are the wide variety of comforters made with synthetic down-like material. They are also superior in cases where they will be washed frequently. And they are a far superior choice to the layer upon layer of blankets often found in bedrooms where warmth is a necessity.

Whether or not one can be sure of quality when purchasing an alternative comforter is really not a problem. In fact, if one simply poses the same questions which would be applied to a feather or down comforter, the problem will be solved.

The number 1 question generally deals with the type of fibers used in the duvet. Normally they will be either ordinary, slick or cluster fibers. Ordinary fibers are cheap and probably the 3rd best choice of the three. Slick fibers will provide better insulation, and Cluster Fibers will most closely resemble actual feather or down comforters. Cluster fibers will not be stuck in one area in the duvet, but are spread throughout the area filled with fiber. Higher thread count will always be an advantage for resistance to wear and washing.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions is paramount in the care of you duvet. They are washable, but they cannot be squashed inside a too small washer and dryer without excessive wear and tear happening. Commercial washers and dryers are probably the best to insure your investment has a long life. Again, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for anything specific to their product.

Dry cleaning is not recommended. Refer to the manufacturers instruction for care of their specific product. Synthetic products should be stored in a breathable bag. Once removed from storage, it should be shaken out to allow the fibers to fluff up. The Duvet should not be compressed for extended lengths

The amount of filling in a duvet is called the duvet’s density. Heavier duvets have higher density and they will tend to last longer than lower density products. Also, high density allows the filling to stay more evenly spread out. Thread count is the count of threads per square inch of cloth fabric. High thread count is a more tightly woven fabric and will feel softer to the touch.

A product which has a decreased tendency to cause allergy symptoms is called hypo-allergenic. Manufacturers take care during the production of the product to make sure it will cause reduced instances of allergy problems.

Looking to find the best deal on Alternative Down Comforters, then visit James Hamel’s Site to find the best selection of Comforters for you.