 | What is Down? Down is the light fluffy coating clustered beneath the feathers of waterfowl that protect them from the elements. Most down can be found on the belly of geese and ducks, as this is the part that is exposed to water and must keep the bird warm. Down is a three dimensional cluster with thousands of tiny fibers, but no quill. In every pound of feathers, there are only four to five ounces of down. As nature's most efficient insulator, down is warm, yet light and lofty. It takes 14 wool blankets to equal the temperature control of one down comforter. Additionally, down has the marvelous ability to breathe, lifting away perspiration so you don't experience the clamminess which often occurs with synthetics. |
 | What are Feathers?
Feathers have quills and are two-dimensional. They are the rigid plumage found on the outside of waterfowl, and can range in size from 5 cm to several inches. Smaller feathers are often used in bedding products such as feather beds, decorative pillows, and various feather and down blends. In bedding, feathers do provide some insulation, but are mostly used for support. |
