Find Out How To Save Money With Down Substitute Covers

By: Shawna Gilberts.

Most people understand that a high quality down comforter can run hundreds of dollars. The reason is that down is a precious commodity, due largely to the limited supply or wild or farmed geese, the time required for maturation of geese and the labor needed to collect the undercoat feathers of these waterfowl for stuffing into comforters.

Unlike what many people think, feathers that are visible on the outside of a goose are not the same material as down. Rather, the goose has a soft "plumule" material beneath the feathers which provides insulating warmth. The plumules are the main components of down. Some top feather is added for stiffening certain products such as cushions, hard pillows or feather-beds.

For a small family of four, three or more such comforters may be needed. Add in the fact that children outgrow or wear out their possessions quickly, the costs can really add up and get out of control. A family thinking economically should consider down alternatives to substitute for traditional down.

The important qualities to capture in a down alternative are two fold. One, an alternative should have the same softness so the feel against a sleeper should be comfortable. Two, a down alternative should be very light and "lofty". The former term means that it won't weigh down on the sleeper. The latter term means that there is a lot of volume for a given weight, meaning that it traps air and is a great insulator.

The thing to keep in mind is that not all down alternatives are cheaper than down. For example, alpaca wool is very lofty, warm and soft. But it's an extremely expensive material as it's harvested from a rare South American pack animal, the alpaca, much like wool is harvested from sheep. There are even synthetic alternatives that are highly pricey.

Therefore, to save money one should choose a synthetic alternative that has high quality yet at a lower price point than the most premium synthetic brands. Virtually all synthetics are made of polyester. The differences between them depend on the ingenuity of the manufacturer, and whether they have developed a novel method for making a high loft and soft synthetic. A customer should try out the down alternative comforter by considering not only how soft and lofty it is, but also whether it doesn't weigh down heavily on a sleeper.

Interested consumers are fortunate to have many choices when it comes to high quality alternative bedding. The Company Store and JC Penney are some fine examples of down alternative manufacturers.

Article Source: http://yourfinance.co.za

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