ADFC CERTIFICATION
The American Down and Feather Council (ADFC) is an
association of manufacturers of natural-fill bedding products
as well as dealers, buyers, sellers and processors of down
and feathers. Their goal is to maintain and improve product
quality and labeling accuracy.
TIPS & TRICKS
DOWN TERMINOLOGY
FILL POWER
A fill power of 525 or more is considered excellent.
CLEANLINESS
Look for Hyperclean down or other indications
of cleanliness levels.
WARRANTY/GUARANTEE
Look for products that carry guarantees against defects
in materials and workmanship. The best products have
the longest warranties, making them the best value. Also,
look for warranties that a product is allergen-free.
FABRIC
The best fabrics are the lightest possible 100 percent cotton.
The tighter the weave (thread count), the lighter the fabric,
which maximizes down loft.
LEAKPROOF COVER
Higher-thread-count, tightly woven fabrics help keep down
from escaping from bedding. However, thread count in itself
does not guarantee downproofness. Shoppers should look
for product information that tells them the item can meet a
“downproof” claim.
BAFFLES are small interior walls of fabric
that are sewn between the top and bottom
layer of the outer fabric, forming enclosed
three-dimensional boxes. These chambers
keep down in place while allowing maximum
lofting for the fluffiest of looks.
FILL POWER indicates the loft or insulation
ability of down products in cubic inches per
ounce. The higher the number, the greater the
fill power. High fill power means a loftier and
more durable product.
THREAD COUNT is defined as the number
of threads per square inch of fabric. Two-ply
yarns are counted as one thread and may not
be used to double the thread count per the
American Society of Testing and Materials.
It is important to note that even within a
single thread count there can be many quality
levels—much of it depends on the weaving
and finishing techniques. A
CONSTRUCTION (STITCHING)
The best comforter stitching allows the down to loft the
most, providing maximum insulation, breathability and
durability. At the same time, the stitching should minimize
shifting. Baffles and sewn-through designs are best.
SIZE
Oversize comforters tend to drape better and accommodate
larger mattresses. (Queen = 90" x 98", King = 108" x 98".)
FOR INFORMATION ON CARING FOR DOWN, SEE PAGE 122.
