USEFUL TIPS
What Is Down Alternative?
5 min read
5 min read
When choosing a duvet or comforter, there are many things to consider, but the main question that comes up is about what’s inside your comforter. There is a range of materials available, and not all fillers are created equal.
Since there’s nothing more disappointing than cuddling up under the duvet of your dreams only to have it totally flatten out and become a nightmare two nights later, it’s important to do your research upfront. So let’s talk about down alternative and what the pros and cons of it are when it comes to selecting your new duvet!
Why Is It So Important To Be Choosy About Your Bedding?
First and foremost, let’s talk about why being informed about the materials you’re using in putting together your sleeping situation is so important. Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t just a recommendation — it’s an actual need for both your physical and mental health.
Poor sleep hygiene (your sleep practices) can have a big impact on every part of your life. Better sleep is linked to increased cognitive abilities related to learning and memory and decreases the risk of serious emotional or mental health issues. It’s also important for your physical well-being, which relies on several hours of uninterrupted shut-eye to stay healthy.
Your bedding can have a significant impact on the quality of your sleep. This isn’t just because scratchy sheets or too-flat pillows are uncomfortable and can make it difficult for you to drift off. It’s also because temperature can have a huge effect on how well you sleep and your circadian rhythm overall.
For instance, if you wake up in a puddle of sweat every night, you’ll want to prioritize bedding that keeps you cool. Here is where materials matter — options like the Miracle Sheet Set, made from super-breathable cotton and infused with antibacterial silver, are thermo-regulating.
Silver-infused thermo-regulating sheets not only keep you cooler but also mean you don’t have to worry if you miss a wash day. You’ll sweat less and do laundry three times less — a win/win.
Likewise, choosing the right comforter can have a major impact on your sleep quality.
What’s the Deal With Down Comforters?
Down is one of the most common fillers for comforters, so you may be wondering why you would need an alternative.
To answer that, let’s first talk about what down is. Down is made from feathers that come from the undercoats of birds like geese, ducks, or even swans. Often, products will specify where their feathers come from if you have a particular preference or aversion.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with down, per se. It’s a classic filling for many things ranging from comforters to pillows to winter coats for a reason.
There are two major cons:
- The first is expense: Down products tend to be on the pricier end of the spectrum.
- The second is that down can be difficult to clean, so if it’s used in something like your comforter, you might be more comfortable with something that can be washed more reliably.
But in addition to these drawbacks, there are three questions you should ask yourself before committing to a down comforter or another down product.
1. Do You Have Allergies?
If you’re specifically allergic to birds, you probably already know that down isn’t for you; the feathers will trigger your allergies. Even if you’re unaware of a specific allergy that might make you sensitive to down, it’s worth testing out exposure to down first or steering clear of down if you’re prone to allergies in general.
Actual feather allergies are pretty rare in the grand scheme of things, but it’s a good idea to play it safe when it comes to something that’s going to be in close contact with you every night.
2. Do You Sleep Hot?
Although you might associate down with extreme warmth, in reality, down is lightweight and fluffy, making it helpful when it comes to regulating your body temperature.
If you find yourself waking up hot more nights than not, down might actually be a good option for you because it can help keep you cool while you sleep.
3. Where Does Your Down Come From?
As with all animal products, it’s worth being mindful of where your products come from to ensure they’re not derived from cruelty or mistreatment. Companies will likely be transparent if they use ethically sourced down because it’ll be a point of pride!
If it’s not clear where the down is coming from or the producer doesn’t make clear that the down is ethically sourced, you might want to seek out another product or… a down alternative.
What Is Down Alternative?
Down alternatives are exactly what they sound like — fillers that are alternatives to traditional down.
You might seek out an alternative if you have allergies or if you’re looking for a specific temperature when you sleep. Or if you’re concerned about the treatment of animals in the production of down — or just because you think there might be something better out there. Or maybe all three!
Often, down alternative is made from synthetic polyester material that emulates the fullness and texture of actual down. Down alternative is hypoallergenic and typically much easier to clean than traditional down. Many down alternative comforters are machine washable!
Our down alternative Miracle Made Comforter is the perfect option if you’re looking for a comforter that ticks all the boxes with none of the drawbacks that come from traditional down. It’s full of fluff but won’t leave you sweating and uncomfortable. The Miracle Made Comforter helps you stay cool all night. And like most of our bedding, it’s infused with antimicrobial silver.
Antimicrobial silver means that it helps prevent up to 99.9% of bacterial growth. While you should, of course, be cleaning your comforter on occasion, knowing that it’s not going to become a hotbed of microbial activity in between washes means you can rest easier knowing your bedding will smell, feel, and actually be cleaner. It’s also made with ultra-luxurious, 500-thread Count Supima cotton, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort and luxury for cleaner, fluffier sheets.
If you’re unsure about switching to a down alternative, you can try out our Miracle Made Comforter for 30 nights, risk-free. While there are benefits to down, and it’s a classic for a reason, once you cuddle up underneath our ultra-fluffy, temperature-regulating comforter, you’ll definitely be down with down alternatives.
In Conclusion
Getting quality sleep is so important for your overall well-being, but it can be elusive. If you struggle to get a comfortable, full night of sleep or find yourself waking up because you’re too hot or too cold during the night, the problem may not be you — it may be your bedding.
So next time you choose bedding, think carefully about the materials that go into it! While a down comforter may be the traditional choice, tradition isn’t always best. Down alternative is a great option for a comforter filling that can help you regulate your body temperature so you can get your best, most restful sleep yet.
Sources:
Effects of Thermal Environment on Sleep and Circadian Rhythm | National Library of Medicine
Mental Health and Sleep | Sleep Foundation
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) | Textile Exchange
