6 Things to Look For When Buying Your Next Down Product

Truly exceptional down bedding, may it be a duvet, pillow, mattress topper, or even a cushion, is more than bedding—it is an investment. When chosen well, a quality down product can outperform for decades.

Understanding what to look for is essential. Below are six expert criteria to help you confidently choose a down product that delivers enduring comfort, craftsmanship and most importantly, restorative sleep.

1. Quality Certifications: Verifying Authentic Down Products

Not all down products are created—or labelled—equally. Government labelling rules exist, but enforcement varies—independent certification adds real assurance of quality and authenticity.

Look for globally recognized certifications such as:

• Downmark® (Down Association of Canada) (Canada) – Verifies genuine down content, ethical sourcing and quality compliance.

• Responsible Down Standard (RDS) (USA) – Ensures ethical sourcing and animal welfare.

• Downpass (Europe) – Confirms traceability and responsible production.

• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 (Global) – Verifies materials safety and absence of harmful substances.

These certifications signal transparency, responsible sourcing, and adherence to rigorous quality standards—hallmarks of luxury bedding.

2. Loft (Fill Power): The True Measure of Quality

Fill power, often called loft, measures how many cubic inches one ounce of down occupies. It is the most reliable indicator of insulation performance, durability, and overall luxury.

Higher fill power means:

• Larger, more resilient down clusters

• Greater warmth with less weight

• Longer-lasting loft and structure

Fill Power Guide

Recommendation: For a high-quality down duvet, look for a minimum fill power of 700+. Extraordinary down begins here.

Important: Fill power indicates quality, not warmth alone. Warmth or support also depends on fill weight (the total grams or ounces of down inside the product).

3. Cleanliness & Hypoallergenic Processing

Premium down is meticulously washed, sterilized, and purified to remove dust, pollen, and residual impurities. Proper processing significantly reduces potential allergens and improves longevity.

Indicators of superior cleanliness include:

• Advanced sterilization processes

• Turbidity testing (measured in millimeters)

• Certified cleanliness standards such as Zurguard® hypoallergenic certification

When down is thoroughly purified, it performs better, lasts longer, and provides a more refined sleep experience.

4. Fabric & Construction: The Foundation of Performance

The most important factor in a duvet’s fabric is not thread count, but how tightly and evenly it is woven. A high-quality shell is precisely engineered to be down-proof—keeping down inside —while remaining soft, breathable, and lightweight.

Instead of focusing solely on thread count, look for:

• Down-proof performance assurance

• High-quality long-staple fibers

• A soft, lightweight hand feel

• Consistent weave with no stiffness or plastic-like texture

Construction Matters: Baffle Box vs. Sewn-Through

For an exceptional down duvet, baffle-box construction is strongly preferred. It allows the down to fully loft while maintaining consistent insulation throughout.

Look for little details like reinforced edges, corner loops, and precise stitching — the quiet markers of superior craftsmanship.

5. Fabrics: It Should Feel Exceptional

Even with strong specifications, the tactile experience matters. A truly superior down product should be a delight — an experience that makes slipping into bed feel quite luxurious.

A high-quality down product should feel:

• Light yet insulating

• Soft and cloud-like

• Warm without heaviness

• Resilient—gently springing back when compressed

Gently scrunch or compress the duvet or pillow. Premium down should recover quickly and evenly, inviting you in rather than collapsing flat. There should be no crunchy or prickly sensation, which often indicates excessive feather content rather than true down clusters.

6. Long-Term Care & Machine Washability

Always use high-quality covers and protectors to safeguard your investment and reduce cleaning frequency.

While not mandatory, machine washability offers convenience—especially in households with children or pets.

Important considerations:

• Check manufacturer care instructions.

• Use a high-capacity washer and dryer if cleaning at home.

• Professional laundering is often recommended for larger duvets to ensure thorough drying.

Wash your down products at home, following Jo-Anne's recommendations in these two videos.

HOW TO WASH A DOWN PILLOW

HOW TO WASH A DOWN DUVET

Final Thoughts

Choosing a high-quality down duvet is not about marketing claims—it is about measurable standards: certification, fill power, cleanliness, fabric integrity, and construction precision.

When these factors are carefully considered, you are not simply purchasing bedding—you are investing in lasting comfort, thoughtful craftsmanship, and the restorative sleep you deserve.

Download this simple checklist for your next duvet shopping trip.