How is down-alternative different from down material?

Question

I am considering getting down alternative because its cheaper. How different does it feel from down?

Answer 1

Here's a link that should give you all the answers you're looking for:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Buying-Down-Alternative-Comforters&id=64127

Answer 2

Well, the way a comforter or any poofy item (like a winter parka or a sleeping bag, or insulation for your house, for example) works is to create thousands of air pockets to trap heat and hold it inside itself. In the case of clothing and bedding it is body heat. If you compress it during use you lose the air pockets and there is nowhere for the heat to go except beyond the insulator, into the surrounding air, doing you no good. So these items should be the top layer of any bedding or clothing ensemble (unless you are talking about a coat or a sleeping bag that isn't waterproof, in which case you need a moisture barrier on top of it.) But you don't want to compromise the loft (poofiness) of the material inside. These materials are called insulators, and they all work in a similar way, hoarding the heat that passes through them.

Down is "bird fur", a natural material consisting of feathers and the undergrowth of feathers on birds like ducks and geese that are known for their ability to survive cold climates.

The reason they are so popular is that they are authentic and natural fibers, similar to the appeal of silk, wool, and cotton. The alternatives are synthetic fibers made to mimic the properties of whatever fabric. Polyester can be woven into a fabric that mimics any natural fiber, including down, to give you the benefits of that fiber without the allergies, the high maintenance care, and the cost of using natural materials. Down is gathered at the expense of animals which ruffles the feathers (hahaha...I couldn't resist) of the animal rights people.

Inside a synthetic down comforter, you won't find fibers that necessarily look like feathers. But they are spun into a cotton candyish fiber which, like feathers, holds heat due to all the air pockets. (Have you ever seen quilt batting? Synthetic down is fluffier but similar) So they do a fine job.

Synthetics don't require dry cleaning as recommended by mfrs of down products. They help allergy sufferers because dust mites aren't attracted to synthetics and most people aren't allergic to polyester. Allergies do occur if you don't launder your synthetic items, though, because skin cells get in the fabric and feed dust mites. And some people are allergic to polyesters and other petroleum based items.

In outdoor applications, synthetic is a good choice because it stays warm when it gets wet...a big plus when you are camping in winter, wind or rain, or mountains.

Synthetics don't cost as much as down because it is basically plastic fabric. These synthetics are getting more and more like the real thing everyday and you will pay for the quality item you get. For the amount of warmth, you will also pay less for any synthetic vs the down version of that item. But there are also different grades of down. So if you wanted to, you could actually buy a synthetic product that is higher quality than down.

All in all, unless you just want the real deal, I would say synthetics are a fine way to go, they are easier to buy, easier to find, and easier to care for. But I see both sides of it, I have a few down pieces on my bed too. I have a blanket and pillow on my bed, and a throw blanket for my living room, all made of down. I LOVE THEM.