Down Duvet vs Down Alternative

Down duvet vs a down alternative duvet.

The key difference between a down duvet and a down alternative duvet lies in the filling material, or what is inside the duvet. 

A down duvet is filled with down, the natural soft undercoating found on geese or ducks. A single unit of down is called a cluster. Down is known for its incredible insulating capabilities. It is incredibly soft, resilient, long-lasting, and a natural product. Since down duvets are a natural product, they offer fantastic breathability. Down is prized for its high warmth-to-weight ratio. 

One misconception about down is that it is hot. However, down is an insulator. If your experience is that you are hot when sleeping with a down duvet, then your down duvet’s comfort level is not suited to you. You would need a duvet that offers less insulation. Typically, that would mean using a lighter weight down duvet if all else remains equal. 

A down alternative duvet is normally filled with a synthetic material like polyester. There are various types and qualities of polyester. The best quality of polyester used in down alternative duvets is referred to as MicroGel. It is a slick polyester that is loose and, when processed to its fullest, is designed to mimic and behave like down. The majority of polyester produced is a petroleum-based product. At www.isleptsowell.com, we use a polyester that is made from recycled plastic bottles. 

To achieve the same level of warmth as a down duvet, a down alternative duvet will need to be filled with about twice as much polyester fill. Down alternative duvets are heavier than down duvets. 

Down duvets will last longer than a down alternative duvet and have a much smaller carbon foot print.