All About Down

The amount of fill power and loft determines the effectiveness and quality of the down. It is the size and quality of the down cluster, described by the "Fill Power" that is important when it comes to the loft and insulating properties of down.

Another important factor is HOW the down and feathers were harvested. If you have the stomach, please google "birds plucked alive" - that's when the down and feathers are pulled from the birds while they are still alive, the bird grows its down back and can be plucked therefore numerous times - which makes raw material and, down products cheaper.

RINGSTED DUN ACCEPTS UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES LIVE PLUCKING OF BIRDS.

The origin of each product's down is important to know. Goose down from Asia is very inconsistent in quality and is generally found in less expensive bedding. European and North American down is generally considered to be of superior quality, mostly due to the harvesting, sorting, quality standards and sanitizing procedures which are very highly regulated.

The Myth of Siberian Goose Down: down products marketed as "Siberian Goose Down" have become popular on the Internet and, even in some stores. To put it plainly, there is simply no such thing. Though it is a cold and snowy place, Siberia does not have a known down harvesting industry. And while there is in fact a bird named the Siberian Goose, it is an endangered rare species, which happens to have deep red breast feathers - not suitable for bedding products. Companies marketing "Premium Siberian Goose Down" are unscrupulous operators, and the origin and quality of their products are questionable.

celandic Eiderdown, as found in our high quality Engmo Dun Comforters:

 

Icelandic Eiderdown, as found in our high quality Engmo Dun Comforters:

 

Icelandic Eiderdown refers to the soft and luxurious inner plumage of the eider duck (Somateria mollissima) that is collected from the nests of these birds, specifically in Iceland. Eider ducks are native to many northern coastal areas, including Iceland, and are known for their unique nesting habits.

 

The benefits of Icelandic Eiderdown lie primarily in its exceptional quality and warmth, making it highly valued as a material for luxury bedding products such as duvets, comforters, and pillows. Some of its benefits include:

 

Exceptional Insulation: Eiderdown has an incredibly high insulation capacity, providing warmth without adding significant weight. It's known for its ability to regulate body temperature by trapping and retaining heat while allowing moisture to evaporate, ensuring a comfortable sleep experience.

 

Lightweight Comfort: The lightweight nature of eiderdown makes it a popular choice for bedding products, as it offers warmth without the bulk or heaviness often associated with traditional comforters or duvets.

 

Softness and Loftiness: Eiderdown is exceptionally soft and retains its loftiness over time, creating a cloud-like sensation when used in bedding. This contributes to a luxurious and cozy sleeping environment.

 

Natural and Sustainable: Collecting eiderdown is done in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Eider ducks pluck down from their own breasts to line their nests, and this down is carefully collected after the nesting season, allowing the ducks to continue this behavior in subsequent years.

 

Hypoallergenic Properties: Eiderdown is often considered hypoallergenic due to its cleanliness and the thorough cleaning processes it undergoes during production. This can be beneficial for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

 

Longevity: High-quality eiderdown products are durable and can last for many years with proper care. This longevity can make them a worthwhile investment.

 

Cultural and Artisanal Value: The collection of eiderdown has cultural significance in Iceland, as it has been a traditional practice for generations. It is often considered a unique and luxurious product due to its limited availability and the artisanal craftsmanship involved in its processing.

 

It's important to note that Icelandic Eiderdown is a premium and luxury product, and as such, it tends to come with a higher price tag compared to other bedding options. Its rarity and the labor-intensive process of collecting and processing the down contribute to its exclusivity. When considering purchasing eiderdown products, it's advisable to research reputable sources to ensure you are getting an authentic and high-quality product.

Class I natural filling: EN 12934
 
Did you know that feathers and down can be labelled in 3 classes under the EN 12934 standard?
Ringsted Dun only uses new down and feathers of the highest quality (class I). The other two classes are for inferior qualities. If there is no information on class, the product in question might be class III. Class III permits the use of more than 15% recycled down/feathers from used products that other people have slept in. Make sure you get a duvet or pillow labelled with class I, this is your assurance of a duvet or pillow filled with brand new down.
 
A down comforter can be made warmer in two ways:

- by increasing the quantity, or weight, of down.
- by using a higher quality of down with greater loft, or fill power

A down comforter filled with 60 ounces of 550 fill will be much heavier, yet not as warm, as a comforter filled with 40 ounces of higher quality 750 fill. Warmth without weight is the hallmark of a quality down comforter.

A 750 fill white goose down is approximately 15% fluffier and warmer than a 650 fill. Sometimes, you may notice dark spots through the fabric on your comforter or pillow. These are dark (gray) clusters of down and are present, to some degree, in even the highest quality white goose down. Goose down turns gray as the goose gets older (just like our hair). This is natural, and the fill is not inferior in any way. These dark clusters are usually only visible when compressed under the fine white fabric.

Down
Down consists of the soft undercoating of waterfowl. It is three-dimensional and is composed of individual fibers that are connected to one another at a central point. Down is what keeps waterfowl warm - even in Arctic conditions. Landfowl, such as chickens and turkeys, do not produce down. Down is the world's most efficient insulator; it provides lightweight warmth while wicking away moisture, resulting in a consistently comfortable sleep experience.

Feathers
Two dimensional in shape, feathers from ducks and geese provide lightweight support and are uniquely resilient. Feathers conform to an individual's sleeping needs.

Fill Power
Fill power is a good indicator of the insulating ability of down products. Fill power refers to the amount of volume - - or space - of one ounce of down, which is measured under laboratory conditions. The more volume taken up by one ounce of down, the higher the fill power will be, and the higher the fill power the more insulation the product will provide per one ounce. Down's exceptional value comes from its ability to provide lightweight warmth. As the fill power of down increases, it is possible (and often preferable) to use less weight in the product while achieving the same warmth provided by heavier, less comfortable, products.

Loft
Down products are often described as having "loft", which essentially refers to the fluffiness of the product. The three dimensional nature of the down itself is what gives it loft. When a down comforter or pillow becomes flattened with use, its loft can be easily restored with plumping or shaking.

Washing your down products:

All Ringsted Dun products are washable at medium heat in a standard washing machine. After washing, it is important to dry the quilt or pillow completely in a tumble drier and put two or three tennis balls in with it. The tennis balls ensure that clumps of down are disentangled and opened up during the drying process. We recommend washing your pillow once or twice a year and your quilt once a year when changing between summer and winter quilts. However, this will depend on your sleeping habits and the number of dogs in the bed!

Washing down products if you have allergies:

Follow the same procedure as described above, just more often if you want to make absolutely sure there are no house dust mites in your bed. The European Down and Feather Association (EDFA) recommends washing quilts four times a year and pillows 12 times a year.

Regular care:
It is important that you care for your quilt regularly if you want to enjoy the use of it for many years. When you get up in the morning, make sure the moisture absorbed during the night can escape. Fluff your quilt when you make your bed. This keeps it lofty, light and airy. Don't forget to fluff it from different sides to distribute the filling evenly. It is recommended to air quilt and pillow as often as possible, however always leave the covers on and never in direct sun. It is important never to vacuum or beat the quilt. Use a soft brush instead.

Pillows:
If you sleep on your side, a firm pillow is important for optimal support to your neck. If you sleep on your back or stomach, it is important to have a soft pillow with a high down content as it is easier for the pillow to "squeeze" to suit you. It also depends on whether you are male or female. A man sleeping on his side often requires a higher pillow than a woman sleeping on her side.