How to Choose Between Down and Down Alternative Bedding

It's never a bad time to replace your bedding, especially if you can tell that it's getting worn and isn't as comfortable as it once was. If you're in the market for a few new essentials, like comforters and pillows, one of the biggest choices you'll have to make is choosing between down and down alternative filling.

"In the past, down was always thought of as the most premium sleep experience and hotel look," says Jennifer Adams, a bedding expert and former interior designer. "However, down alternative has come a very long way. It now mimics the same lofty hotel look and feel without the allergens that can come along with a down product."

To help you make the best choice for your household bedding, we asked laundry and textile experts to break down the difference between down and down alternative bedding.

What Is Down Bedding?

Down bedding typically features a cotton exterior that's filled with light and fluffy down feathers, says Patric Richardson of The Laundry Evangelist. These are the soft feathers found underneath a bird's visible feathers, and it offers an incredible amount of warmth, insulation, and cloud-like softness. There's duck down, goose down, and even swan down.

"This cotton ball-like material is found on the bird's chest, and shouldn't be confused with the quilled feathers used to make feather pillows and comforters," Richardson says.

What Is Down Alternative Bedding?

Down alternative bedding has a similar look and feel to down, but instead of actual bird down, it's constructed from human-made fibers. These are also usually placed within a soft, cotton covering. The material is typically cotton or polyester.

Down vs. Down Alternative

In terms of appearance and physical touch, down and down alternative bedding are very, very similar. But there are still some differences between the two, such as cost, warmth, and maintenance.

Cost

Down alternative bedding is typically offered at a lower price point compared to authentic down. Authentic down bedding is considered a luxury splurge.

Warmth and Breathability

Real down bedding locks in warmth very well, but is usually more breathable compared to alternative down. This makes it superior if you tend to run cold or live in a cold climate. However, down alternatives may provide an "all year round sleep layer," since it doesn't keep you as warm, says Adams.

Allergies

If you're sensitive to allergies, natural down may not be the best choice for you, says Diana Dobin, co-CEO of Valley Forge Fabrics. One perk of down alternative is that it can be manufactured with hypoallergenic materials.

"Natural down can potentially trigger allergies or worsen symptoms for individuals with sinusitis and asthma. This is because goose down can harbor dust mites, feathers, or other allergens that can become airborne and irritate the respiratory system when disturbed," Dobin says. "However, not everyone with allergies and asthma will have a negative reaction to goose down, and the severity of the reaction can vary from person to person."

Durability and Maintenance

Both have similar durability levels and will last about the same length of time. However, down alternatives may technically be easier to care for.

"Generally speaking, down alternative bedding can be tossed into the washing machine and dryer with ease and on a regular basis, but always read the care and use labels first," Adams says.

She adds that down bedding tends to omit a slight odor from washing. For this reason, most users prefer to have their down bedding professionally dry cleaned. "That being said, dry cleaning never really gets the fill clean and it can get expensive," Adams says.

Feel

Richardson says that the filling in down and down alternative pillows may feel different. Since down is lighter, down pillows are often more plush, while the filling in a down alternative isn't as pliable. However, both are available in pillows of various firmness designed for different sleeping positions.

How to Choose the Right Bedding for You

At the end of the day—quite literally—sleep is a very private matter and unique personal experience. Finding the right bedding is key to a more comfortable, better quality sleep.

"Understanding the different fiber options, and what they each offer, is important in making the right personal purchase decision," says Dobin. "It's a good idea to try different options and select the one that provides you with the most comfort and support for a good night's sleep."