Goose Down Comforter vs Wool Blanket

Goose Down Comforter vs Wool Blanket

Goose or Sheep? Both are popular in bedding products. Both will keep you warm on a cold night.

Comforters are quite lovely on the bed, but a wool blanket will keep your body temperature even. It is a complicated process to figure out which type will serve you better. Let’s tear it apart.

Down comforters are great insulators, notorious for the big marshmallow fluff which gently cascades in waves across your bed. A wool blanket conjures up the army olive green scratchy blanket of yesteryear. Yet, in defense of even the most drab wool blanket, a duvet cover would open up options to itchy natures of wool.

Wool manages moisture differently. Humans can lose up to one liter of perspiration every night during sleep. If a comforter or blanket doesn’t effectively deal with this, the moisture will soak into your bedding products leaving a perfect breeding ground for dust mites. Eczema and other allergies are triggered by this. Wool will wick moisture away from your body and regulate the micro climate through fibers, evaporating the moisture to leave your blanket drier. Wool is known to draw up to 30 percent of its own weight in moisture.

Many will claim wool is superior to down due to its low allergenic properties, but recent studies have proven down is not necessarily the cause of allergy triggers and down is also privileged to strict treatment washes for the reasons of allergies.

Wool is purported to be longer-lasting and indestructible with a bend of 20,000 before breaking (cotton being only 2,000) a down comforter will stand the test of time right next to the wool blanket.

Down comforters provide many equal qualities as wool. Being a natural fire retardant is not one of them. However, a down comforter is a better choice in comparison to any synthetic comforter which is chemically altered into a toxic cocktail.

Some will say you have to watch the filling in down comforters due to the down filling ratio, and the feather quills poking through. This is simply not true. Plumage, which is a soft, small feather, is found underneath those pokey quills on a goose or duck. This is what makes down in any product so luxurious and inviting.

Both wool and down are sustainable, renewable, and organic products. Both are going to have a stronger resistance to environmental challenges like dust mites. However, down cannot handle being wet for two long without the possibility of mold spores. Both are far superior to synthetic comforters which encourage bacteria conditions.

What keeps you warm, though, is the loft inside. Wool is very dense, so to get that much loft will take a lot of wool, which is heavy, and may not be as comfortable in those temps. It requires at least 14 pounds of heavy wool blankets to equal the warmth of a good down comforter. The down comforter will keep you free from drafts then the restrictive weight of several layers of wool blankets.

 

Many people believe wool does not need washing. You air blankets, don't wash them or if you do, certainly no more than once a year. Wool is supposed to repeal odors as well. Down comforters carry the same capability. In actuality, both can be washed and dried. It is not recommended to air-dry any down products due to the amount of time it takes for down to completely dry. Wool is a preferred air-dry item. They both have similar washing instructions.

The reason wool people believe it doesn’t need washing is because wool as a fiber has shiny outsides which repeals dirt, unlike cotton which attracts it. Washing it may result in a small, thick uneven floor rug instead of a warm blanket. This is the nature of wool.

Down comforters are going to provide a lifetime of comfort, efficiency, and a continuous cozy look. They allow for complete freedom of movement in bed unlike wool blankets. They are designed to follow the contours of a human body. Wool blankets need to be clutched or tucked in to guard against winter chills. Down comforters are always going to supply an ample amount of equal heat.

A down comforter completely covers the bed and leaves bed-making so simple in one shake. A light "fluffing" is all that is required. Unless you plan on using a duvet cover for a wool blanket, a duvet cover can be a down comforters best friend in decorating, allowing you to change your room design at any time.

The luxury of a down comforter and the amazing warmth of down are incomparable to the most expensive wool blanket. There is something to be said about walking into your bedroom to see an exploding marshmallow on your bed. It doesn’t get any better than this.

If you’re a fan on natural comforters and blankets, you’ve certainly wondered whether to buy a down comforter or a wool blanket. Both of these products have excellent insulating qualities but there are also some differences.

The best natural comforter should be chosen in accordance with room temperature, your heat/cold tolerance, the thickness of filling that you find most comfortable and the available budget. The following comparison between wool and goose down will give you a better idea about the to.

Wool Blanket

A Brief Overview of Wool

Wool is a wonderful insulating material that can also wick moisture away from the body. It’s very breathable and lightweight. It’s interesting to point out that the fabric can “store” heat and then release it throughout the night.

Because of this characteristic, people that use wool blankets will never feel too hot. The effect can be described as an “automatic thermoregulator.”

Wool is a versatile material. It can be used for the creation of both thinner and thicker blankets. While the first variety is ideal for spring, the second one is mostly suitable for use during the winter and in colder climates.

A Few Words about Goose Down

Goose down is a naturally fluffier material. As a result, it can be used to make thicker and cozier comforters. Some of the goose down comforters are very big, enveloping the body entirely and being incredibly comfortable to sleep in.

The main difference between wool and goose down is that the second material releases the stored heat at a slower rate. This means that the warmth can build up. If a big goose down comforter is used in a relatively mild climate, a person may wake up feeling too hot in the middle of the night.

Such a characteristic, however, turns goose down in the perfect insulating filling for people that have to cope with harsh winters and colder houses. Goose down comforters can be used in extreme conditions and they’ll keep the body warm.

Several Additional Differences

People who are allergy sufferers probably haven’t had their big question answered yet.

Both wool and feathers aren’t considered allergens. Though there’s a common misconception about goose down being an allergen, the problem stems from something else. Down can trap dust mites, dander and pollen. These are popular allergens that can contribute to an allergic episode or the worsening of existing symptoms.

Wool blankets don’t pose the same problem. A higher thread count makes them dense and keeps the dust out.

The problem with goose down comforters can easily be solved through the selection of a product that has a hypoallergenic exterior. There, question answered!

The next consideration focuses on the weight of the material. Wool is denser and as a result, it will be heavier than a comforter having down filling. The fluffy goose feathers are lightweight and air gets trapped between them. This is how they produce superior insulation without being as heavy as wool.

Wool blankets also tend to be stiffer to the touch than the softer and fluffier goose down comforters.

Finally, let’s talk about maintenance. Goose down requires special care. Some comforters can be washed in the machine but the gentle cycle is to be used. A larger washing machine will also be required. The comforter should be taken out before the beginning of the spin cycle to prevent the clumping of the filling. Wool can be machine washed but there’s a catch. High heat will cause the material to shrink, so be mindful when choosing the water temperature.

Choosing Your Duvet or Comforter

The choice can be difficult because both wool and goose down are quality materials. Most people have at least one wool blanket and a down comforter in their home. Choosing the right product is about climate and personal considerations.

A thick and fluffy down comforter is perfect for harsh climates. It’s also the option of preference for people that want a softer and airier blanket.

If you live in a warmer place, you should opt for a wool blanket because of the thermoregulation properties. A thinner down comforter may also be a good pick. The selection of the right blanket will depend on your heat tolerance and just how warm you like to be during the night.