How can I select top-quality down-and-feather-filled duvets?

Here is one point to remember: Pay attention to the labelled facts and the various brand names.

 

The labelled facts are very helpful, especially as regards the filling which is usually invisible to the eye. The label provides information on colour and origin of the down and feathers, indicates whether the down and feathers are new or have previously been used, the fowl species (goose or duck) and finally also the mixing ratio of down and feathers. The filling composition is a crucial factor, since compared to feathers, down provide a higher degree of thermal insulation with very little weight. Moreover, down are ten times more expensive than feathers. Hence, the down percentage of a duvet is one of the most important criteria to evaluate it. Usually, duvets containing a large percentage of down are more valuable and more expensive than duvets with a lower down percentage (that is a large percentage of feathers).
 

In December 1999, the new European standard DIN EN 12934 came into effect for labelling of duvets and pillows filled with down and feathers which has replaced the labelling system in accordance with RAL (in Germany) (half down, three-quarters down). The standard provides information on the most crucial properties of a filling:

 

Moreover, the filling material is categorised in quality classes. Class I stands for top quality filling material. The quality classes range from class I to class VII.

In this regard, class I signifies new waterfowl fillings with at least 95% of new goose or duck feathers and - down. The term New fillings class I corresponds to the term original merchandise specified in the previous RAL-labelling system.

 

Fillings categorised as class II or III also consist of waterfowl down and feathers, though they contain – depending on the class – different percentages of other elements. Starting from class IV the fillings may also contain landfowl feathers (chicken or turkey do not possess any down) with considerably less insulating properties.

 

Colour (e. g. white) and provenance (e. g. Poland or Hungary) are optional declarations. However, usually these indications are labelled.

 

The TRAUMPASS trademark stands for new fillings belonging to class I.

 

Moreover, the Daunasan^® / Downafresh^® brand signifies that the filling material has been processed in accordance with hygienic standards. The NOMITE brand indicates that the bedding product is suitable for persons suffering from allergy to house-dust-mites.

Finally, the KIS^® Komfort Information System helps you to choose your ideal duvet providing information about the thermal comfort and the duvet comfort of down-filled duvets.
 

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