Costco Down Comforters: Warm, Quality Bedding Options

Before synthetic fibers were ever created, people used a wide variety of natural filling options for both their mattress and bedding covers. Many of those required regular changing for hygienic reasons, but certain choices withstood the test of time due to their superior insulating properties.

Down, the small, soft underlayment of larger feathers are what helps keep waterfowl warm and dry in even the harshest, wettest conditions. It is still a quality, luxury choice for many households to provide unparalleled warmth through the winter months and is a popular, long-lasting bedding choice.

Benefits of Down

Most down filling is a goose down, rather than duck, and occasionally may be mixed with a small percentage of feathers to provide added weight and loft. As mentioned above, down has been long sought after as a quality fill, and although today may carry a slightly higher price tag than a synthetic version- will most definitely last longer and rarely lose its comforting properties. 

Down is highly insulating due to a large number of air pockets created by these tiny feathers. This holds your body’s warmth against you without release, all without having to depend on a large amount of fill; a little goes a long way. 

Down is incredibly lightweight and soft, making it an ideal option for those who do not like heavy blankets. This also means it translates well into warmer weather, providing a light feel that insulates for cooling, as well as warmth. It also helps keep moisture from accumulating, allowing you to sleep much more comfortably. 

Down also keeps its loft year after year. This is a   fill that is technically machine washable and dryable and doesn’t go flat or bunch up even with heavy use. For even longer life, keep covered with a duvet and dry clean every 4 to 5 years. Many people keep their quality down products for a lifetime.

Down Fill-Power

The down fill-power of your comforter refers to the measurement of one ounce of down and the amount of space it it will occupy when it is allowed to reach its full loft. Higher lofts provide more air space, and thus more insulation power. 

This is not the same as actual ‘weight’ of the comforter and does not reference firmness either. The higher the fill power, the higher and more fluffy the loft, but this can refer to the quality of the down as well rather than the actual amount provided. Higher fill power or weight numbers equal a warmer sleep experience.

— Down Weight

The weight of your down comforter reflects the added fill provided for light, medium, or heavyweight options for thickness and actual blanket weight. Lightweight options may work well in summer, but require an additional blanket in winter.

Down vs Synthetic Fibers

Some people worry about the sustainability of down since it is a natural product taken from live animals bred for the purpose of providing down. Still, others are worried about allergens due to an animal-based product. Down does undergo very vigorous cleaning processes prior to use, plus its airy nature does not make it very habitable to dust mites or the accumulation of allergy-causing pollens and such. But these are still concerns worth recognizing, which has led the sleep industry to create down alternative fillings from micro-poly fibers, which feel very much like the real thing and provide similar sleep experiences.

Even though these down alternative synthetics are of decent quality and initially provide the same comfort, over time they will not last. Polyester fills begin to deteriorate over time- cheaper versions faster than more expensive ones, but it will happen eventually. The fibers will also begin to clump together – especially the more you wash them- making them lose their light, airy feel as well as their insulating properties. 

Synthetic fibers do not wick moisture as easily as natural materials, which can lead to an environment that can harbor mildews and bacteria. This same issue can create a warmer sleeping environment, which can be problematic for hot sleepers who depending on their covers being breathable- especially in warmer weather. 

What is Costco?

It used to be that you could only purchase down and down and feather products from specialized retailers with brick and mortar storefronts. With the rise of the internet and online shopping, the sleep industry was able to take advantage of providing startups that allowed for the direct warehouse to front porch shipping, and consequently marketing a wide variety of choices at reduced costs to consumers. 

Down once again took off as a sought after product as it became more available to the general public. Costco, a warehouse-style shopping experience, offers not only a store within which to shop, but also an extensive online shopping experience to its members.  

First opened in 1976, this company has been providing brand name discounts for decades and offers various personal and business memberships for both home use as well as resale. Everything from foodstuffs to clothing and home decor, Costco believes in passing saving down to their customers.

What to Look for When Purchasing Down Comforters

Down comforters are not a one size fits all creation. There are lightweight, heavyweight, fill blends, and various choices of coverings to choose from to fit your specific needs. You’ll want to consider a few details pertaining to your purchase, as well as your own personal needs and preferences. 

• Do you sleep hot?

Down is insulating for both cold and hot, but if you are already a hot sleeper, it may be a bit much to hold your body heat in. Down many have excellent breathability, but it is also designed for temperature control. Luckily it comes in various weights that lend themselves to less insulation overall compared to more heavily stuffed options.

• Why are you considering a down comforter?

Think about the reasons why you are thinking about a down comforter. Are you interested in the quality of the bedding for longevity? Or are you looking purley for a warmer sleep experience? Both are excellent reasons, but can help steer you in the direction of exactly what you need for warmth and use.

• Are your winter’s cold?

Do you live where winter is especially brutal? If so, using the proper down weight either on it’s own or with a light quit for added insulation can help cut back on how many blankets you tend to pile on the bed. They are very efficient in keeping you warm, leading to less laundry later on.

• What’s a baffle?

Many quality comforters will be baffled, meaning long channels or boxes are sewn into the comforter to keep your down from bunching up into one area. Although down nicely redistributes, baffles are an excellent touch to keep you insulation spread evenly. It also helps your bedding dry faster after washing.

• Why is thread count important?

No matter how expensive your choice is, the small pointed ends of down will occasionally poke through your covering material- especially along the seams of baffles and ends. A higher thread count and double sewn seams can help keep this to a minimum.

• Do you need a duvet?

Duvets are like ‘pillowcases’ for your comforter. They are used for decorative, as well as protective, purposes. These aren’t needed, but do provide an extra layer of insulation, as well as protection; you can take the duvet off to wash rather than wash the whole comforter.

Top Costco Down Comforter Reviews

Conclusion

A down comforter no longer needs to be an item reserved for the only luxury. These choices highlight top quality products available for consumer use at a discounted price. Premium sourced down and feathers, high quality, thick cotton weaves, and easy to care for designs equal a product you should take a closer look at. Choose your comforter based on your own insulating needs and comfort preference. 

If you love your down comforter, we’d love to hear the reasons below! Especially if you have any of our featured choices.