Down and Feather Products
Natural fill products are breathable, durable, resilient, and provide excellent insulation without a lot of weight. Down and feathers trap air while allowing moisture to escape, allowing products such as comforters to adjust to the amount of heat released by the body. Because they allow air to circulate and offer a wide comfort range, down and feather comforters can be enjoyed winter and summer.
Down and feather fill is also ideal for pillows because it can provide a range of support options, from soft to firm, while adjusting to body movements. The pillow molds itself to the sleeper’s head and neck cradling them in comfort and support.
Natural fill bedding is resilient and lasts for years. Products containing down are usually machine washable, although it is recommended that consumers read the affixed care labels. A down and feather bedding product is an investment that pays off in longevity, comfort and ease of care.
Areas of Compliance
Labeling Requirements
Look for the Seal of Approval
Areas of Compliance
Down: |
The soft undercoating of waterfowl, which is comprised of individual down fibers that are connected to one another at a central point. |
Nestling Down: |
Underdeveloped down made up of soft fluffy barbs radiating from a sheath. Nestling down does not have quills. |
Plumule: |
Plumage consisting of soft quills and barbs. |
Down Cluster: |
A group of components including down, nestling down and plumules. |
Species Identification: |
Feathers are tested to determine bird species. |
Fill Power: |
Measures loft or insulation ability of down products in cubic inches per ounce. The higher the number, the more fill power there is. |
Oxygen Number: |
Indicates product cleanliness. Down and feathers are soaked and agitated in a solution of pure water, which is then measured for organic material. The lower the number the better, the cleanest samples measure 1.6-3.2, the highest number allowed is 10. |
Turbidity: |
Helps determine if dust or dirt (organic and inorganic) is present in the down and feather. A sample of down or feathers is soaked and agitated in pure water, the water is then measured for clarity. U.S. and European standards require a result of at least 300 mm. Very clean samples register at 550 mm or higher. |
Filling Weight: |
The net filling weight of the down and feathers is determined. |
Thread Count: |
Number of threads per square inch of fabric are measured at least five times, the results are averaged together. Two-ply yarns are counted as one thread and may not be used to double thread count. Generally, the higher the thread count is, the more downproof the fabric. |
Labeling Requirements
Down Products: A product that is labeled “Down” is required to contain a minimum of 75% down cluster. The percentage of down must be listed on the label.
Down and Feather Blend Products: In products that contain both down and feathers the minimum down content must be listed. There is no tolerance allowed, products labeled “50% Down/50% Feathers” must contain a minimum of 50% down cluster. There is no down fiber allowance.
Feather Products: Products may be labeled “Waterfowl Feathers” if the product is at least 80% goose or duck feather.
Species: Products may be labeled by species only if 90% or more of the plumage is of that species.
Hypoallergenic Claims: The industry standard for hypoallergenic claims is an oxygen number of 4.8 or less and a turbidity level of 500mm or higher.
Look for the Seal of Approval
The ADFC's Seal of Approval signifies that the manufacturer is a member of the ADFC and participates in its Labeling Compliance Program.