Swan Down Blankets

Long gone are the days when blankets made from natural swan down were popular. In the modern world, more and more people stand up to protect living creatures. It is not possible to collect the required amount of material from a live bird to fill the blanket. Many individuals died due to their plumage. Because the fluff collected during the natural molt of a bird is not enough to fill even a pillow, especially a blanket.

The swans were listed in the Red Book, and humane producers took into account all the valuable qualities of natural fluff and created its artificial analogue, not only in no way inferior in quality characteristics, but also in many respects superior to it. Artificial swan down is a specially treated polyester microfiber. Each artificially created microfiber is ten times thinner than a human hair. Special processing with a thin layer of siliconized material prevents it from clumping. The material is very elastic, soft and lightweight.

In many ways, artificial fluff is similar to natural raw materials, but it has its own advantages and disadvantages. They are especially relevant when it comes to bedding. Swan fluff substitute is valued for a number of obvious advantages:

• hypoallergenic;
• antibacterial properties due to the composition of polyester, which is unfavorable in its environment for the life of mold, fungus and dust mites;
• ease;
• elasticity due to the spiral shape of the fibers;
• ease of care - the admissibility of washing in a washing machine and the absence of special requirements for storage and use;
• lack of odors and the ability not to absorb them into yourself;
• fibers do not break through the fabric of the cover;
• high quality at an affordable cost.

Blankets made from a modern substitute for swan down have disadvantages, like any other materials. Users note that such products:

• have a very low hygroscopicity, which is a pronounced disadvantage with increased sweating. Although, thanks to this quality, the product dries quickly after washing;
• accumulate static electricity.

The advantages of artificial filler are undoubtedly much greater, therefore the number of its admirers is large.

Blankets with artificial swan down are all-season and winter. They differ in density and degree of warming. Responsible manufacturers always indicate the degree of warmth of the blanket with dots or lines on the packaging:

• All-season. They are chosen by those who do not like to sleep when it is too hot. Blankets of this type are less dense and voluminous than winter options. They are lighter and provide comfort while sleeping without overheating or sweating. This is very important for those who are prone to excessive sweating and sleep in a sufficiently heated room. Swan fluff does not absorb moisture well, so it is undesirable to sweat under it.
• Winter. A fluffy and perfectly warming blanket of this type will demonstrate and confirm its purpose in an unheated room and in the off-season. The filler does not crumble, since the movement of the sliding fibers is independent of each other. Such a product does not lose its shape even with prolonged use.

How the blanket will serve in everyday life is determined not only by its type and purpose, but also by the quality of the “filling” and “wrapper” of the bedding. Modern synthetics are in no way inferior to natural materials, and in many respects even surpasses them. Artificially created down is better than natural down according to several criteria:

• strength;
• ease;
• crease resistance;
• durability;
• antibacterial;
• hypoallergenic;
• thermoregulation;
• heat exchange;
• allows air to pass through, eliminating the greenhouse effect.

It is soft and pleasant to the touch. It does not lose its shape even after being in use for more than five years. After washing in an automatic machine, it does not lose its original appearance and dries quickly without leaving streaks on the cover. Such fluff can be packed in different fabrics.

The cover should be chosen from a fabric that will not only keep the filler in the blanket, but will also be comfortable to use in bed. It is preferable if the fabric of the cover is "fluffy" and has a natural composition. This ensures that the blanket has micro air circulation and hygroscopicity. Here are some of the most popular fabrics among quilt makers and quality enthusiasts:

• Poplin. This fabric has some similarities with calico, but it is softer and smoother. Blankets with a poplin cover look beautiful and sophisticated. Poplin is suitable for all season quilts. Differs in richness of colors and colors. It is in demand among buyers and is widely used by manufacturers of bedding.
• Atlas. The smooth satin fabric is a chic casing for any down comforter and more. But it is more often used specifically for synthetic down fillers. Because they do not wrinkle and lie flat under the satin fabric. Do not let the filler "out". Slippery fabric is pleasant to the body by itself, so such items do not need duvet covers.
• Microfiber. Fabric that is soft and delicate to the touch is best for winter-looking blankets. She has increased thermoregulation and hygroscopicity. It does not cause allergies, so it can be used by everyone, without exception. You can wrap your head in such a blanket and enjoy the warmth and velvet structure of the fabric fibers. Ideal for baby blanket covers. Washes easily, dries quickly and does not collect dust.

In addition, you can pay attention to covers made of teak, cotton, satin, perakli and coarse calico. A variety of textures and shades will make the choice more difficult, but will be able to please even the most scrupulous lovers of quality bedding.

Quilts made of artificially created swan down are produced not only in different types, but also in different sizes:

• Baby blanket size 105x140 cm is suitable for babies from birth to five years of age. And for an older child, it is better to take the size 120x180 cm. Manufacturers are worried about all categories of consumers.

• Lovers wrap themselves in a blanket tighter, acquire one and a half bed product... But it is also suitable for a couple of not too dense physique. It all depends on individual preferences and, of course, on the size of the bed where the blanket is supposed to be used. Double quilts are often preferred in Euro size. A lot of beautiful bed linen is now being sewn under it, which also affects the choice when buying.
• Products 172x205 cm also commercially available, but they are not very much in demand due to their non-standard size. Since, when choosing a blanket, most often buyers are guided by the length and width of the duvet covers. Unless, of course, they plan to completely change the bedding for a new purchase.

Modern domestic manufacturers of bedding make blankets that are in no way inferior to expensive imported counterparts.You can get elite quality at an affordable price by buying a down comforter in a high-quality quilted or cassette cover Russian production. Many factories in Russia work according to the Soviet GOST standards, which have been tested for decades and choose materials and technologies that inspire confidence.

But this does not mean at all that it is necessary to support exclusively domestic production. Lovers of European quality standards will like the product Austrian, Italian and Austrian brands. The covers on their duvets are made from expensive and natural fabrics. Silk, satin, calico, natural cotton are the least that they can offer their customers. And artificial fibers, imitating the quality indicators of down, weightless and thinnest, are able to envelop in warmth and make sleep the most comfortable and sweet.

A few simple recommendations will help you buy a truly high-quality item:

• Inspecting a Proposed Purchase, pay attention to the composition information on the sewn-in label. Make sure to buy a duvet and not a cover stuffed with a bird's feather.
• Inspect the cover, which should be tight enough, smooth and skin-friendly... The filler should not break through the fabric. If this is not the case, it is better to refuse such a purchase. At the first wash, the situation with the "loss" of the filler will be aggravated. There can be no such disadvantage in a quality product.
• Decide on the size of your blanket based on who it is purchased for.
• Blanket cover fabric should not be suspicious... A good filler will never fit into a cheap case made of unreliable, low-grade material.
• Do not purchase bedding from questionable retail outlets, in spontaneous markets and with hands. From such a thing there will be neither warmth nor calm in the soul. Since next season you will have to go for a new blanket.

See below for how blankets are tested for quality.

Caring for a blanket made of artificial swan down is much easier and more pleasant than for its natural "progenitor". Following the manufacturer's recommendations, the product's service life will exceed all warranty periods:

• You can wash your blanket in the washing machine using the “down, feather” or “delicate” mode (manual mode). The most optimal temperature for washing is considered to be 30 degrees, the maximum allowable temperature is 40 degrees.
• It is allowed to spin the blanket in a centrifuge.
• Drying of the straightened product by weight is permissible.
• Drying in a drum is prohibited and not advisable - the blanket dries very quickly after spinning.
• It is recommended to shake the washed product slightly so that the fibers of the filler are fluffed up.
• Do not forget about airing down blankets in the off-season.
• You can store the blanket by placing it in a vacuum bag.
• Do not use aggressive detergents and bleaching agents for washing.

With a careful attitude, the new blanket will remain in its original form for many years, warming itself in bad weather and cold. It will become your favorite bedding and will take pride of place in the interior. Decorate your everyday life with a warm accessory and make the bed the center of your bedroom. Because with a blanket made of weightless down you can live easier and sleep better.