Buyers ask questions: how is artificial down produced, what is it used for, and is it true that it is safe? Which material do you prefer – natural or synthetic? Read more about the properties, characteristics and scope of application of artificial swan down.
During the production process of the material, polyester microfibers are twisted into spirals and treated with silicone. Thus, artificial swan down is a soft synthetic material. The finished fluff looks like natural fluff and has a number of similar characteristics. It is a soft, fluffy material to the touch that instantly regains its shape after being compressed.
Description of the filler
Swan down is an artificially obtained material as a result of the use of high technology. It is not inferior in quality to natural raw materials and even surpasses it in a number of indicators. Synthetic swan down is practical and safe for health. It has chemically inert properties, so it does not tend to absorb odors.
To understand what artificial swan down is, you need to imagine white polyester fiber, twisted into a spiral and collected into fluffy balls. They are interconnected by fibers and form a springy and soft fabric that can restore its shape.
The special structure of microfiber is saturated with air, which helps retain heat. Thanks to silicone processing during production, the fibers are soft and elastic.
The manufacturing technology involves several stages. To fill pillows, down is combed using special equipment into a single-layer fabric. To fill blankets, carding produces a multi-layered, homogeneous structure.
The resulting siliconized fiber is very thin and therefore lightweight. It is much thinner than cotton and wool.
Modern technologies have made it possible to create swan down filler of high quality and at an affordable price.
Collection and properties of natural swan fluff
In an adult swan, the cover consists mainly of feathers. There is fluff, but not much of it. And how to assemble it? Birds cannot be shot. You can't get it from the living either. If you start breeding swans, what to do with the meat? There are many questions.
Important! Real swan fluff is collected by the people of Tibet. This is a rare luxury material.
He:
- The warmest, since during migration birds rise to high altitudes, where it is residually cold.
- Long lasting.
- After loading it returns to its original shape.
It is almost impossible to find a pillow made of natural swan down in a store.
Pillow with swan down filling:
- too soft, which is not very useful for the cervical vertebrae;
- may provoke allergies;
- accumulates moisture, causing dampness and mold to develop;
- serves as food for various parasites;
- is expensive, and also inaccessible;
- service life is limited (on average 2-5 years);
- It pricks because it is knocked out of the main fabric.
A blanket made of natural swan down is even more rare. Another thing is that its substitute is a synthetic analogue with the same name, which will be discussed.
About natural swan down
Natural swan down is expensive and has more disadvantages than positive properties. It has a short service life. Microbes and mites quickly grow in fluff, which provokes skin diseases. Natural filler is difficult to care for. After washing, it clumps into clumps, which is not easy to eliminate. Some elements make their way through the cover, spoiling the look and pricking.
Natural swan fluff is a very expensive pleasure, because for this you will have to kill several dozen birds. Moreover, swans are heat-loving and have very little fluff. It is collected from the chest and abdomen during the molting period of birds. From one individual it is possible to obtain only 30-40 g of fluffy raw materials.
Artificial down: benefit or harm?
Artificial down
Currently, a considerable amount of synthetic fabrics and fillers are produced. The word “synthetic” itself means that the material is obtained chemically, and is not taken ready-made from nature. The production method does not mean that synthetics are inferior to natural fibers. Most often, it’s the other way around – chemical materials are more wear-resistant and hold their shape better. For example, the polyester fibers that make up artificial down provide minimal creasing, strength, and resistance to organic solvents.
Analogs of artificial swan down include:
- holofiber (lasts up to 10 years);
- Thinsulate (also lasts about 10 years);
- synthetic winterizer (average service life is only a few years).
All these materials also consist of polyester fibers.
Real down from the chest and belly of swans is collected by hand during the birds' natural molting. The quality of natural down depends on the breed. From one adult bird, only 40 g of pure fluff is obtained (feathers make up the bulk).
Even powder puffs are made from this material, and household items or natural insulated clothing can be very expensive. Buying synthetic material helps protect living creatures and is therefore eco-friendly.
Pros and cons of artificial substitute
Artificial swan down has an impressive list of positive characteristics:
- Soft, light and airy.
- High heat-saving properties.
- Synthetic fibers do not harbor microorganisms, mold and dust mites.
- Maintains its shape for a long time due to its elastic properties.
- Doesn't clump or cake.
- Suitable for people with highly sensitive skin, asthmatics and allergy sufferers.
- Does not accumulate dust and foreign odors.
- Easy care and storage.
- Machine washable and dries quickly.
- Deprived of its own specific smell.
- Air exchange is ensured by the free arrangement of fibers.
- In a fabric cover, the material is securely held and does not fall out through the seams.
- Proper care will ensure a long service life - up to 5 years.
- Cheaper and more practical than natural fluff.
Now about the disadvantages, of which there are very few:
- It does not absorb moisture well and is not suitable for people with excessive sweating. Products with such filling create a sauna effect.
- In a warm room it causes the body to overheat.
- It is prone to the accumulation of static electricity, like other synthetic materials, so it must be periodically treated with an antistatic agent.
Comparative characteristics
Artificial swan down is one of many synthetic materials with similar consumer properties, but there are still differences:
| Comparison criteria | Holofiber | Thinsulate |
| Consumer characteristics |
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| Care instructions |
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| Average service life | 7-10 years | 7-10 years |
| Price (cost per square meter, taking into account the same density of the fabric) | 300-350 rubles | 350-500 rubles |
| Comparison criteria | Sintepon | Artificial swan down |
| Consumer characteristics |
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| Care instructions |
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| Average service life | 1-2 years | 3-5 years |
| Price (cost per square meter, taking into account the same density of the fabric) | 20-35 rubles | 200-400 rubles |
Adequate rest during sleep largely depends on the right pillow. The filling of linen blankets and pillows is a natural antiseptic. It is hygroscopic, always cool, hypoallergenic, and has an antimicrobial effect.
You can read about the therapeutic effects of pillows with eucalyptus filling on people with respiratory problems in this article.
Areas of application of swan down
Soft, pleasant and warm material is used as filler and insulation. Using swan down they sew:
- Bedding – blankets and pillows are popular.
- Decorative sofa pillows.
- Outerwear for adults and children - coats, jackets, down jackets.
- Winter suits with insulation - trousers and overalls.
- Stuffed Toys.
Is it possible to machine wash it?
For quick cleaning of pillows and blankets, machine washing is suitable. But you should choose a delicate mode with a water heating temperature no higher than 30-40⁰С. Bleach and other aggressive cleaners should not be used. Detergents should be mild. After washing, it is recommended to shake the washed items a little so that the Thinsulate does not crumple and is evenly distributed inside. Ironing after washing is contraindicated. The heat of the iron can cause synthetics to melt.
It is best to periodically have down pillows dry cleaned at a specialized salon.
Rules of care
Swan down is not difficult to care for and does not require special knowledge.
- For washing, it is enough to set the temperature no higher than 40°, optimally 30°.
- The delicate washing mode will ensure the safety of the cover.
- Products with swan down can be pressed in a drum.
- When washing, you should avoid aggressive bleaches and detergents that can destroy the fiber structure.
- After removing the item from the machine, you need to shake and beat it so that the fluff does not fall off. It is recommended to fluff blankets and pillows before bed.
- Drying in a straightened state will help preserve the original shape.
- Down does not tolerate high temperatures and heat sources. Do not use a tumble dryer.
- Dries quite quickly.
- It should be dried naturally by weight.
- Ironing accessories and things with such filling is prohibited.
- It is recommended to air products made from artificial swan down in the open air several times a year.
- Dry and dry cleaning allowed.
- Vacuum bags are suitable for storage; they retain the shape of things.
Manufacturers and prices
When choosing a pillow, you should pay attention to its presentation. You can distinguish a good manufacturer by:
- high-quality packaging - the product must be in an individual polyethylene bag;
- a well-designed label indicating the main parameters;
- natural fabric cover: otherwise the bedding cannot be considered safe for health.
The price of a product with swan down depends, first of all, on its size and manufacturer:
- 50×50 - from 180 to 500 rubles;
- 50×70 - from 230 to 1500 rubles;
- 70×70 - from 310 to 2000 rubles.
Popular manufacturers producing swan pillows:
Mona Lisa (Mona Lisa)
The Russian company Mona Liza has been producing high-quality bedding and linen for about 20 years. Pillows with swan down are presented in three collections:
- Provence by Serg Look: Provence Lilac with lilac scent (from RUB 1,080)
- Mona Liza Premium by Serg Look: Secret Gardens (from RUB 1,091);
- Mona Liza Premium: “Swan's Down” (from RUB 1,279).
All products have natural cotton covers, labels with detailed information about the composition, size, weight, expiration date and care recommendations. The package also contains a brochure telling about the company, its mission, and products.
Ecotex (Ecotex)
Over the 17 years of its activity, the manufacturer of home textiles Ecotex has become very popular among Russian consumers. The company has separated products with swan down into a separate line, which is called that way. All pillows in this series have a special modern “DownFill” fiber and a cotton lining.
- 50×70 - from 1150 rubles;
- 70x70 - from 1800 rub.
Verossa (Verossa)
Verossa is considered one of the leaders in textile production. The company claims that their products can provide a unique experience, comfort, style and quality. Pillows filled with microfiber are called “Swan Down” and are available in two sizes:
- 50x70 - 1190 rub.;
- 70х70 —1490 rub.
Artpostel
The company from Ivanovo has been operating since 1997, and in the manufacture of bedding it uses its own raw materials, that is, fabrics that have not been pre-treated or dyed. Pillows with swan's down are available in the Premium and Soft Collections. Products have a wide range of sizes:
- 38x38 - 410 rub.;
- 48x48 - 510 rub.;
- 38x58 - 510 rub.;
- 58x58 - 760 rub.;
- 48x68 - 810 rub.;
- 68x68 — 980 rub.
Selena (Selena)
The largest manufacturer in the south of Russia, the textile company Selena, has been producing home textiles for 22 years. The products of this company are easily recognized by their soft pink label and beautiful patterned microfiber cover with embossing. For its “Selena Daydream” collection of pillows and blankets, the company chose swan down as a filler.
- 50x70 —989 rub.;
- 70х70 —1298 rub.
You can also buy products from companies such as Adele, Vasilisa, Alvitek, etc.
Video: Pillow “Swan Down Luxury” from the manufacturer AlViTek
Comfortable and soft pillows
Pillows with swan down are in great demand and they have their pros and cons. They do not lose shape even with daily use. They are wear resistant. The product is soft and warm. The filler does not prick and does not cause discomfort. After washing in the machine, the pillow retains its properties, and the filling does not clump. The disadvantages include low orthopedic properties compared to other synthetic fillers and lack of moisture absorption. Some people experience discomfort when using pillows due to excessive softness. As a result, the neck does not have adequate support.
Comfort during use will also depend on the case. Textiles should be pleasant to the touch and breathable. Therefore, most of the fabric composition is made up of natural fibers.
In addition, strength and density are important for a pillowcase; even small elements of fluff should not pass through. Such properties are provided by the method of weaving the threads. Cotton teak best meets all requirements. It has a dense texture of thick threads, which gives the product a stable shape and does not allow dust to enter.
Teak is hygroscopic and does not interfere with natural ventilation.
Reviews
Reviews about the filler are mostly positive. Users like its high heat-protective properties that it heats even at ─40°C. Swan down is lighter than holofiber, but warmer than padding polyester. Low temperature washing allows items to regain their original properties. I especially like the price of artificial down and its safety for allergy sufferers.
Maya Nikolaevna, 45 years old
“I wanted to change the old pillows from Soviet times. I came to the store, and the seller said a bunch of names, which confused me even more. I understand that there are now a lot of fillers and it’s not easy for an amateur to understand them. So I took a time out to calmly study and weigh everything. I read what people write. I need the pillow to be machine washable, breathable and soft. I was choosing between bamboo filling and “swan down”. I gave preference to the second option. We plan to buy several more bedding items, including a blanket.”
Anna, 22 years old
“We had been preparing for a long time for a hike in snow-covered Karelia. I wanted to do everything with my feet, while staying warm and looking decent. For me, a southerner, this question was especially relevant. I needed winter clothes, preferably a jacket with good insulation. I was impressed by the reviews about the blanket with swan's down filling. I chose this option. As a result, the elongated jacket passed all the tests. It was warm, even too warm. At times it was so warm that you had to unfasten a couple of buttons. Now I’m thinking about purchasing a shorter version, but with the same insulation.”
Compared to other fillers
New generation synthetic fillers, such as holofiber, comforter and artificial swan down, are made from polyester fibers interconnected at high temperatures.
Holofiber is a material that consists of hollow siliconized fibers twisted into springs and connected into oblong balls. The filler has greater elasticity and rigidity than swan's down. A pillow with such material retains its shape perfectly and recovers after deformation, but it gets knocked down faster.
Comforel are hollow, fluffy balls measuring 6-7 mm. A loose structure reduces the service life of products with such filler.
Artificial swan down looks exactly like natural bird feathers. It is homogeneous, ultra-thin and soft, but less elastic than previous materials. But more voluminous and lighter. The structure is saturated with air and retains heat perfectly.
Flaws
However, while listing the advantages, we should not forget about the disadvantages of synthetics. This fluff is non-hygroscopic. If a person sweats a lot during sleep, bedding with the described filler will not suit him. The fact is that the material copes well with a small amount of moisture, but if there is a lot of it, a “sauna effect” occurs. The person will simply feel uncomfortable: hot, humid, unpleasant.
The second disadvantage is possible overheating. Synthetic down provides good air exchange and maintains a comfortable microclimate in rooms with an optimal temperature. If the room is hot, it stops coping with the task. Then there is a possibility of overheating.
The third disadvantage is the accumulation of static electricity. But almost all synthetic materials have this drawback. Artificial down can crack, stick to the body and even give you an electric shock, which is not very pleasant. Therefore, it is recommended to treat underwear or clothes with synthetic filling with antistatic agents.
Minuses
Swan down has much fewer disadvantages than advantages, but for many they can be decisive when choosing:
- 1 Poor support. These pillows are not very comfortable to sleep on as they do not provide proper neck support. They can often be too soft.
- 2 Neck pain. Due to poor support, these pillows should not be used by people with neck pain or frequent migraines. Poor neck position while sleeping can make these health problems worse.
- 3 Poorly absorbs moisture. Synthetics do not absorb moisture well, so they are not suitable for people with excessive sweating.
Modern synthetics can compete with similar natural materials, so you should not be skeptical about them. Pillows made from swan down are suitable for those who prefer to sleep on soft things, often get cold at night, suffer from allergies and do not like to overpay.
Those people who want a pillow to support their neck and head in an anatomically correct position should pay attention to fillers such as memory foam, latex or buckwheat husk.
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