In the world of modern technology, nothing is impossible. Humanity has learned to create high-quality analogues of natural leather and animal fur, bird feathers and down. The properties of artificial materials are not inferior to natural ones, and sometimes they are superior in quality and hypoallergenicity. We looked at all the pros and cons of artificial swan down, whether it is harmful to the body, and compared it with a popular filler.
What is artificial swan down?
Artificial swan down is a synthetic material consisting of polyester fibers twisted in a spiral and secured together with silicone polymer. These include: holofiber, Thinsulate, padding polyester. Visually, artificial down is no different from natural down. The structure of chemical fiber is more fluffy and soft, and easily returns to its original shape after compression or creasing. Some manufacturers of sleep and rest products call swan filler synthetic down or Thinsulate.
Advantages and disadvantages
A swan's down blanket has its pros and cons. The chemically produced material has a whole range of attractive properties. Advantages:
- hypoallergenic, eliminates dust allergies. Suitable for children and allergy sufferers, people with sensitive problem skin;
- prevents the reproduction of living organisms (dust mites, fungi, mold);
- has no odor, does not absorb foreign aggressive aromas;
- Resistant to rapid wear during operation. The fluff does not roll up or bunch up;
- maintains thermoregulation on par with natural analogues;
- Light, fluffy, elastic material holds the shape of the product throughout the entire period of use. Does not wrinkle, does not require constant shaking, quickly takes on the desired shape;
- does not require special care, can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle, dries quickly. Can be stored in a closed closet, cabinet, chest of drawers. Does without ventilation;
- The cost of a product made with artificial fibers is significantly lower than that made with natural fibers.
Flaws:
- capable of electrifying and sparkling. Without special antistatic treatment, it accumulates small doses of static electricity;
- low level of hygroscopicity. Not suitable for people who sweat profusely;
- does not allow air to pass through well and causes overheating of the body. In hot climates, it is better not to use an artificial down blanket in the summer.
Differences from natural
Natural swan down tends to clump and absorb aromas; it is heavier and can only be hand washed or dry cleaned. Gets dirty quickly and requires regular shaking and airing.
A blanket made of artificial swan down is a complete replacement for a product filled with natural fibers, easy to use and care for, and does not require special storage conditions.
Application area
Most often, artificial swan down filler is used in pillows and blankets. In general, this is the traditional use of a natural counterpart, which organically switched to synthetics.
The material is also found in clothing: light but warm down jackets, coats, even fashionable winter hats can be sewn from it. True, such products are really necessary only in regions where winters are cold. Especially when it comes to children's models. Remember that in warm weather and high activity conditions, clothing may become damp.
If we talk about the natural analogue of synthetic swan down, then it is found much less frequently and mainly in expensive, exclusive products. Usually such models are sewn for holidays and significant events. For example, a wedding stole made of fluff or a light cape for the bride.
Varieties of swan down blankets
Manufacturers produce swan blankets of various thicknesses and densities. It depends on the season for which the product is intended and the category of consumers.
All-season, summer, winter
Blankets for any season are a versatile year-round option. Microfiber has been added to the material; it retains heat well in cool weather and provides comfortable rest in the summer. Natural cotton fabrics, satin, and poplin are used as covers. They have an average down density of 200-300 g/m2.
Summer models are thin, contain a minimum of swan filling, and are intended for people with impaired body thermoregulation. The density of the down is lightweight and does not exceed 150-180 g/m2.
The winter version has a high density of down, significant thickness, retains elasticity, lightness, and volume. Textiles for winter models - linen, poplin, cotton. Density exceeds 350-400 g/m2.
When choosing a thing, you need to focus not only on size, but also on density indicators.
Children's, adults
The swan's down blanket is available for children and adults. A child sleeps comfortably under such a blanket. The product is light and weightless and can be washed frequently. Children's swan blankets have an average thickness and different sizes, depending on the age and height of the baby.
For adults, there are standard sizes and different thicknesses, depending on seasonality.
To reduce costs, you can purchase an all-season version of the blanket.
Care
The main problem with caring for the material described is that the user does not know how to wash the item. Natural down requires careful handling. It is washed only in warm water (about 30°C), by hand, squeezing very carefully and lightly. Dry under natural conditions, on a horizontal surface, distributing the fluff evenly throughout the product.
A synthetic substitute is much easier to care for. You can wash it in a machine without worrying about the safety of the item. Mode – delicate, temperature – 40°C, automatic spin possible.
Never add aggressive bleaches that contain chlorine!
But tumble drying is prohibited, because artificial down cannot withstand heat. They take it out, shake it well, straighten it, and then hang it up. The product dries quickly (again, unlike the natural prototype). Periodically, it is recommended to ventilate the item in the open air and send it to dry cleaning.
Dear readers of the Tkan.Club website, if you still have questions on this topic, we will be happy to answer them. Leave your reviews, comments, share stories if you have dealt with this material! Your life experience may be useful to other readers.
Standard sizes of swan down blankets
Sleep products are divided by size, which is determined by generally accepted standards.
Single
A single bedspread is designed for one person. Often this option is purchased for a child. Standard size 140x140 cm or 110x140 cm. Suitable for a single bed.
One-and-a-half-sleeper
The product is designed for a one-and-a-half bed that can accommodate two people. Dimensions 150x205 cm or 140x205 cm.
Double
The bedspread for a double bed is designed for a family, the width and length are 175x205 cm.
Euro
Largest blanket size. According to the standard 200x220 cm. There are other Euro size options - 200x200 cm, 200x215 cm.
We recommend reading: - Choosing a blanket for sleeping - how to determine the size and choose the filling.
Using natural swan down
Today, real down is hardly used anywhere. This happens for a number of reasons.
- Expensive production. Down is collected humanely only during shedding. Once a year, one swan can give away only 30, maximum 40 grams of raw materials. Due to this, the cost cannot be called affordable.
- The swan is a bird listed in the Red Book. This means that there are not many individuals left. Exterminating unique birds for the sake of blankets and parkas is inhumane and inappropriate.
- In terms of strength and durability, the natural original is inferior to the artificial copy. In addition, real fluff can cause allergies. After all, it harbors mites, mold and fungi.
Bird down is rarely used, except for the manufacture of cosmetic puffs for powder and blush. The artificial analogue is cheaper, stronger and more durable. It is much easier to wash, has high antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties.
Thinsulate has become a worthy alternative to natural swan down.
Which filler is better: bamboo or swan down?
Bamboo filling and swan down have similar properties. During operation, these materials manifest themselves in different ways. The main disadvantage of bamboo is its weight, which is heavier compared to down. The cost of a bamboo blanket is higher than that of a swan blanket. Down warms well. Bamboo ensures complete air circulation and prevents the body from overheating. Unlike a down bedspread, a bamboo bedspread absorbs moisture well and dries very quickly. The general advantages of the materials include the ability to not attract dust, retain their shape for a long time, and are easy to maintain.
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.
Famous manufacturers
The most famous manufacturers of sleep and leisure products are constantly improving their products. They offer new models, materials for the case, stylish options for stitching and finishing. These manufacturers actively use artificial swan down for their products, these include well-known brands:
Ecotex (Ecotex)
A domestic company that produces home textiles. The products are distinguished by the quality of materials and tailoring, style and sense of proportion in design.
Artpostel
Ivanovo factory for the production of items for home, sleep and recreation. Products can be purchased directly from the factory or through the store. Quality, comfort, price – the calling card of the manufacturer.
Kariguz
European brand. Produces down and feather fillings. The certificate complies with international quality standards.
Vasilisa
Manufacturer from Ivanovo, leader in the Russian textile market. High-quality, stylish, fashionable products are sold in Russia and Europe.
Verossa (Verossa)
Well-known trade brand. Produces premium swan down blankets. Light, airy items with good thermal insulation are in demand among buyers.
Features of caring for swan duvets
Items with artificial swan down do not require maintenance. You must follow the operating instructions:
- periodically ventilate and shake the item. The filler and cover will be freed from excess dust, the artificial material will gain access to air into the fibers;
- You can remove dirt by hand or in the washing machine. When washing, add antistatic rinse aid. Dry cleaning is acceptable;
- shake the item after washing to evenly distribute the filler around the perimeter;
- Dry in a place with fresh air circulation. Outdoors.
The advantages of artificial swan down extend the life of the item, easy care, comfort during sleep and rest. Take care of your sleep, be healthy!
Composition and properties
So, if the composition of natural swan down is downy bird feathers, then with synthetic down everything is completely different. It is a polymer microfiber that looks very similar to its natural counterpart. The whole secret is that after special processing, polyester fibers (PEV) are twisted into spirals - this is how a soft, weightless material is obtained. It is very elastic: if you squeeze, then as soon as you stop, the original shape will immediately be restored.
Artificial swan down is used as insulation and filler, most often in home textiles. They stuff blankets and pillows. Manufacturers note that this is an ideal substitute for natural fluff. Moreover, in terms of properties it is in no way inferior to its “progenitor”.
