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SeizetheChalk t1_iwvecti wrote

I initially thought down comforters would be more sustainable than the synthetic fill ones, but then I read that the down degrades after maybe 5-10 years. Those who own them is that true? If that’s the case the synthetic ones seem like they’d last longer

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Quail-a-lot t1_iwxi1cr wrote

You've got it backwards!

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SeizetheChalk t1_ixg4nku wrote

So they don’t degrade? Since it is feathers from an animal I’d think they would unless they are treated in some way. How long can they last then?

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Quail-a-lot t1_ixg5zak wrote

Down can last for decades. In a duvet particularly, you have the cover protecting it from body oils and dirt, so it very very rarely needs washing. I do like to air mine in the sun now and then when I am washing the cover if it is a nice enough day and flip it over a couple times to let the light hit everywhere. You can also wash down and dry it (you will need to put in something like a tennis ball to fluff the feathers and keep them from clumping). It comes out fluffy and good as new after you give it a good shake.

I don't actually find most synthetics to be long lasting. If you research sleeping bags, what we backpackers find is that synthetic fill bags lose their loft over time and no amount of washing can bring it back. Sometimes it is preferable if you anticipate a really wet environment, but that not really a concern for your bedroom usually.

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SeizetheChalk t1_iy4fkip wrote

Thanks for the information! I’ll definitely go for down now

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