Modern blankets made from non-natural swan down contain a quilted cover, sewn from fabric of artificial, natural or mixed origin, as well as a synthetic filler, which physically resembles the natural plumage of a swan. Of course, there are parameters in relation to which a chemical material is inferior to a natural one, however, in a number of indicators it is not only equivalent, but also superior. Thanks to its qualities, a swan down blanket deserves positive reviews from consumers, is becoming increasingly popular and is produced by the largest bedding manufacturers around the world.
How is swan's down produced?
Synthetic “swan down” is made from polyester microfiber. The raw material is fed into a carding machine, where it fluffs up under the influence of air and high temperature. Fluffy balls of white fibers twisted into a spiral are connected to each other and form a soft, springy fabric saturated with air: a material similar to natural down.
The quality of the synthetic material is not inferior to bird fluff, and in some ways even surpasses it. In the production of down, thermal bonding technology is used, so a pillow made of artificial swan down is used for a long time, maintaining its original appearance, and can be washed. Silicone treatment gives the fibers silkiness, softness, and elasticity. Siliconized fiber is very thin and therefore lightweight.
Thanks to its structure, the material easily restores its shape and retains heat. Artificial down is practical and safe for health. The material is chemically inert, so it does not absorb odors.
The swan down substitute is used, among other things, as insulation for outerwear, filler for blankets and soft toys. Development of technology, low cost of raw materials, large production volumes - thanks to these factors, manufacturers set comfortable prices for swan down products.
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.
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| Material advantages | Disadvantages of the material |
| Light and fluffy . The pillow is as good as a natural one: soft and comfortable. | Does not absorb moisture well . The low hygroscopicity of the filler is not suitable for a person who sweats heavily during sleep. |
| Comfortable . During sleep, the pillow adapts to the contours of the human body and then returns to its original form. | Static electricity accumulates . _ _ Prolonged contact with static charges worsens the condition of the hair: it becomes excessively frizzy, loses its firmness and elasticity, and becomes dry and lifeless. The problem can be solved: you can use an antistatic agent for fabric, a natural cover made of satin, calico, teak, percale, bamboo. |
| Easy care. It is easy to maintain the pristine condition of the product. The filler, even after washing in the machine, remains fluffy, homogeneous, and does not form lumps. Dries quickly. | Average level of support. A soft pillow does not fix the spine well in a physiologically correct position and can aggravate the condition of a person suffering from problems in the cervical spine. In this case, it is better to choose an orthopedic latex pillow from Memorix or ASKONA. |
| Has no smell . Unlike natural down and feathers, artificial material is devoid of its own specific odor, neutral, and does not absorb foreign odors. | Short service life - about 5 years . As it is used, the packing gradually loses its elasticity and cakes. |
| High air circulation . _ The pillow “breathes”, it’s comfortable to sleep on in hot weather, and it’s easy to dry. | |
| Silent . The filler does not make any sounds: it does not creak or rustle, unlike environmental materials such as buckwheat husks. | |
| Doesn't prick, doesn't fall out . The fibers do not bleed through the fabric or seams like natural down or feathers. |
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.
Who are artificial swan down pillows suitable for?
If the neck and shoulders do not receive enough support and are at an unnatural angle to the body, the spine will not align.
The body does not rest, and this leads to a feeling of exhaustion, neck pain, and the development of back problems. Orthopedists do not advise people with musculoskeletal problems to sleep on soft pillows, which include products with an analogue of bird down. Many people are sensitive to dust and dust mites, companions of natural materials. Allergies manifest themselves by feeling unwell after sleep, periodic headaches, and nasal congestion. Swan down does not cause allergic reactions, so allergy sufferers and people with bronchial asthma will appreciate it.
Synthetic material is antibacterial: its artificial origin makes the fiber an unattractive breeding ground for fungus, parasites, harmful microorganisms and mold.
Pillows with artificial fibers are soft, fluffy, and there are no sharp feathers sticking out of them. They are absolutely safe for children. Manufacturers offer different sizes of pillows, including for children over 3 years old: 40cm x 40cm, 30cm x 50cm.
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.
Rating of the TOP 8 best swan down pillows
Vasilisa swan's down/gloss-satin
5.0 Rating
Size: 70 x 70 cm, 50 x 70 cm Filling: artificial down 100%
Cover fabric: satin Cover material: polyester
- Comfortable, soft, airy, sleeps great on it.
- Takes the shape of the head, the correct density.
- Beautiful case.
- No deficiencies found.
Belashoff Swan's down
4.9 Rating
Size: 50 x 70 cm Filling: artificial down 100%
Cover fabric: microfiber Support level: soft
- Moderately soft, fluffy and comfortable pillow.
- No deficiencies found.
Verossa "Swan's Down"
4.7 Rating
Size: 50 x 70 cm Filling: artificial down 100%
Cover fabric: percale Cover material: cotton
- The shape does not change with long-term use: “you can shake it, and they are like new,” soft, comfortable.
- Not enough filler, “liquid” appearance, too soft.
- “It’s uncomfortable to sleep on your side; your head sinks in too much.”
AlViTek Swan's down Standard
4.7 Rating
Size: 50 x 70 cm, 68 x 68 cm Filling: 100% siliconized fiber
Cover material: cotton Support level: elastic
- Soft, comfortable.
- The filler is springy and holds its shape.
- You can adjust the density by the amount of filler: unfasten the lock and remove the excess.
- Well packaged, no foreign odors.
- It's very comfortable to sleep, my head doesn't sweat.
- The napkin is beautiful, dense, the filling does not come out through it.
- With a standard amount of filler, “like a balloon – round and elastic.”
- Too high for the neck of a person even with a height of 185 cm.
- Too heavy.
Ivanovo textiles "Swan's down"
4.7 Rating
Size: 70 x 70 cm Cover material: cotton
Degree of support: medium Adjustment of filler amount: yes
- Beautiful, “plump”, pleasant material.
- Immediately relaxes.
- It is not comfortable for everyone; it does not press under the weight of the head, and the muscles ache due to discomfort.
Sortex Beauty Tenderness
4.5 Rating
Size: 48 x 68 cm Filling: artificial down 100%
Cover fabric: satin Support level: soft
- Hypoallergenic.
- Beautiful.
- Soft.
- For some, it may seem overly soft and “deflates” during sleep.
TekStyle Swan's down
4.2 Rating
Size: 50 x 70 cm Filling: siliconized fiber 100%
Cover fabric: satin Cover material: cotton
- High quality, soft pillow.
- Beautiful, looks presentable.
- Tall, but too soft, you “drown” in it, “deflates like a balloon”, not suitable for lovers of “flat” pillows.
Selena stitch. swan's down "Elegance Line"
4.0 Rating
Size: 70 x 70 cm Filling: polyester fiber 100%, artificial down 100% Cover fabric: polyester
Cover material: polyester Support level: medium
- Looks great, well stuffed.
- The cover is quilted, removable, and can be washed separately.
- Too soft.
- Lumps quickly formed.
Care
Products made from synthetic down do not require special care. A pillow made of artificial swan down will withstand washing at a water temperature of no higher than 30˚C. To avoid damaging your item, follow these rules:
- When washing in a machine, you need to set it to the delicate cycle. When washing by hand, you don’t have to wring it out - just let the water drain.
- After washing, the pillow is fluffed and dried on a flat surface, evenly distributing the filling inside the cover - away from heat sources or in the fresh air, excluding direct sunlight. Periodically you need to shake and turn over. Even miniature pillows should not be hung on a drying line - the filling will dry unevenly. For drying in a vertical position, special clamps are used.
- You cannot iron pillows.
- Do not use bleaching agents. Serious stains are removed by dry cleaning.
- In between washes, approximately once every six months, the item is taken outside or onto the balcony to ventilate and get rid of dust.
It is better to store temporarily unused products in vacuum bags during breaks.
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Soft and elastic bamboo pillows: detailed analysis The leader among environmentally friendly fillers. The material is more expensive than down and requires more careful care. Fiber is obtained from softened stems by “combing” thin threads.
Products with natural bamboo are accompanied by similar designations on the label - “bamboo viscose”, “bamboo silk”.
Bamboo fiber is rarely used in its pure form: it is mixed in a 1:1 ratio with artificial material. The quality of the product does not suffer, and the cost becomes more acceptable.
If the composition contains at least 60% bamboo raw materials, the filler is considered natural. The best option for consumers is to purchase a swan down pillow in a bamboo case, avoiding the disadvantages of each material and combining the advantages.
