Geese are not very extraordinary creatures. They fly around, swim in ponds, and eat bread that people feed them. However, geese have something that we would be lucky to have. In fact, we want it so much that we have to buy it, when it comes quite naturally to these flying birds. What is this most desired thing? Down. Thinking about goose down may cause someone to begin daydreaming of a night of perfect rest under a comfortable down comforter. But what makes it so comfortable? And how are down comforters made?

Down is taken from the breast of a goose to make these desirable down products. The best quality down comes from more developed, or older birds. The down is very soft and lofty and serves as insulation to the birds. In a down comforter, the down traps air into its clusters. This quality in down causes a down comforter to keep a person warm in the winter and cool in the summer. So, having a down comforter can cause a person to sleep peacefully no matter what the season is.

Have you ever had a comforter that, after a washing, all of the "stuff" inside if it is lumped together and you’re left with empty spaces inside of your comforter? That will not happen with most down comforters. When a down comforter is made two sheets are sewn around the edges, leaving one side open to fill the comforter with down. Once the desired amount of down is in the comforter, the opening is then fully sewn shut. It doesn’t stop there, however. Next a design is sewn into the comforter (usually in a diamond or square shape) to help ‘lock’ the down into tighter sections. This will keep the down from shifting around and helps keep the insulation even.

Higher quality down comforters will also have baffles sewn into it. Baffles are strips of fabric, which are sewn perpendicular to the top and bottom sides of the comforter. Baffles help separate the sides of the comforter so the down has extra room to puff up and trap more air. The more air the down traps the better insulation it has. Also (like the stitching mentioned above) baffles keep the down from shifting.

Down comforters can keep you warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and they have stitching and baffles that keep your comforter evenly insulated. How is all of this made possible? Goose down. Geese are magnificent creatures. Yes, they still fly, swim, and eat, but they are also the cause of your perfect night’s sleep. The next time you see a goose, be sure to thank them for helping you rest with ease.