down comforter squished at one end

[Anonymous]

so we've had a really nice down comforter for 6 or 7 years and this year, when i pulled it out from storage, it seemed slightly flatter on one end. i popped it in the duvet cover and put it on the bed and now that end, which i put towards the head of the bed, is totally flat and the bottom is a foot high (like a big down pillow). i switched its orientation - maybe the down is migrating to the foot of the bed, but i can't figure out how or why it would do that? but is there something i should do? can i wash down? will it even it out?

[Anonymous]

the down in our comforter migrates. shake it out. i find it helps to do so from an elevation, so i stand on the bed, hold the fat, fluffy end, and shake until it's evened out.

[ThatSmileyFaceGuy]

Yep they do that. When you go to replace it get one that is box filled. A good cleaning (expensive but worth it) will also help redistribute the down

[Anonymous]

LOL, just shake it even. I shake mine out every week at least, if not every day, when I air out the beds anyway.

[Anonymous]

op here: i don't think its shakeable - the down is sewn into squares in the duvet, so all the down isn't floating around loosely in there - its actually in separate compartments and that's why i can't figure out how one end is so super fluffy and the other is flat as a sheet,

[Anonymous]

The head end probably compacts faster than the feet because of oils, heat, general use.

When I change the sheets, I hang the comforter over the banister for a few hours. Seems to help. Doing an end-for end swap should help it wear more evenly, too.

You could see if tossing it in the dryer with a few (clean) tennis balls helps to fluff it up more evenly.

Down can be washed if you have a large enough washer and dryer. Or you can send it out. You don't want to do it often, because I think it loses a bit of fluffiness every time, making it less warm, but occasional washing might be needed.

[Anonymous]

put it in the dryer with some tennis balls. I hear that helps refluff the down.

[Anonymous]

After 7 years, I'd replace it.

But yes, the tennis ball thing is supposed to help. It may have gotten damp in storage. Does it stink?

[Anonymous]

dryer balls also work

[Anonymous]

op here: well, maybe it is time for a new one... it gets stored in an air-tight plastic bag thingy, so it doesn't smell at all, but maybe down has a life-span...