Eco-down - what kind of insulation is this in down jackets?

Currently, the industry offers the consumer many options for outerwear with various insulation materials. Each of the latter has its own qualities and cost, on which the price of the final product depends. And eco-down is considered one of the most popular, its price and quality are at a decent level.

Ecopooh: what kind of material? Characteristics

It is based on plant raw materials, DuPont-Sorona polymer. The high-tech filler has a spherical shape and is quite soft and pleasant to the touch due to its silky structure. Considered an environmentally friendly material.

Pros and cons of bio-fluff

Advantages of eco-down:

• strong and durable;
• does not hinder movement;
• has low weight;
• hypoallergenic, does not irritate the skin;
• moisture-resistant, not susceptible to the negative influence of mold and various types of fungi;
• does not deform during storage and wear;
• does not require special care;
• withstands frequent washing, does not wrinkle, and is resistant to compression;
• is characterized by low cost;
• has excellent thermal insulation characteristics.

Despite such an impressive list of positive aspects, eco-down has some disadvantages, among which are the following:

• capable of accumulating static electricity;
• deforms and loses its thermal insulation properties due to exposure to high temperatures;
• highly flammable.

What is the temperature?

Jackets with eco-down are a real godsend for residents of those regions of the country where extremely low temperatures in winter are not uncommon. The filler provides excellent protection against frost down to -35–40 °C. Even if you get caught in the rain and sleet, you can be sure that you will not get wet or freeze. Unlike natural down, eco-down does not come out through the seams and fabric of the jacket..

How is it used to insulate clothing?

Ecopooh is one of the most popular and well-proven insulation materials. It is used in sewing outerwear (jackets, down jackets) and is used in the manufacture of sleeping bags, ski suits, fishing and hunting equipment. The material has become so popular that it is used to insulate children's overalls and envelopes for newborns. As for eco-down outerwear, it is divided into the following groups:

• products designed to reach -10 °C have fairly light padding;
• down jackets with medium padding, for temperatures down to -15 °C;
• items intended for low temperatures down to -40 °C.

When buying a jacket with eco-down, pay attention not only to the type of insulation, but also to the outer material. It should be dense and impenetrable. Make sure the seams are well taped. The better they are designed, the warmer you will be in your outerwear.

What is warmer - biodown or Thinsulate?

Ecopooh and Thinsulate are easily confused. Both fillers look identical, but still have differences. Thinsulate is much lighter, and its price is 2-3 times higher. Therefore, many consumers do not want to overpay and prefer winter jackets made of eco-down. When choosing clothes, pay attention to the thickness of the insulation. High-quality eco-down has the same heat-saving properties as Thinsulate. Both fillers are designed for temperatures down to -40 °C.

How to care for things with eco-down?

In order for a thing to serve as long as possible, it needs to be properly cared for. Fortunately, eco-down is an unpretentious material. You don’t have to go to the dry cleaner; you can get your winter jacket in order at home. The insulation does not thin out, retains its original shape, and does not bunch up.

Is it washable?

Machine washable, but it is better to use the delicate cycle. Follow these guidelines:

• do not wash the jacket in hot water, no more than 40 ° C;
• the spin mode should not exceed 600 rpm;
• Do not dry clothes on a radiator or near a radiator;
• hang the product on hangers, place it on the balcony and wait until it dries completely.

Housewives often encounter the following problem: after washing, white powder stains appear on a winter jacket with eco-down. To prevent this from happening, give preference to gel powder. Set the additional rinse mode. This way you will be sure that the item will not have to be washed again. And don't forget about fabric softener. It will give the item a pleasant smell, and after washing the down jacket will not look wrinkled.

What to do if the cuffs and pockets of the product are very dirty? Arm yourself with laundry soap or any stain remover, apply the product to the contaminated areas, and leave the down jacket for 20–30 minutes. After this, the winter jacket can be put into the washing machine.

Do not store eco-down products in a vacuum bag for a long time.

A pre-dried jacket can be ironed. But be careful and choose your iron temperature setting based on the material of the top. It is recommended to store the item in a closet, in a horizontal position. Fold the down jacket carefully, do not squeeze it too much, otherwise kinks may form at the folds.

How do users respond to this insulation?

People who have spent at least one season wearing an eco-down jacket speak positively about this type of insulation. It warms perfectly even in the most severe frosts, is light in weight, and caring for it is a pleasure. Jackets with such filling have a fairly budget price, and therefore they are accessible to everyone.

Tatyana K, 33 years old, Kaluga: I spent a long time choosing between Thinsulate and Eco-down and chose the latter. Very pleased! I’ve been wearing this jacket for two years now, and I wash it myself. It looks like new, the fluff has not come out, has not thinned or become deformed.

Vladimir G., 49 years old, Tver: I used to buy jackets made from synthetic padding, but now I prefer down jackets made from eco-down. They are light, but warm, and do not require special care. And the price is good. Much cheaper than holofiber and Thinsulate.