Down is the soft insulating cluster beneath the outer feathers of ducks or geese. It differs from feathers, which have more substantial quills. A duvet or pillow may contain a blend, so check the fill composition rather than assuming “down” means 100% down clusters.
Duck, goose and eiderdown
| Fill | What to know | Best buying question |
|---|---|---|
| Duck down | Available in a range of qualities and prices | What are the fill power, fill weight and down percentage? |
| Goose down | Also available in a range of qualities; some products command a premium | Does this particular product justify its price and feel? |
| Eiderdown | A rare premium down with a high price | Can the seller substantiate the source and return terms? |
| Down and feather blend | Construction and feel vary with the proportions | What percentage of each is present? |
Names such as Hungarian or Canadian describe origin claims, not a universal softness or durability score. Ask for the actual specifications and evidence of the claimed origin. People with a known feather or down sensitivity should choose materials according to their clinician’s advice; no type is guaranteed allergy-free.
Fill power and fill weight are different
Fill power measures the volume occupied by a given amount of down under a standardized test. It is a measure of loft, not the total amount in the product. Fill weight is the quantity of fill. A higher-fill-power duvet can achieve a given loft with less down, but warmth also depends on fill weight, size, shell, construction and the sleeper.
Compare two products in the same size and warmth category. A high fill-power number does not necessarily make a thin summer duvet warmer than a lower-fill-power winter duvet with more fill. Baffle-box or sewn-through construction can influence how the fill is distributed.
Sourcing and animal welfare
Down is animal-derived. If animal welfare matters to you, check the certification and its scope for the specific item. The Responsible Down Standard includes animal-welfare and chain-of-custody requirements and prohibits live-plucking and force-feeding. Certification does not mean that an animal-derived product involves no animal harm or environmental impact.
A synthetic down alternative avoids animal down but has its own materials, care and environmental tradeoffs. Wool and silk are also animal-derived; choose based on the complete product.
Choosing a duvet or pillow
- Decide the use. A pillow’s loft and support needs differ from a duvet’s warmth needs.
- Compare fill details. Check species, down percentage, fill power and fill weight in the same size.
- Choose the warmth. Consider bedroom temperature and whether you usually sleep hot or cold.
- Check care and fit. Confirm cover dimensions, laundering instructions and whether the item can be fully dried as directed.
- Verify terms. Read the current price, sourcing information and return eligibility for opened bedding.
Common questions
Is goose down always better than duck down?
No. Both vary by quality and construction. Compare the specific products rather than the species alone.
Does higher fill power always mean a warmer duvet?
No. Fill weight, size and construction also influence warmth.
Is down hypoallergenic?
No fill is guaranteed not to trigger a reaction. If down or feathers are a known trigger, choose another option with guidance from a clinician.