Duvets, Pillows & Toppers - how do I know which fill is right for me?

Duvets, Pillows & Toppers - how do I know which fill is right for me?

We’re here to help.

It may be a relatively easy question to answer if you are allergic to feather and down products, or if you choose not to use them for other reasons.

But if it’s not that straightforward, you can be inundated with options. We are here to help to clarify the differences for you so you can really choose a product that’s right for you.

Firstly, what different roles do feathers and down play in our duvets, pillows and toppers? Well, feathers and down work in different ways to keep a bird warm and dry, and we use some of these same characteristics when choosing which fill to recommend in our bedding. For example, the down on a bird - the wispy, luxuriously soft tiny feathers under the contour feathers - lie against the skin to keep the bird warm. In cold weather, you’ll see the bird fluffing out its contour feathers to trap a layer of warm air in the down. Their main function is insulation, and that’s why we choose down for our pillows, duvets and toppers. It is light and airy, which makes it malleable and breathable and superior at trapping heat in for maximum insulation. It is luxuriously soft and there is no risk of potentially spiky spines poking through the casing.

Feathers on the other hand are used in bedding for a different and equally valuable reason. Whilst we don’t use them for their waterproof abilities as birds do, we certainly still use them for their incredible insulating properties. However, it’s the outer contour feathers that really serve a purpose here. Contour feathers are larger than down feathers and contain an all-important quill - it’s this that gives the feather more structure and therefore our duvet, pillow or topper a firmer’, chunkier fill. In a pillow for example, if you need something supportive to lean against if you read or watch TV in bed, opt for a feather/down mix of approx. 85/15 ratio. This is enough to keep you upright with enough support for your back and neck. Alternatively, if you like your head to sink into your pillow as if it’s a cloud with the pillow surrounding your head, choose a 100% Down pillow.

So which is better? The 100% Down filled duvet or pillow is ultimately the more superior in terms of breathability and insulation and lightweight comfort. However, if you prefer to lie under a weightier duvet, or prefer something firmer to rest your head on, you may prefer to opt for a feather/down mix. Generally, the ratios on offer are 85/15 or 70/30 feather/down. 

So that explains the different roles feathers and down play. But what about the differences between feathers and down that come from Ducks versus Geese? It comes down to size really. Generally speaking, geese tend to live in colder climates than ducks, and so their down clusters tend to be naturally larger, and therefore have greater insulating properties and higher fill power. So the 100% Goose Down will be slightly more insulating than the 100% Duck Down. It’s as simple as that.

For those who suffer from allergies, or prefer not to use feathers or down, we have a top of the range solution - ALLERBAN. No more synthetic fills that lump into big clusters never to be pulled apart again. We have a product that’s been designed to act like 100% down and never clump together. It matches goose down in terms of insulation and is long lasting and can withstand repeat washing without losing any of its performance. Hugely popular and sustainable in its manufacturing process.

There are so many options available, more than we could put on our website, so please get in touch for more information.

Animal welfare is highly important to us and all natural fillings used come purely as a by-product of the Food Industry. Working with the most reputable European Processors governed by EU Law, we can be assured strict controls and checks are in place providing traceability and accountability. European standards aim to ensure that down and feathers come from animals that have not been subjected to an any harm, practices that respect the humane treatment of ducks and geese. All of our products feature 100% cotton casings, and are all OEKO-TEX & Nomite certified.

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