Comparing Down, Feather and Synthetic fillings

Generally goose down is regarded as superior to duck down. Goose down is lighter and has higher fill power, made possible due to the goose down clusters being larger than the duck down clusters. This results in increase volume, having more air volume to absorb body heat. Feathers, however, are larger, heavier and more rigid, having fewer air pockets to retain the warm air and is therefore a poorer insulator. Feather fillings are also uncomfortable as the quills pierce through the duvet or pillow fabric.

Down, feather and synthetic filling comparison chart

Goose Down

Advantages

  • Nature’s best insulator.
  • Has superior fill power and as a result is warmer than duck down, and much lighter than all other fills. It also it remains "fluffy" for longer than feathers.
  • Can last a lifetime as nothing causes it to break down.
  • More comfortable as down does not have feather quills.

Disadvantages

  • Goose down costs more.

Goose Feather and Down Mix

Advantages

  • Added feathers provide extra support.
  • Feather and down mix costs less than full goose down.

Disadvantages

  • The feathers have quills that may poke you.
  • Feathers don't last as long as down.

Duck Down

Advantages

  • Better insulation.
  • Good fill power – remains fluffy for longer than feathers.
  • More comfortable as down does not have feather quills.

Disadvantages

  • Doesn’t last as long as goose down.
  • Duck down clusters are not as strong as goose down clusters - so they tend to shift.

Duck Feather

Advantages

  • Cheap

Disadvantages

  • Doesn’t last as long as down.
  • Poor fill power.
  • The feathers' quills poke you.

Synthetic Down

Advantages

  • Cheap
  • Feels better than fibre puff.

Disadvantages

  • Poor fill power.
  • Poor insulation.