After a long day, many of us crave a luxurious, restful sleep. And when we crawl under a fluffy duvet or blanket filled with down feathers, we feel the tension of the day melt away. But not all down bedding products are created equal. How to choose bedding like duck down vs goose down is a debate worth exploring to find the best option for your ideal sleep experience. Our guide will help you confidently choose between duck down and goose down to create a hotel-level sleep experience at home.
Yumerest makes the decision easier with their cloud-like fluffy duvets stuffed with natural ducks down. Not only do these blankets offer superior comfort and temperature regulation, but they also help create a restful sleep environment that can alleviate allergies and night sweats.
What Is Down Bedding And Why Is It A Top Choice For Luxury Bedding?
Down bedding is made from the soft under-feathers of ducks or geese, not the outer feathers. This natural insulating material is lightweight, breathable, and capable of regulating temperature. These properties contribute to its widespread reputation for comfort.
Nature’s Lightweight Insulator
Down is a fine layer of wispy fibers that lie between the protective outer feathers and the skin of waterfowl like geese and ducks. It grows in large clusters and small clusters. Birds use their down the same way we use it, for insulation. Down keeps the birds warm. It also increases the bird’s buoyancy.
Down fibers differ from feathers in that they don’t have a stiff central quill. Instead, each plume of down consists of many tiny fibers that radiate out from a central point with fine filaments radiating from each fiber. Each ounce of down contains around 2 million filaments that intertwine and cross over one another in all directions.
How Down Traps Warmth with Air Pockets
The unique structure of the down clusters gives the material its excellent insulation property. When many down clusters are loosely bunched together (or lofted), they create structures that trap air between the fibers.
As heat radiates from your body, it warms the air pockets trapped within. This keeps you warm and slows heat loss. This works because air insulates incredibly well and doesn’t conduct much heat.
Duck Down vs Goose Down: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to choosing down bedding, you have options. The two most common types of down are duck down and goose down.
Soft Warmth for Cozy Nights
Duck Down is a favorite for those seeking to add a touch of luxury to their bedroom. Duck down is the soft, insulating fluff beneath a duck's feathers.
This fine material traps air to keep ducks warm in cold conditions. When used in our premium duvets, duck down provides exceptional warmth and comfort, making those chilly nights a thing of the past.
Superior Loft for Restful Sleep
Goose down is a more luxurious filling than duck, making it the ideal option for anyone seeking a revitalizing night's sleep. Like duck down, goose down consists of soft, insulating clusters. Since geese are larger than ducks, their down clusters are bigger, offering even greater insulation and comfort.
The Benefits of Down Bedding
Understanding why down is a top choice for luxury bedding can help you appreciate its value. Here are three key benefits:
Down is Oh So Soft
Down is delicate and light, making it gloriously soft. It’s also flexible, allowing for a comfortable fit without clumping.
Temperature Regulation
Down's natural crisscross pattern traps air, providing warmth in the winter and breathability in the summer. Its moisture-wicking properties also help maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature throughout the year. Our guide on bedding across the seasons can provide you with additional advice on achieving a perfect sleep temperature year-round.
Down is Good for Our Planet
Choosing down is an environmentally conscious decision. As a natural by-product, it reduces waste and offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic fillings.
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Duck Down vs. Goose Down Guide for Smarter Bedding Decisions
Goose and duck down perform about the same at a given fill power. There is no significant performance difference between the two. There are very few differences in terms of price, fill power, quality, color, and more. In this section, I’ll outline the differences and pros and cons to help you determine whether or not cheaper duck down can compare to tried and true goose down.
Pricing and Availability of Goose and Duck Down
Duck down is cheaper than goose down. The primary reason for this is that there is a larger supply of ducks, as more ducks are raised worldwide than geese. Down is a byproduct of the food industry. Birds are not raised solely for their down.
Cost Differences Explained
Manufacturers can source duck down at a significantly lower cost than goose down. For example, 850 fill goose down costs around $13 per ounce. 800 fill duck down costs just $9 per ounce.
That’s a difference of $4 per ounce. If a sleeping bag requires 15 ounces of down, that means the goose-down version will cost $65.10 more in materials, which is a significant difference. Some of these savings get passed on to consumers.
Why Goose Down Costs More Than Duck Down
Of course, manufacturers pay less than this due to economies of scale. Higher-end down with a higher fill power also costs more. On average, a goose down product costs around 30-50% more than a comparable duck-down version.
Down wasn’t always so expensive. The price has increased substantially over the past decade. For example, according to this article from the Wall Street Journal, in 2009, goose down cost $12 per pound. By 2012, it cost $28. The article is somewhat outdated now, but prices have continued to increase.
What’s Driving the Rising Cost of Goose Down?
There are two primary causes of this decline in prices. First is the increased demand for ultralight-down jackets and sleeping bags. More people want high-end outdoor gear. Second is a decrease in demand for goose meat and eggs.
Most down is produced in China, where people's diets are changing and fewer farms are raising geese. There is a much smaller supply of goose down available these days.
Why Brands Are Choosing Duck Down Over Goose
Because goose down has become so expensive, many outdoors manufacturers are switching to lower-cost duck down to keep the prices of their products reasonable. After all, most casual campers don’t want to pay $500 for a goose-down sleeping bag.
Size Matters: Goose Down vs. Duck Down
The primary difference between duck down and goose down is the size of the down cluster. Goose down has larger clusters compared to duck down.
The barbules are also placed further apart, allowing more air to be trapped between the clusters. This makes goose down have higher insulation rates compared to duck down of the same fill weight.
Fill Power: Goose Down vs. Duck Down
If you're shopping for down bedding, you've probably noticed that each product lists its “fill power." Fill power refers to the number of cubic inches that one oz. of down can fill when lofted (fluffed up). So if you see a comforter that lists 800 fill power, for example, that means one oz. of down fills 800 cubic inches of space.
Down ranges from about 450 to 1,000 fill power, with the most common range being 600 to 800 fill power. High-end fill is considered to be anything with a fill power of 750 or higher.
Fill power matters for a couple of reasons:
Weight
The higher the fill power, the less amount of down is needed to fill your bedding. And when less down is used, your bedding will weigh less and take up less space when compressed. If you're looking for the lightest and most compact bedding possible, go for one with high fill power.
Why Goose Down Has Higher Fill Power
As you shop, you'll see that goose-down bedding is available with higher fill power than duck-down bedding. The maximum fill power for goose down is about 1,000, while the maximum fill power for duck down is about 800.
That's because geese are larger than ducks, and they tend to live in colder climates, so their down clusters are generally bigger and fluffier. Additionally, geese are slightly older than ducks when their feathers are harvested, allowing the down to develop into larger plumes over a more extended period.
Same Fill Power, Same Performance
Since the fill power of both goose and duck down is measured in a lab using the same method, it's easy to compare the two types of down side by side.
Goose and duck-down perform about the same for a given fill power, so if you see a 600-fill power goose-down comforter and a 600-fill power duck-down comforter, you can rest assured that there's no significant performance difference between the two.
Insulation: Goose Down vs. Duck Down
The difference between goose down and duck down in terms of insulation is generally minimal. These two types of downs have similar structures. As such, they offer almost the same warmth.
Down Percentage Matters More Than Fill Power Alone
When it comes to insulation, the percentage of down material plays a significant role. While goose down is usually warmer, insulation depends heavily on the amount of goose down incorporated into the product.
That means two ounces of duck down with 500 fill power is much warmer than an ounce of goose down with 700 fill power. More clusters create more air pockets that trap air and provide warmth.
Durability: Goose Down vs. Duck Down
In terms of the fillings’ durability, there isn’t a significant difference between goose down and duck down. Both of these fillings are equally durable against washing and wear and tear.
No Clear Winner in Durability
The durability of any down filling is dependent on the fat and oil content in the down. There isn’t much of an inherent difference in the fat and oil content of either goose or duck down; many other variables, such as weather, feeding, and the general condition of the birds, influence this factor.
Some birds simply have more fat and oil than others, but this isn’t contingent on whether the bird is a duck or goose. As such, there is no discernible difference in the durability between these two types of down.
Why Proper Down Processing Matters for Durability
For downfilling to remain resilient, pliable, and insulating, it must contain a certain percentage of fat and oil. If, during manufacturing, the down filling is overwashed, it will lose too much of its oil and fat, causing the down to become dry and brittle, which in turn reduces its durability and fill power.
Quality products from reputable suppliers (like us at Downland) are adequately processed to preserve the right amount of fat and oil; this ensures the down filling is highly durable from the first night of use.
Down Odor: Goose Down vs. Duck Down
As down is a natural filling, duck down and goose down products can give off an aroma when brand new. Both of these fillings have been known to have an odor upon their first use.
If you have an acute sense of smell, then you may notice a very slight odor irrespective of whether the down is duck down or goose down. Minor differences in odor may arise between the two types of down depending on the feeding habits of the source animal.
What Causes the Natural Scent in Down Products?
The subtle scent that down products emit is also related to the fat and oil content of the filling. These natural substances can give down pillows and duvets a slight odor to those with an acute sense of smell.
As geese and ducks have slightly different feeding habits, there may be a minor difference in how their smells; it would be a matter of personal opinion on which filling has a more noticeable smell.
How to Remove the Natural Smell from Down Bedding
Regardless, the initial natural aroma of a down duvet or pillow is easily remedied if present. We recommend running all the products through the wash before using them for the first time.
An alternative method to reduce any down aroma is to air out your duvet and pillows; treat them with a sprinkling of baking soda before placing them outside in the fresh air, ideally in the sun.
Color: Goose Down vs. Duck Down
Both goose-down and duck-down fillings come in shades of white and mottled grey. Neither the bird nor the color of its own will inherently impact the quality of the filling.
Considering the luxury standard of this filling, pure white down is the most desirable color for pillows and duvets. This is solely from an aesthetic point of view; in reality, the color of the down clusters has no impact on the filling’s quality, whether they’re pure white or grey.
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How to Pick the Right Down for Your Sleep Preferences
When picking a down comforter, think about allergies. Not all down is the same for sensitive sleepers. You might need a hypoallergenic option. Here is what to know.
What to Know Before You Buy
Goosedown can trap more allergens than duck down. It's because of its larger clusters.
Additionally, some comforters feature special covers designed to block allergens. Look for 'hypoallergenic' labels on products. These items go through extra cleaning to remove irritants.
Always check the fill power and type of down used. This info can help you make a safer choice for your health. Remember to read the care labels. They often include tips to keep allergies at bay. Simple measures can create a comfy, allergy-free sleep zone.
Maintenance and Care Tips
To keep your down comforter in top shape, follow these simple tips:
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Wash Sparingly: Down comforters don't need frequent washing. Spot clean minor stains and air it out occasionally.
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Gentle Cycle: If washing is necessary, use a gentle cycle with a mild detergent in a large commercial machine.
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Low Heat Drying: Dry your comforter on a low heat setting. Add tennis balls to the dryer to prevent clumping.
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of bleach and fabric softeners. They can damage down.
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Storage: Store your comforter in a breathable bag in a cool, dry place when not in use. Proper care extends the life and effectiveness of your down bedding.
How to Pick the Right Down for Your Climate and Sleep Preferences
Picking the right one for your climate and sleep style is key. Here are simple tips:
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For cold climates, opt for high-fill-power goose down. It offers the best warmth.
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In mild climates, duck down is a solid, cost-effective choice.
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If you sleep hot, opt for a lighter fill-weight comforter.
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For those who feel cold at night, opt for heavier down with more full weight.
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By matching down types to your climate and sleep habits, you ensure cozy nights.
Get Deep Sleep Every Night with Our Cloud-like, Soft, Fluffy Duvets
Since duck down and goose down possess similar properties, personal preference often dictates which one you choose. Some people prefer the more luxurious feel of goose down, while others like the slightly firmer texture of duck down. Either way, you can rest easy knowing that both varieties will keep you warm and cozy for years to come.
Cloud-Like Comfort, Year-Round
Yumerest's PureFlow Duvet transforms your bedroom into a luxurious sanctuary, enveloping you in cloud-like softness with its exceptional 5kg filling, which promotes more profound and restorative sleep.
This premium Canadian duvet stands apart from competitors like Happy Fluffy Cloud and Hush through its ethically sourced northern down that perfectly regulates temperature year-round, never too hot, just perfectly cozy.
Tradition Meets Restful Innovation
Crafted by expert artisans using techniques perfected since 1946, our duvets combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to deliver an unparalleled sleeping experience.
The PureFlow bundle, featuring our heavenly duvet, elegant cover, and calming sleep mist, creates a complete sleep sanctuary that helps busy professionals and parents finally achieve the rejuvenating rest they deserve.
Enjoy deep sleep every night with our cloud-like fluffy duvets.
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