Feathers
What’s the Difference? Feather vs. Down
have a central quill with flat vanes branching from them. In bedding, typically from ducks or geese, feathers vary in size and quality. Feather-filled pillows tend to be firmer and are a more economical choice. While they may flatten over time, blending with down or synthetics can enhance durability and loftiness.
Down
is the natural insulating material found beneath the outer feathers of waterfowl like ducks and geese. Goose down provides warmth, softness, resilience, loftiness, and insulating properties, which makes its quality unmatched compared to synthetic fills. Down helps control body temperature, as well as body alignment when sleeping. It's lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for bedding products like pillows and comforters. Down clusters are known for their resilience and ability to maintain their loft over time, contributing to a comfortable and cozy sleep experience.
What is Fill Power?
Fill power is a measure of the quality and loftiness of goose down, which is a material commonly used in bedding products like comforters and pillows. It tells us how much space one ounce of down fills when it's compressed. A higher fill power means that the down clusters are larger and can trap more air, which makes them fluffier and more insulating. Essentially, a higher fill power indicates a higher quality and more luxurious product because it can provide better warmth without adding extra weight. So, when you see a fill power number like 800, it means the down is exceptionally fluffy and excellent at keeping you warm.
Firmness is a Personal Preference
Some prefer their pillows to be fluffy and airy, while others prefer more dense and full. Certain firmness levels are better suited for specific sleeping positions. For instance, stomach sleepers may prefer less density, so a soft/medium pillow would be a perfect choice. For those who sleep on their back or side, more density is usually desired so a medium/firm pillow would be best. The amount of filling material inside the pillow affects its firmness. A pillow with more filling tends to be firmer, while one with less filling is softer. In down pillows, the fill power (measured in FP) determines the loftiness and fluffiness of the down clusters. Higher fill power down creates a softer and more luxurious pillow.