Goose down in duvets - the benefits

Down is recognised as the world’s best natural insulator:

Warmth -  Down provides approximately three times the warmth per gram compared to even the best synthetics.  Down also provides the greatest warmth to weight ratio (that’s why it’s the choice for mountaineers in jackets and sleeping bags). There are typically 2 million interlocking fluffy filaments for every 30 grams of down.  These interlock and overlap to create pockets of air, which is what keeps you warm.

Durability -  When properly looked after down will maintain its loft and insulation for many years.

Comfort -  Synthetics can clump together over time leaving cold spots.  Down continually re-lofts and moulds itself to your body.  Downs ability to wick away moisture and to breathe avoids the clamminess issues that are sometimes felt with synthetics.  Sleep under a down then a synthetic duvet and you’ll really feel the difference.  We tested lots!

Natural -  Down has evolved over thousands of years to be the perfect insulator.  What’s more we love it because its natural, biodegradable and recyclable It will last for decades.

Breathability -  Because down is naturally breathable it reduces the moisture trapped in our bedding as we sleep.  This makes it a very poor habitat for dust mites which rely on high humidity to live.

The difference between down and feathers

Not all feathers are the same and not all down is the same.  There are different grades and qualities.  How the down or feather is treated also has an impact.  

Feathers are typically larger and heavier than down.  They have a quill which runs down the centre of the feather giving them more weight. Feathers are long and flat (whilst down is spherical), so more feathers are needed to provide the same amount of insulation as down because they trap less air.

Feathers come in different grades. Some are large and spiky, whilst others are fine, almost like down. 

With the scooms duvet, we decided after testing to add some feathers to provide the duvet with a bit more weight.  This helps the duvet to drape over your body. The feathers we use are very small new white Hungarian goose feathers. They are more expensive but worth it, given how much time you spend wrapped in your duvet!

The difference between goose down and duck down

The quality of the down is important when making a comparison. So a low quality goose down is not as good as a high quality duck down. However, overall we think goose down is better due to its high fill power.

To get down with a high fill power requires large down clusters. These wispy spherical structures of down provide exceptional loft and warmth. And geese, being larger than ducks, produce sufficiently large plumules (down feathers).

Goose down is also more resilient meaning that it lasts longer and stays as comfortable as the day you bought your duvet.

The scooms duvet is filled with lovely cosy new white Hungarian goose down. 

Hungarian goose down and feathers

Not all down is the same.  Many countries produce down.  The climate, genetics of the geese and how it is processed all have a big impact.  We think pure Hungarian down is the best.

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