You have surely heard many times about the feather and down. Both are used for quilts and pillows, but they have certain differences that you should know. Read the following note:
Generically, feathers are called all the plumage of birds. However, part of it is also what we call down.
Down is that which grows under the feathers that cover the chest of aquatic birds such as goose. The core of this material is almost invisible, appearing to only consist of very thin and smooth capillaries.
You may also be interested in: Feather Products: Myths and Truths.
Feathers are those that are always formed around a noticeable capillary, with thicker filaments. Both have thermal insulation capabilities, but they have some differences that we can highlight
Differences between feather and down:
- The down, unlike the feather, does not have a visible stem as the core of the fibers. This makes the softness of the down more noticeable.
However, it is something that must be taken into account depending on the person using a feather product. We mentioned this because adding feathers will give the pillow more consistency. The ideal percentage will depend on the client's preference.
A down comforter will also be lighter than a feather duvet by not having stems in it. It is also a choice that will depend on which is the ideal quilt for you.
- The amount of down found in a bird is much less in relation to the amount of feathers, so the price of down is always more expensive. Combining both in a pillow or quilt will also give you a very good quality product at a good price.
- Down is usually a better thermal insulator than feather due to the quality of its fibers. However, both are materials with good warmth.
Not to be confused with other materials that make you feel suffocated: being both natural fibers, they expel excess heat.
As they are very effective natural fibers for pillows and duvets, they also share certain characteristics that make them ideal for you:
- Both have thermal insulation superior to other natural or synthetic materials, making them ideal materials for a quilt.
- They are permeable to moisture. It means that they reduce or absorb sweat, giving you greater comfort at night.
- They reduce the probability of allergic reactions. Many studies endorse feather and down as recommended materials for people with allergies to mites and people with asthma, contrary to what is believed.
- A feature to highlight is its easy maintenance and cleaning. They are not materials that need constant washing (except for long periods of time). With good care, feather and down products will last for many years.
Both materials have their differences in characteristics and prices, and the choice of a feather and down product will vary according to your tastes. What you should take into account is that investing in a quality product will undoubtedly improve your sleep, and in the long run it will be an expense that you will not have to repeat for many years.
If you liked the note, do not hesitate to read our note on Perks of sleeping with a feather pillow.
