Goose vs. Duck Down Pillows: What’s the Difference?

June 01, 2024

What's the Difference between Goose and Duck Down Pillows?

When choosing a pillow for ultimate comfort and support, you’ll often come across two main types of down: goose and duck. Both goose down and duck down pillows offer luxurious softness and excellent insulation, but subtle differences might influence your choice. This post will explore the difference between goose down and duck down pillows, focusing on their unique characteristics, potential for allergic reactions, and how they can impact your sleep quality.

What is Down?

Down is the fine, fluffy undercoating found beneath birds' feathers, primarily ducks and geese. Unlike feathers, down clusters are soft and lack the quill, making them perfect for creating plush, comfortable pillows. Down clusters trap air efficiently, providing excellent insulation and loft. Loft is the measure of the "fluffiness" of down and only down has loft, feathers have no loft. It refers to the number of cubic inches that one ounce of down will fill. The loft of good quality down can range from about 550 but can range from about 300 to 800.

Goose Down vs. Duck Down Pillows: Key Differences

1. Warmth and Fill Power

One of the primary differences between goose down and duck down pillows is the fill power, which measures the loft and insulating properties of the down. Generally, goose down feathers have a higher fill power because their clusters are larger. This results in a fluffier pillow that provides better support and retains its shape longer.

2. Allergic Reactions to Down Feathers

Concerns about allergic reactions to down feathers are common when choosing a pillow. While both goose down and duck down can potentially trigger allergies, the likelihood is reduced with high-quality down that has been thoroughly cleaned. In fact it is not the down or feathers themselves that trigger allergies it is impurities on them due to improper or inadequate cleaning. 

Canadian down used by Pillowpacker Inflatable Travel Pillows is steam cleaned over a dozen times to surpass international standards. So without any residue our down is as close to hypoallergenic as a natural product can be.

3. Odor

Duck down tends to retain more odour than goose down because ducks are often in oilier environments. However, our high-quality cleaning processes described earlier alleviate this issue so be confident with your purchase or our duck down pillows.

4. Durability

Goose down pillows are often more durable than duck down pillows. The larger clusters of goose down are more resilient, meaning they can retain their loft and shape for longer, providing consistent comfort and support.

5. Price and Availability

Duck down is more abundant and generally less expensive than goose down. If budget is a significant factor, duck-down pillows offer a cost-effective alternative while providing excellent comfort and insulation.

Comparing Pillowpacker’s Goose Down and Duck Down Pillows

Pillowpacker offers goose down and duck down pillows designed to meet different needs and preferences.

• Goose Down Inflatable Travel Pillow: This pillow 800 loft pillow provides superior loft and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those who want luxury and durability. The Hutterite white goose down clusters offer excellent insulation and support, perfect for a restful sleep during travel.
• Duck Down Inflatable Travel Pillow: These 600 and 700 loft pillows are fantastic options for those looking for high-quality comfort at a more affordable price. They are still plush and supportive, making them great companions for long flights or road trips.

Benefits of Using Down Pillows

• Comfort and Support: Both goose and duck down pillows provide excellent comfort and support, conforming to the shape of your head and neck for optimal rest.
• Temperature Regulation: Down pillows naturally regulate temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
• Lightweight and Packable: Inflatable down pillows, like those from Pillowpacker, are lightweight and easy to pack, making them ideal for travel.

Choosing between goose-down and duck down pillows ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. Goose down pillows offer higher fill power, durability, and more loft while duck pillows provide a cost-effective solution without sacrificing comfort. Regardless of your choice, Pillowpacker Inflatable Travel Pillows promise a comfortable and restful sleep, whether at home or on the go.

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