Believe it or not, down is not the same as feathers.
Natural down is the light, fluffy layer beneath the feathers that geese and ducks grow to keep warm. It consists of millions of filaments that grow from a central point, giving it a structure that closely resembles a dandelion flower. This three-dimensional structure traps air and insulates exceptionally well, providing natural warmth while wicking moisture away from the body. It is widely used in duvets, pillows, jackets, sleeping bags and other products.
Feathers are often presented as down, but they are not the same thing. Unlike down — which is light and soft — a feather has a central quill with fibres on both sides. It is harder and does not insulate as well as down. Because of this firmness, feathers are very popular in pillows and mattress toppers, where, mixed with varying amounts of down, they provide good body and head support.
Feathers are also used in duvets where more weight and an accessible price point are required. At Poohy, we use specially selected duck and goose feathers, chosen for their curved shape and elasticity, to provide maximum comfort and support. As a natural product, they are also breathable and help improve ventilation inside the filling.
As the names suggest, duck down and goose down come from ducks and geese respectively. In fact, only three species of waterfowl produce down: ducks, geese and swans. As protected animals, swans are not used for food or any other commercial purpose — so you will not find down or feathers from them on the market.
In terms of origin, most down and feathers come from China, followed by Europe (Hungary, Poland and France) and the Americas (USA and Canada).
In China, duck and goose farming is an industry comparable to chicken farming in Europe — a duck or goose to a Chinese farmer is what a chicken is to a European one. However, much of the Chinese down comes from immature animals and therefore tends to have a lower fill power and less durability over time.
We are often asked whether down from one country is better than from another. The answer is no. The most important factor that determines the quality of down is its fill power. For example, Hungarian down with a fill power of 800 cuin is of the same quality as Polish down with a fill power of 800 cuin.
To claim that the down we use at Poohy is superior simply because it comes from France or Poland is not credible on its own. What we can meaningfully compare is fill power.
Many products are labelled "European down," which may mean a blend from different regions across Europe — including Poland and Hungary — and may also include material from other origins. The designation "European duck down" or "European goose down" is a statement of origin, not a measure of quality.
Finally, "Siberian down" has become a popular marketing term in recent years — but in reality, ducks and geese do not inhabit Siberia. The name has effectively become a trademark rather than a genuine geographic designation.
