The quality of goose down is determined first by its Fill Power and then by its Hygiene (how well it has been cleaned).
1. Fill Power
The main criterion for evaluating the quality of goose and duck down is its fill power (FP). It is an indicator of durability, volumetric capacity and fluffiness.
Technically, it represents a three-digit number obtained from laboratory analysis and indicates the volume occupied by one ounce (28.35 grams) of down, expressed in cubic inches (cuin). For example, the new Polish goose down has a fill power of 800 cuin, which means that one ounce of it occupies 800 cubic inches of space, while the new French duck down with a fill power (FP) of 620 cuin, will occupy less space than that.
We apologize that the units of measurement are different from ours, but just focus on this three-digit number to compare the different qualities.
You will say: yes, okay. And?
Basically it is very simple: Higher filling power clearly means better quality because:
• Down is bigger, takes up more space and therefore holds more air, which means better insulation!
• Down is more mature and better developed, so it will be stronger, more durable and will maintain its insulating and thermoregulatory properties for a longer period of time.
• Its ability to expand back to its original volume after pressure (such as pressure from your body or head, frequent washing and more...) will be much better and more durable.
And to be more specific and clear, all this means the following when it comes to goose down bedding:
• Your pillow will be softer, fluffier, will regain its volume faster and you will have it with you for many years. It will maintain its unique properties for a long time.
• Your down or goose down duvet will be softer, fluffier, more insulating and will last you an exceptionally long time. Lighter, because for the same level of insulation (warmth), you will need less down. For example, a down duvet with a fill power of 750 cuin compared to a down duvet with a fill power of 400 cuin, will have almost half the amount of filling!
Some myths about down quality and fill power:
• A higher fill power does not mean a warmer duvet. It also depends on other factors such as the weight of the filling in the duvet, the fabric and the construction of the duvet.
• Goose down is better than duck down. False. High-quality duck down (FP 620-750 cuin) is better than medium or low-quality goose down (FP 500-600 cuin).
• The higher the fill power (FP), the denser and heavier the pillow or duvet. False, it depends on the weight of the filling.
2.Hygiene
How clean it is: If not properly cleaned, down can harbor dust, mites, and odors. Most people who experience an allergic reaction to goose down are actually experiencing a reaction to the dust and mites in the contaminated down.
Therefore, the cleanliness and hygiene of down is guaranteed by various laboratory tests that good producers use to ensure that the down is completely clean: Oxygen and Turbidity.
• Oxygen number analysis indicates the presence of organic materials.
• The lower the oxygen number of the down, the better. Its scale is from 1 to 30+ and according to European standards it should be below 20.
• The turbidity test indicates the presence of dust and other inorganic matter that may be present in the down.
• The higher the number (scale from 20 to 1000), the better.
Of course, these tests and analyses are standardized according to the European Standard EN 12935 “Requirements for the hygiene and cleanliness of down”. All Poohy products have down and feather fillings that strictly meet this standard and the oxygen number is below 10, usually around 4.8 and the turbidity exceeds 1000.
