When you hear the words “Down” and “Feather” used to describe a fill material inside a product, what do you think of?
Do you think they are the same thing?
Some of you might, but the answer is No - they are not the same!
They are related to each other in respect to both being a natural material sourced from a waterfowl bird, but down and feather each have vastly different compositions. Each will provide unique aspects for your consideration to establish what your use priorities when purchasing a finished product.
Feathers provide some stability and firmness within an item such as a pillow or mattress topper. Feathers are described as either large or small and are mandated by government labelling and testing requirements to adhere to a certain size when using that description.
Down or Down Cluster is the material used for warmth. It is most often described using the term; loft or fill power. This is how Down is measured and referenced around the world. Loft /fill power numbers are considered better as the number gets higher. And by better, meaning that a higher fill power number equates to a larger size Down Cluster and usually comes from a more mature waterfowl bird which is what makes it better. A larger the Down Cluster has the ability to trap more air and circulate it for body warmth and body temperature control. The larger the Down Cluster, usually the puffier the item seems based on the how much volume of the fill is used inside.
As the Not For Profit Canadian Association for Down & Feather Manufacturers or Processors, we belong to the International Down & Feather Bureau (IDFB) which is the global world trade organization for the Down & Feather Industry. All members of the IDFB work together on work conducted by the IDFB which establishes industry definitions and testing standards worldwide so that consumers can have clarity in understanding terminology for products what they are researching to buy. The standardization and protocols established help consumers to buy with confidence and integrity.