7 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOWN DUVET

Why Are Down Duvets and Pillows So Different in Price?

You’ve probably noticed that down duvets and pillows come in a wide range of prices. The cheapest down duvets start at just a few dozen euros, while premium down duvets can cost thousands. But what exactly makes their prices so different? And what should you consider when buying a down duvet or pillow?

Raw Materials

Cheaper down products, especially those imported from Asia, are made from lower-quality feathers. These feathers have thicker quills and are longer in size. Large feather quills do not improve the warmth of the duvet and make it heavier. In higher-quality duvets and pillows, the feathers used are much smaller, measuring under 10 mm in length.

Most down product materials come from industrially farmed birds, but some exclusive duvets and pillows use down that is hand-collected from abandoned bird nests on North Sea islands. These are luxury products with prices exceeding €1,000.

The primary raw materials for down duvets and pillows are duck feathers and down.
Goose down duvets and pillows offer even better quality and are accordingly more expensive.

In many Asian countries, bird welfare is not considered when raising and processing birds. In contrast, in Europe—especially in Northern Europe—higher standards are set for bird welfare during farming and processing.

Composition

Down duvets and pillows are made from both feathers and down.
The ratio of these materials is crucial: the higher the down content, the warmer the duvet.

The highest-quality duvets and pillows contain 90% down and 10% feathers. These products provide excellent thermal insulation while remaining lightweight.

Good-quality compositions also include 60/40 and 50/50 ratios. These duvets still offer great warmth but are slightly heavier than 90% down duvets.

Cheaper duvets and pillows are 90% feathers and 10% down. These products have poorer insulation properties and are noticeably heavier.

Cleanliness of Filling Material

Since feathers and down are sourced from birds, they must be washed and cleaned. The more expensive the product, the more thoroughly the filling material has been cleaned and washed.

Despite multiple washes before production, down products may still have a specific "natural" smell after washing. This scent disappears once the product has dried and is a sign that it is made from natural materials. The more you wash the product, the weaker the smell becomes.

Outer Fabric

High-quality down duvets and pillows have a 100% natural cotton cover that is tightly woven to prevent the feathers and down from escaping.

The quality of the stitching is also essential—on lower-quality products, feathers may poke through the seams.

Breathability

High-quality down duvets made from natural materials are highly breathable—they wick moisture away from the body, preventing sweating.

A good duvet keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. Some manufacturers also offer lighter summer duvets specifically designed for warm weather.

Allergies and Bacteria

Natural and carefully washed down products are hypoallergenic.

Some products undergo additional treatments to prevent bacteria and ensure allergy-friendliness, such as nanotechnological silver ion treatments. These products are specifically labeled as such.

High-quality down products hold certifications from European allergy organizations and may also have various national certificates and recommendations.

Care and Longevity

Down duvets and pillows are generally machine washable at temperatures up to 60°C, but it's best to follow the manufacturer's care instructions.

Don’t be afraid to wash down products—on the contrary, high-quality down products become fluffier and more elastic with repeated washing. It’s also a good idea to air them out and shake them occasionally.

With proper care, a high-quality down product can last for decades, and some manufacturers even offer a 20-year warranty on their products.