Which Type Of Bedding Person Are You? 

Have you ever picked up an interior design magazine and flicked through the pages before stopping on a quiz titled “What Your Bedroom Decor Says About Your Personality?”. Some of you may have diligently answered all the questions. While the rest of you may have rolled your eyes in exasperation. Regardless of which category you tend to fall into, your personal preferences do play a large factor in the type of bedding that you prefer. 

Choosing the right product for your bed can be tricky, especially if you are not sure what you are looking for. Not only do you have to take filling into consideration, but you also need to pay attention to weight, loft, and price. 

Two of the most widely known fillings for bedding products are Down and feather. Yet, what exactly are the differences between them? And how do you know which is best: Down vs feather bedding? In this post, we will look at both these materials from a variety of considerations: how are they sourced, manufactured, and the benefits of each.  

 

Down Vs Feather Bedding: The Basics 

Some of you may be wondering if there is a difference between Down and feather. The answer is yes. While both are sourced either from duck or geese, the filling material that you choose can make a substantial difference when it comes to duvets, pillows and mattress protectors.

So, let’s get down to the basics. 

 

What Is Feather? 

Bedding manufacturers use the feathers of water birds (geese and ducks) as part of their products. These feathers cover the outside of the bird’s body and are known for their strength due to their primary function being for flight and protection. 

Feathers are flat, two-dimensional, and have a strong quill that runs down the center. Due to their quill and hair-like strands, feathers tend to be quite heavy and large. The most common types of feathers used are the:

• Large flight feathers which are found on top of the wings and tail
• Small flight feathers which are naturally flat and offer very limited bounce
• Body feathers which are naturally curved and often used in pillows and featherbeds

The Pros and Cons of Feather Bedding

One of the greatest advantages of purchasing feather bedding, especially a feather duvet, is the fact that due to the size of the feathers, you can guarantee a supportive and warm duvet, but without you getting too hot. It has also been noted as a good all year round duvet choice.  

On the downside, feathers are known for being stiff and the long quill that runs down its middle can poke through the feather duvet and your delicate bedsheets. While it ticks boxes in the warmth department, when it comes to comfort, softness, and flexibility there are better alternatives out there. 

 

What Is Down?

Down, on the other hand, refers to the light fluffy feathers that are found underneath a bird’s outer feathers, generally on the stomach area. The purpose of Down is to keep the bird warm. These feathers are found in clusters and are noted for their insulating properties. 

Down is much lighter and softer in comparison to feathers. It has a three-dimensional structure that offers a natural spring back and has a round centre known as a plumule rather than a quill. Due to its more flexible and softer nature, it offers a greater ability to trap air and heat than other bedding alternatives. 

 

The Pros And Cons Of Down Bedding

One of the main advantages of choosing a bedding product that uses Down is the fact that you are guaranteed great insulating properties. You can have a lightweight, yet warm and comfy, duvet without compromising on warmth. Down duvets, especially Canadian Down duvets, are also known for being long-lasting and more durable.  

So, if you’re looking for a duvet that will keep you warm, comfy, and has a tendency to last for between ten and fifteen years then Down is a great choice for you.  

With that said, Down duvets and other Down bedding products can come with the downside of being more expensive. While you’ll be guaranteed a product that is made of high-quality material, it is worth keeping their cost in mind if this is a concern for you. 

 

Are These Materials Ethically Harvested And Manufactured?  

Here at Westex, we are strong advocates for the sustainable and ethical treatment of ducks and geese. We are proud partners of the Down Association of Canada and all of our down and feather products are Downmark Certified. 

As part of the manufacturing process, the Westex team want to ensure that you are receiving high-quality products that are hypoallergenic and comply with the strictest international standards of cleanliness. All of our Down and feather products are treated with Ultra-Fresh Antimicrobial Technology during the cleaning process. This solution inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi and mildew ensuring that bedding is kept fresh, clean and more durable. 

 

Enjoy The Best Of Both: Explore Westex’s Down And Feather Bedding Selection

Westex’s extensive selection of bedding means that you can enjoy the benefits of both Down and feather. We proudly use a range of Down and feather materials including:

Westex Canadian Down and Feather Duvets & Pillows - These products are ethically sourced, local to Canada, and are made with either Canadian Hutterite White Goose or Brome Lake Down and Feather options. 

Westex Recycled Down and Feather - These items are sourced using European Down and feather and are produced in Canada to provide sustainable, breathable and natural products. 

Westex Down Alternative Options - Westex also has an extensive range of Down alternative duvets and pillows that are made with materials such as bamboo, silk and recycled microgel materials. 

Bedding Fill: Why It Matters 

In today’s bedding market, consumers have endless options when it comes to materials, styles and fabrics. That is why it is important to carry out some research into the different kinds of duvet and pillow fill available before making a purchasing decision. 

As we mentioned above, when it comes to down vs feather, they both have obvious pros and cons. If you are looking for a product that is more supportive then you may be more of a feather person. On the other hand, if comfort and flexibility are high on your list then a down duvet and down pillow may be more to your liking. 

Still undecided? Why not choose a bedding product that combines both materials to offer a product that is durable, breathable, hypoallergenic and comfortable. We spend a large amount of time in our beds during our lifetime, so why not ensure that your duvets and pillows match your bedding preferences perfectly.

 

Partner with a Leading Canadian Bedding Manufacturer

At Westex, we are proud manufacturers of luxury bedding items including Down and Down-Alternative duvets. If you're a retail buyer and are interested in a partnership opportunity, get in touch with our team today and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.