Why is everyone raving about Dreamaker's Goose Down Fibre Quilt, and exactly what is goose down fibre?
The differences between goose down fibre and goose down primarily revolve around their structure, feel, performance, and specific uses in bedding and apparel. Here’s a detailed look at what sets them apart:
Structure and Composition
Goose Down: Fluffier
- Composition: Goose down consists of the soft, fluffy clusters found under the feathers of geese. These clusters have a three-dimensional structure with thousands of tiny filaments radiating from a central core.
- Structure: The clusters interlock and create insulating air pockets, making goose down an excellent natural insulator.
Goose Down Fibre: Denser with Less Clumps
- Composition: Goose down fibre is composed of the individual filaments that make up the down clusters. These are separated from the core cluster, resulting in fine, filamentous fibres.
- Structure: The separated fibres are lighter and less clumpy, providing a more evenly distributed fill.
Feel and Comfort
Goose Down: Fluffier
- Feel: Goose down is exceptionally soft and plush, creating a luxurious feel. The clusters provide a cushioning effect, which many people find very comfortable.
- Comfort: The natural loft and fluffiness of goose down offer excellent comfort and support.
Goose Down Fibre: Softer
- Feel: Goose down fibre has a silky, feather-light feel due to the fine filaments. It feels incredibly soft against the skin, often perceived as even softer than regular goose down.
- Comfort: The fine fibres allow for a more even distribution, enhancing the overall comfort and creating a cloud-like sleeping surface.
Insulation and Temperature Regulation
Goose Down:
- Insulation: Goose down is known for its superior insulation properties. The clusters trap air effectively, providing warmth without adding much weight.
- Temperature Regulation: While excellent at retaining heat, goose down can sometimes be too warm for hot climates or warmer seasons.
Goose Down Fibre:
- Insulation: Goose down fibre also offers excellent insulation but with enhanced breathability. The individual filaments create air pockets that retain heat while allowing excess heat and moisture to escape.
- Temperature Regulation: This leads to better temperature regulation, making goose down fibre suitable for a wider range of climates and seasons.
Durability and Maintenance
Goose Down:
- Durability: High-quality goose down is durable and can last many years with proper care. However, it can clump over time, requiring regular fluffing and maintenance.
- Maintenance: It needs careful cleaning to maintain its properties and prevent degradation.
Goose Down Fibre:
- Durability: Goose down fibre tends to maintain its loft and structure better over time compared to regular down. It is less prone to clumping and flattening.
- Maintenance: Easier to maintain and clean, goose down fibre typically requires less frequent fluffing and is more resilient to wear and tear.
Hypoallergenic Properties
Goose Down:
- Allergen Potential: While high-quality goose down can be hypoallergenic if properly processed, it can sometimes harbour allergens if not cleaned thoroughly.
Goose Down Fibre:
- Allergen Potential: Goose down fibre, due to its fine and processed nature, tends to be more hypoallergenic. The rigorous cleaning process reduces the risk of allergens such as dust mites and dander.
Eco-Friendliness and Sustainability
Goose Down:
- Sustainable & Ethical: Goose down is a natural and biodegradable product. Ethical sourcing is crucial to ensure it is a by-product of the food industry and not harvested inhumanely.
Goose Down Fibre:
- Sustainable: Similarly, goose down fibre is also natural and biodegradable. Its durability and longevity make it an environmentally friendly choice, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Affordability
Goose Down: Average Double Size + $500 AUD
- Expensive: Goose down is incredibly expensive because its so highly prized, so most bedding brands prefer a mix of feather and down to reduce costs, with the more luxury quilts at 85/15 ratio down to feather, while cheaper ones are a 50/50. That average cost isn't even for a 100% down quilt.
100% Goose Down Fibre Quilt: Double Size > $300 AUD
- Affordable for most: We don't gatekeep! With our ethical repurposed goose down fibre, we were able to create a 100% Goose Down Fibre Quilt at a lower price than the average 80/20.
The Verdict?
While both goose down and goose down fibre offer exceptional comfort and insulation, goose down fibre provides enhanced softness, better temperature regulation, and improved hypoallergenic properties. On top of that, not only is it more affordable than the average goose down quilt, we can all experience that 100% goose down luxury every time we go to sleep!
