The filling determines how warm a duvet or pillow is, how much it weighs, how it is washed and whether it suits allergy sufferers. In this guide we compare the most popular fillings we use for duvets and pillows at AMW: down, feathers, wool, cotton and synthetic fibres.
At a glance
- Down – the lightest and warmest for its weight, and highly breathable.
- Feathers – springy and durable, giving firm support, especially in pillows.
- Wool – regulates temperature and wicks moisture well.
- Cotton – breathable, good for summer and for people who overheat easily.
- Synthetic fibres – light, easy to wash, a popular choice for allergy sufferers.
Down
Down consists of soft clusters from the breasts of geese and ducks – without a hard quill. It traps a lot of air, which is why it provides the most warmth for the least weight. A down duvet is warm yet light, wicks moisture well and, with proper care, lasts for many years. Goose down is usually loftier than duck down.
Feathers
Feathers are small goose and duck feathers. They are heavier than down and springier, so they work well in pillows that need to give the head firm support. In duvets, feathers are usually combined with down – this blend is durable and less expensive than pure down.
A down and feather filling can be refreshed after years of use. We describe how this works in our guide Down duvet and feather pillow renovation.
Wool
Sheep’s wool – as well as camel wool, cashmere and alpaca – lets air through, absorbs moisture and helps keep your body temperature stable while you sleep. A wool duvet keeps you warm in winter, yet in summer it doesn’t cause overheating the way many synthetic fillings do. However, it needs gentler care.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural, breathable filling that absorbs moisture well. Cotton duvets are thin and light, so they work well in summer and for people who sweat easily at night.
Synthetic fibres
Polyester fibres – such as siliconised fibre or fibre balls – are light, springy and easy to wash, even at higher temperatures. That is why allergy sufferers and families with young children often choose them. A well-chosen synthetic filling keeps its loft for a long time, although it wicks moisture less effectively than down.
Read more about fillings for allergy sufferers in our guide Which pillow for allergy sufferers?
Filling comparison
| Filling | Warmth | Weight | Care | For allergy sufferers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Down | very high | very light | ideally at a specialist down cleaner | for some – in a down-proof casing |
| Feathers | high | heavier than down | ideally at a specialist down cleaner | for some – in a down-proof casing |
| Wool | medium to high | medium | gentle wash | depends on the person |
| Cotton | low | light | machine washable | yes |
| Synthetic fibres | low to high | light | machine washable | yes |
How to choose a filling
- Do you feel cold at night or have a cool bedroom? Choose down or wool.
- Do you get hot quickly? Go for cotton, a lighter down duvet or a duvet with breathable mesh.
- Do you have allergies or want to wash your bedding often? Choose synthetic fibres.
- Do you like a firm, springy pillow? Choose feathers or a feather and down blend.
We describe all the fillings we use on the Materials page, and our duvet constructions on the AMW technology page. We explain how to match a duvet to the season in our guide Summer or winter duvet?
Frequently asked questions about fillings
What is the difference between down and feathers?
Down consists of soft clusters without a quill, while feathers are small plumes with a quill. Down is lighter and warmer; feathers are heavier and springier.
Which duvet filling is the warmest?
Down gives the most warmth for the least weight. However, a duvet’s warmth also depends on its type (summer, all-year, winter) and its construction.
Which filling is best for allergy sufferers?
Usually synthetic fibres, which can be washed at high temperatures. Some allergy sufferers also sleep well under down in a down-proof casing – it is worth discussing this with your doctor.
Can I wash a down duvet at home?
Small duvets and pillows – yes, if the care label with washing symbols and the capacity of your washing machine allow it. A large down duvet is better taken to a professional down cleaning service.
About the author: AMW Nawrot
This guide was prepared by the team at AMW Nawrot sp.k., a family-run manufacturer of duvets, pillows and mattresses from Pyrzowice, Poland, with a tradition dating back to 1915. We make duvets and pillows filled with down, feathers, wool and synthetic fibres in our own factories in Pyrzowice and Czeladź. You can find AMW duvets in the AMW shop.