Hungarian vs Siberian Goose Down Duvet

While researching what duvet or pillow is best for you, you may have encountered vendors saying that a certain down is best because of the country it originates from. This is not the case. No down is superior because it Siberian, Canadian or Hungarian. Contrary to popular belief, a bird’s country of origin has little to no bearing on the quality of its down. Because countries harvest down in different ways, some believe that one place must be better. In reality, the quality depends on many factors.

It is a common misconception that colder climates breed ducks and geese with higher quality down. In truth, down originating from warmer regions can be just as good as that from colder climes. The weather simply isn’t a deciding factor. In colder areas, birds produce more down to compensate for the colder temperatures – their down is more plentiful, but not necessarily better.

There are other factors which affect the quality of a bird’s down. Age is most important. The most insulating down comes from mature birds.

Fill Power

The quality and effectiveness of down is measured by something called fill power. The fill power rating is calculated by measuring how many cubic inches an ounce of down creates at its maximum loft. The higher the fill power rating, the more extensive the air chambers within the down and thus the more effective its insulating properties. This is why as down quality increases, the amount of down required to provide the same insulation decreases.

If you prefer a down duvet that feels a little heavier, then order a duvet with lower fill power or one that utilises a larger percentage of feathers. On the other hand if you prefer an ultra-light and very warm duvet, then choose one with a high fill power. Whether it’s Canadian, Hungarian, or Polish goose down, it is the fill power that determines the quality.

Down with a higher fill power rating will also last longer because its fibres are less fragile. In summation, higher fill power means a relatively warmer, lighter duvet that lasts longer.

So Where Does Goose Down Come From?

China is the largest producer of goose down in the world. But its supply, while extensive, is not the best in terms of quality. In our experience the best goose down comes from European countries, such as Poland, Hungary, and France. Down from other areas such as Canada, Britain, Scandinavia, Russia, Serbia and Romania also produces excellent duvets.

Poland, Hungary, and other European nations have a long tradition of raising geese and ducks into adulthood. This results in generally higher grades of down. As you’ve already read, it’s the fill power that indicates down’s quality, not its country of origin. Nevertheless, the down industry and harvesting methods do vary somewhat by country.

Hungarian? Siberian? Fill Power? What Really Matters

Here at Downduvet.co.uk, we understand exactly what makes for quality down duvets. We focus on what really matters: fill power (and of course impressive value for money).

You can find out more about fill power and choosing the right products tailored to your preferences on our page about down fill power. If you have any questions about down quality, origins, or types, then get in touch with our customer service team at any time!