Understanding Fill Power: How It Impacts Quilt Performance
If you’ve been looking for a new quilt, chances are you’ve heard the word ‘fill power’ being thrown around. While it may sound complicated, it’s a fairly simple concept. ‘Fill Power’ is the industry way of measuring how lofty a quilt is. If a quilt has got that fluffy, cloud-like feel we all crave then it has high fill power. At Eiderdown we’re here to break this concept down and help you make an informed decision when purchasing your next quilt.
What is Fill Power?
‘Fill Power’ isn’t some vague sales description, it’s actually based on a numerical calculation. We measure this by pouring 30g of down into a calibrated vessel. The more cubic inches 30g of down occupies, the higher we rate its fill power.
So, when you see our Hungarian Goose Down Quilt has 775 in³ fill power, we haven’t pulled this number out of thin air. We’ve measured the loftiness of the clusters and are confident they have the best insulation.
Why Does Fill Power Matter?
Most people don’t realise just how important fill power is when it comes to determining the quality of a quilt. High fill power means that the down clusters are larger, more resilient and capable of trapping more air. This results in a lighter, more comfortable quilt.
For instance, a quilt with a fill power of 800 will be much fluffier than one with a fill power of 500, without necessarily being heavier. Essentially, fill power ensures that when it comes to quilts, you have the best of both worlds.
Common Misconceptions
There are a few common misconceptions when it comes to fill power, but we’re here to shed light on them and ensure you’re equipped with the right knowledge when it comes to buying your next quilt.
First, it’s important to establish that fill power does not mean quantity. A lot of people hear the word ‘fill’ and assume it refers to how filled the quilt is. We don’t blame them, it’s a confusing label. However, fill power only measures the quality and effectiveness of the down, not the size.
This leads to the next misconception. Many assume a higher fill power means the quilt is warmer, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Warmth is determined not only by the fill power but also by the total amount of down used and how it is distributed within the quilt.
For instance, a quilt with 600 fill power down that contains a higher volume of down can in some cases, be warmer than a quilt with 700 fill power. While the insulating effect of high-fill power means they’ll be warmer in most cases, it’s important to remember that there can be exceptions. This is why we recommend checking the filling material and percentage before purchasing a new quilt.
Hungarian Duck Down vs Hungarian Goose Down
While all our quilts are high quality, you’ll find that duck down tends to have a lower fill power than goose down. This is because duck feathers are smaller than goose feathers so they occupy less space resulting in a denser feel.
You might prefer duck down if you aren’t particularly bothered by the cold and want to keep warm this winter without overheating. Many people also appreciate the comforting, heavier feel of our Hungarian Duck Down quilts.
Of course, this means that when it comes to loftiness, goose down is the way to go. If you’re the sort of person who’s cold no matter how many layers you put, you’ll love the insulating properties of our Hungarian Goose Down quilts.
Making the Right Choice
Not sure which one is right for you? We’ve weighed out the benefits of each choice to help you make a more informed decision:
Hungarian Duck Down
- Fill Power ranges from 500-700 cubic inches
- Offers a denser feel which can provide a sense of security
- Tends to be the cheaper option
- Suitable for those in warmer areas such as the Queensland Northern Territory
Hungarian Goose Down
- Fill power ranges from 700-900 cubic inches.
- Offers a loftier feel which can provide a sense of luxury
- Superior insulation properties
- Ideal for those in cooler areas such as Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia
Quality Assurance
Eiderdown quilts are not only comfortable but sustainably sourced. All our quilts have passed the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). RDS-certified products guarantee ethical sourcing practices and superior quality. This means regardless of the quilt you choose, you can sleep soundly at night knowing the down in your quilt has been responsibly sourced and processed.
Our Testimonials
While we usually let our quilts speak for themselves, we’ve heard so many great experiences that we couldn’t wait to share a few from our satisfied Australian customers.
Juliana from Tasmania couldn’t help but rave about her new Hungarian Goose Down Winter Weight Quilt "I've found my perfect winter companion!" she exclaims. "Luxurious and ultra-warm, this Eiderdown will keep me toasty through another Tassie winter.” We can confirm, with a 775 in3 fill power this is the perfect choice for Southern Aussies braving the oncoming winter.
Carolene has also invested in the same quilt and describes it as "wonderfully warm while being beautifully light." This is all thanks to the high fill power of Goose Down which provides the ideal cloud-like texture.
For Amanda, the search for the perfect year-round quilt ended with our 80% Hungarian Duck Down Winter Weight Quilt. She shared, "This doona is everything I've been looking for. It hugs the body in winter and is light enough for the cooler summer months. I love that these doonas are ethical, which helps me sleep with a clear conscience.”
Conclusion
If you’re ready to experience the luxury of high fill power first hand then feel free to browse our collection of Hungarian Goose Down and Hungarian Duck Down Quilts. Whether you’re braving a Tasmanian winter or enjoying milder nights in the Northern Territory, Eiderdown has the perfect option for you.
