What’s the difference between goose down and duck down pillows?
Goose down clusters are approximately 30% larger than duck down clusters, creating superior loft and fluffiness. Goose down is also finer and softer, with less natural odour than duck down. The larger clusters trap more air, providing better insulation with less weight. This pillow’s 80% goose down content delivers noticeably more luxury than our duck feather pillows (which are 85% feather, 15% duck down). If you want the ultimate in softness and loft, goose down is the premium choice.
Why 80% down and 20% feather rather than 100% down?
Pure 100% goose down pillows are exceptionally soft but can feel insubstantial and shift excessively for some sleepers. The 20% feather content provides structural support whilst maintaining the luxury feel. This ratio offers the best balance of goose down’s exceptional softness with just enough substance for proper head and neck support. It’s also considerably more accessible in price than 90% or 100% down ratios whilst delivering most of the performance benefits.
How does this compare to the milled duck feather and wool pillows?
Each pillow type serves different preferences:
Hotel Suite Goose Down Pillow (this pillow): Ultimate luxury softness with medium support. 80% goose down creates exceptional loft and that characteristic fluffy feel. Lightweight yet supportive. Best for those who prioritise plush comfort and hotel-quality luxury. Most expensive option but longest-lasting.
Hotel Milled Duck Feather Pillows: Balanced support with comforting weight. More substantial feel than down. Better value than goose down whilst still being natural. Ideal for those who want natural fill with more structure and presence. Medium price point.
British Wool Adjustable Pillow: Fully customisable loft via removable filling. Best temperature regulation and moisture management. Naturally hypoallergenic. Perfect for allergy sufferers, hot sleepers, or those wanting to fine-tune their pillow. Medium price point with adjustability advantage.
Australian Wool Pillow: Fixed medium loft with excellent temperature regulation. Natural hypoallergenic properties. Good for those who want wool benefits without adjustability. Entry-level price for natural fills.
Is this suitable for side sleepers?
Yes, though side sleepers have varying needs. The medium support and 640g fill weight provide decent loft for many side sleepers. However, those who need substantial height to maintain spine alignment might prefer our milled duck feather pillows (which have more structure) or our adjustable British wool pillow (which can be filled generously for maximum loft). The beauty of goose down is its adaptability—it moulds to your head and neck rather than providing rigid support.
Will this pillow feel too soft?
That depends entirely on your preference. If you’ve only used firm synthetic or memory foam pillows, this will feel considerably softer. The 20% feather content prevents it being as insubstantial as pure down, providing medium support. Most people find this ratio luxuriously comfortable without being unsupportive. If you specifically prefer firm pillows, our milled duck feather option would suit better.
How do I care for a goose down pillow?
Professional cleaning is recommended for goose down pillows to maintain loft and prevent damage to the delicate clusters. Consult the care label for specific instructions. Between cleanings, give the pillow a daily shake and fluff to redistribute the down and maintain loft. Air it regularly outdoors on sunny days. Use a pillow protector to keep the pillow clean and extend time between professional cleanings. With proper care, this pillow should last 10-15 years.
Will down escape from the pillow?
Our down-proof 233 thread count cotton cover is specifically engineered to prevent down migration. The tight weave contains even the finest down clusters whilst maintaining breathability. Properly constructed goose down pillows like ours don’t have issues with down escaping. If you’ve experienced this with cheap down pillows previously, it’s due to inferior covers and construction, not inherent to quality down fills.
Is this hypoallergenic?
Down itself is not hypoallergenic, though properly maintained down pillows are suitable for many allergy sufferers with regular professional cleaning. The down-proof cotton cover prevents dust mites from penetrating into the fill. However, some individuals have specific allergies to down proteins. If you’ve experienced genuine down allergy or have severe allergies, our British wool pillows (naturally hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant) would be more appropriate.
How long will this pillow maintain its loft?
With proper care, including regular fluffing and professional cleaning, goose down pillows maintain their loft for 10-15 years, significantly longer than duck down (5-10 years) or synthetic fills (1-2 years). Goose down’s larger clusters and superior resilience mean the pillow bounces back night after night. This longevity, combined with the exceptional comfort, makes the premium investment worthwhile when calculated as cost per year of use.
Why is goose down more expensive than other fills?
Goose down is rarer and more labour-intensive to collect than duck down or synthetic materials. Each goose produces less down than body feathers, and the down must be carefully sorted by hand to separate it from feathers and remove debris. The larger cluster size and superior loft mean you get more insulation and comfort per gram of fill. The exceptional durability (10-15 years vs 1-2 for synthetics) also justifies the premium positioning.
