Hungarian Duck Down vs. Hungarian Goose Down: What are the Differences?

As winter approaches, the quest for the perfect duvet intensifies. At Eiderdown, Hungarian

Duck and Hungarian Goose Down are our most popular duvets for a reason. With their luxury quality and exceptional insulation capabilities you’re sure to keep warm with either option. However, we believe a duvet is an investment that should be tailored to your specific needs. That’s why we’re breaking down the differences between our two premium downs to help you make the right decision. 

The Difference Between Hungarian Duck Down and Hungarian Goose Down

Hungarian Duck Down and Hungarian Goose Down are prized for their high fill power and ability to provide unmatched warmth and comfort. While they’re similar in a lot of aspects, there are three crucial differences that set them apart: insulation, loftiness and durability. 

Insulation Properties

One of the key priorities when it comes to buying a duvet is its insulation properties. After all, there’s nothing worse than making a new purchase only to wake up in the middle of the night shivering. While we guarantee that won’t happen with either option, here’s the science behind both: 

Both our Hungarian Geese and Ducks live in a free-range environment with excellent food and a full breeding and living cycle, resulting in large, high-quality down clusters. Our Hungarian Duck Down offers excellent warmth. In fact, our ducks produce clusters large enough to outperform goose-down from Asian countries. This makes it an ideal choice for Kiwis in the North Island, who experience milder winters and need ample warmth without being overly intensive.

In contrast, Hungarian Goose Down clusters are larger and can trap more air because geese are bigger than ducks. This gives their feathers more fill power, providing superior insulation with exceptional loft. This is the highest quality down available on the market, making Hungarian Goose Down an excellent choice for those in the South Island, Central North Island, or anyone who craves extra warmth during colder conditions.

Both Hungarian Geese and Ducks live in a free-range environment with excellent food and a full breeding and living cycle, resulting in large, high-quality down clusters. While goose-down clusters are generally larger and provide superior insulation with exceptional loft, our high-quality Hungarian Duck Down also offers excellent warmth. In fact, our Hungarian Ducks produce large enough down clusters that they outperform goose-down from Asian countries. This makes Hungarian Duck Down an ideal choice for Kiwis in the North Island who experience a milder winter, as it provides ample warmth without being overly intensive.

On the other hand, Goose down clusters are larger and can trap more air, resulting in superior insulation properties. This is essentially due to the fact that geese are bigger than ducks, meaning their feathers have more fill power. This makes Hungarian Goose Down an excellent choice for people in the South Island, Central North Island or simply those who crave a little extra warmth. 

Weight and Loftiness

Loftiness – the ability of the down to fluff up and trap air – is that feeling that we associate with luxury. Lofty duvets give that soft, ‘cloud-like’ embrace we often crave during the colder seasons. 

Duck down can be slightly heavier than goose down because the feathers are smaller and require more to fill out a duvet. While this is definitely a bonus for those who prefer the comforting weight of a heavier duvet, it’s typically less lofty than goose down. This means duck-down duvets may feel denser and less airy. 

On the other hand, Goose Down is filled In larger, less dense clusters which in turn creates a fluffier, airier feel. This is what gives Hungarian Goose Down its reputation as the most ‘luxurious’ option. However, its benefits extend beyond how it feels. Because it’s lighter it can provide excellent warmth without the extra weight, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more breathable duvet. 

Durability and Longevity 

The benefit of investing in high-quality duvets is their durability. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s more likely to get worn over the years and eventually require a replacement. This means purchasing a high-quality, durable duvet can end up saving you money in the long run. 

With proper care, duck down can be highly durable. However, for the above reasons, it tends to have a lower fill power compared to goose down, which can affect its longevity. 

Known for its exceptional fill power, Hungarian Goose Down is a clear winner in this category as it boasts a longer lifespan than Duck Down. Its larger clusters are more resilient, meaning they retain their loftiness and insulating properties for many years. As a result, goose-down duvets and pillows are often seen as the ultimate long-term investment. 

Suitability for Different Sleep Preferences

Not sure which one is right for you? We’ve weighed out the pros and cons of each choice to help you make a more informed decision:

Hungarian Duck Down

Pros 

• Offers a denser feel, which can provide a sense of cosiness and security.
• Suitable for those who live in milder climates 
• Often the cheaper option. 

Cons 

• Less lofty and fluffy compared to goose down.
• It may not provide sufficient warmth in very cold climates.

Hungarian Goose Down

Pros

• Lightweight with excellent warmth.
• Lofty and fluffy, ideal for those who enjoy the sensation of sleeping under a cloud.
• Superior insulation properties, perfect for colder climates.

Cons:

• Generally more expensive than duck down.
• May be too warm for individuals in milder climates

Environmental Considerations

At Eiderdown we understand the importance that environmental impact plays in having a sound sleep. All our Hungarian down is sourced ethically and sustainably which you’ll see from the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) tag on our duvets. In fact, Eiderdown is the only company in New Zealand that is RDS certified. This means that we hold ourselves to the highest standards and have the credentials to back this up. 

Conclusion

Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between Hungarian Duck Down and Hungarian Goose Down, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The decision comes down to personal preference, budget and specific sleep requirements. After you’ve considered the insulation properties, loftiness and durability of each type you can make your choice. With our premium options, you can rest assured that whatever you choose, you’ll be warm this winter.