The structure and appearance of down and feathers are quite different. A down has a soft centre from which all the light fluffy filaments protrude. Feathers have a long and curved quill which makes them resilient in a way, at the same time providing them with the ability to expand back to their original shape after having been exposed to pressure. Thus, in contrast to down feathers are perfectly suited as filling material for pillows as they softly cushion the head at the same time supporting the neck as desired.
On the other hand, down are used as filling material for down duvets ensuring opti-mum thermal insulation and rapid decrease in humidity (climate of the bed hollow). Thereby, down are pleasantly light and very resilient.
However, there is one important thing to consider: Duvets and pillows should be fluffed up in the morning to retain their shape for a long time
Quelle
Verband der Deutschen Daunen- und Federnindustrie e.V.
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