Wool vs. Down: What’s the Difference?

On the market for some new bedding, but not sure which direction to take? Wool vs. down is a common debate, as both bedding fills make several claims as to why they’re the best and it can be hard to tell the difference. Both are designed for typical needs and are available in a range of varieties – which is often what makes things even more confusing!

Wool and down are both sourced from animals, but is down sustainable, or does wool come out on top? And which filling is lighter to sleep with? These are all questions that you might be deliberating – which is why we’ve decided to highlight the main differences between wool vs. down, to help you on your journey towards a better night’s sleep.
 

Wool vs. Down: what is goose down?

Firstly, what is goose down? And where does wool come from? When shopping for more sustainable bedding, it’s important to get to know your sources. We’ve highlighted the origins of both fillings below.

Wool
The most common source of wool bedding is, of course, sheep. We source our wool from soft, downs type sheep (like Poll Dorset or Texel breeds) that are located right here in the UK. Our sheep are cared for in farms that are independently verified and audited for complete assurance – being fed on organic pastures that have not been treated with pesticides or chemicals. Then, when the time is right, the sheep are sheared.

Find out more about the Woolroom journey and where our wool comes from.

Down
So what is goose down and how is feather down made? Typically, goose down bedding is made with feathers that are already available as a by-product of the farming industry. Several organisations exist to ensure that live feather plucking is no longer used, but there’s no hiding the fact that the down and feathers used in bedding are typically taken from birds that are deemed as a natural by-product of the food industry.
 

Is down sustainable?

As a natural by-product of the food industry, down filling is not a renewable material and therefore a less sustainable choice for your bedding.

On the other hand, wool is a completely natural, sustainable and ethically sourced material. To add to that list, as one of the few sustainable fibres that can be shorn and then regrown by the following year, it’s also renewable. And shearing isn’t bad for the sheep, either. The weight lifted from their body makes them feel lighter, unrestricted and much cleaner – similar to how you may feel after a fresh haircut! Then when you add add traceability into the mix, you’ve got a completely sustainable bedding bundle that’s good for your sleep and the environment. Our wool bedding is also biodegradable, so once you’re done with it, within 6-12 months it will become fully decomposed, nitrogen-enriched compost!
 

Is goose down warm?

We’ve discussed the sustainability aspects of wool vs. down, but which one’s better to sleep with? Is goose down warm, or is wool better for temperature regulation? Down bedding is lightweight but delivers efficient warmth as the clusters trap and insulate the air, while wool helps you to reach the optimum temperature for a good night’s sleep, as it’s more effective at managing moisture. Wool is also breathable, making it the ideal choice all year round.
 

Can you be allergic to goose down?

Many people often question whether they are allergic to down as a bed filling, as they can typically experience all of the symptoms of an allergy over one night. But it’s more likely that you’re allergic to the dust mites in the bedding, rather than the filling itself. Down bedding may be worsening your symptoms, as it provides a warm, loosely woven environment for dust mites, mould spores and more to thrive in.

Unlike down, wool is a naturally hypoallergenic filling that provides a cleaner sleep environment – reducing your chances of an allergic reaction. How? Wool wicks moisture away from your body and releases it from your bedding, creating an environment that’s too dry for dust mites and allergens to survive in. In fact, research carried out by the University of Leeds, and commissioned by Woolroom, shows that your chances of a better night’s sleep are much higher with wool. So when you’re choosing between wool vs. down for allergies, the answer really is a no-brainer.

For more information regarding our hypoallergenic bedding, check out our guide.
 

Can goose down duvets be washed?

Wondering how to clean down feathers? There are down duvets that are machine washable, but this can be a difficult and risky process, as there is the chance that you may ruin the filling. However, washable wool bedding from Woolroom can be cleaned at home on a wool (or delicate) cycle with wool detergent. There’s no need to be nervous either, because we’ve tried and tested the process to make sure that it comes out looking and performing just as brilliantly as it did when it first arrived.
 

Are goose feather and down pillows good for the environment?

You might be wondering: “where can I recycle down feathers, and are they good for the environment?”. Down filling is typically compostable, so you can simply dispose of it in your brown bin. However, its environmental benefits can’t compete with wool. Our wool is a 100% natural, biodegradable, sustainable and renewable fibre – and it’s also fully traceable. That means you receive full transparency on the source of your bedding – from the farm right through to your bedroom.

Still debating between wool vs. down? Find out more about why wool duvets are better than goose down alternatives. But you don’t just have to take our word for it. Check out some of our customers’ reviews to see what they have to say!



Overall, when it comes to the debate between wool vs. down, wool is a much more sustainable bedding source, designed to bring you quality sleep. And that’s the Woolroom difference.

Discover the secret to better sleep with a quality wool bedding set from Woolroom. Build your bundle today and feel the benefits in the future.