Bedding Guide - What Fill is Best for You?

Down is the light fluffy coating beneath the feathers of ducks and geese. Each down cluster is made from thousands of tiny fibers, like little cotton balls between the bird's skin and feathers. Ounce per ounce down is the most efficient insulator for bedding products. It is not only lighter weight, but also has the unique ability to “breathe” allowing excess heat and humidity to escape and allowing you to reach an ideal temperature. Down clusters are naturally very durable, it is not uncommon for people to use a down bedding item for a dozen years or more before replacing it. Down is also naturally flame retardant, making it an excellent choice for safe sleeping.

Feather bedding fill

Feather is the outer coating of protection for ducks and geese. Products containing feather will be heavier than down, but also offers more support. At DOWNLITE, we only use feather in pillows and feather beds. A comforter filled with feather would feel quite heavy, and wouldn’t offer the same insulation as down.

Down alternative fills

Not everyone wants bedding with natural fills of down or feather. For this reason, we also make a down alternative fill. Down Alternatives are polyester fibers. Polyesters can be vary from the size of the fiber, to whether it is single or multi hollow core; even topical treatments on the fibers can vary greatly. Below is a go-to list of the down alternatives we use.

PrimaLoft® bedding fill	EnviroLoft® bedding fill

PrimaLoft® bedding fill

PrimaLoft® is a silky smooth microfiber blend featuring a permanent antimicrobial treatment in the fiber that won't wash out. PrimaLoft is the closest down alternative to white goose down. It is hydrophobic, meaning it does not absorb water, thus it is easier and quicker to dry. Used in products from pillows, comforters, mattress pads, and blankets.

EnviroLoft® bedding fill

EnviroLoft® is a DOWNLITE exclusive fiber features a thicker strand of polyester. The thicker fibers offer added support and rigidity. This fill is popular for hospitality bedding due to its durability and price point. Used in products from pillows, comforters, and blankets.

Spira™ bedding fill	Ultimate Goose Down Alternative™ bedding fill

Spira™ bedding fill

Spira™, also known as Cluster Puff, is a fiber is made into balls and offers excellent durability and volume. This fill is used in many hotel bed pillows.

Ultimate Goose Down Alternative™ bedding fill

Ultimate Goose Down Alternative™ is another DOWNLITE exclusive down alternative mimics the softness and loft of down. These silky fibers conform to your sleep position in pillows and allow great warmth and breathability in comforters. This down alternative fill is second only to Primaloft®.

LiquiLoft® bedding fill	Continuous Polyester Fiber bedding fill

LiquiLoft® bedding fill

LiquiLoft® fill is made from gel-like fibers create a moldable pillow that will cradle your head and neck through the night.

Continuous Polyester Fiber bedding fill

Continuous Polyester Fiber is made from raw polyester fiber sent through a machine to 'open' and plump the fill. This creates a continuous sheet that is cut to size and rolled to create a firmer feeling pillow at a lower price point. This sheet can also be left flat for use in mattress pads, allowing comfort and support with no fill shifting.

Find your new favorite bedding today

Discover hotel quality bedding at manufacturer-direct prices from DOWNLITE.

We understand that shopping online eliminates the touch and feel of bedding that may sway your purchase decisions. That’s why our seasoned customer service representatives are ready to give you personal recommendations based on your unique preferences. Contact customer service to have all your questions answered and get matched with your new favorite bedding

If your new mattress pad isn’t everything you were hoping for, we offer a simple 100-night return window.

Looking for a new pillow, comforter, or mattress cover? Check out buying guides:

Pillow Buying Guide  |  Comforter Buying Guide  |  Mattress Pad & Topper Buying Guide