When shopping for a premium natural-fill quilt in Australia, the choice often comes down to two exceptional materials: wool and down. Both offer superior performance compared to synthetic alternatives, but they achieve comfort in distinctly different ways. Understanding these differences helps you make an informed decision that matches your sleep preferences, climate, and lifestyle.
This detailed comparison examines both materials across every factor that matters—from warmth and weight to care requirements and environmental impact. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which option best suits your needs.
Understanding the Materials
Wool: Nature's Temperature Regulator
Wool, particularly Australian Merino wool, has been used in bedding for centuries. The fibre's unique structure—with microscopic scales and a natural crimp—creates millions of tiny air pockets that trap warmth while allowing moisture to escape. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, making it exceptionally comfortable across varying conditions.
Australian wool quilts benefit from our world-renowned wool industry. Merino sheep produce some of the finest wool fibres globally, with micron counts as low as 15-20 (finer fibres mean softer, more comfortable quilts). Many Australian wool quilts use 100% locally sourced and processed wool, supporting local agriculture.
Down: The Lightweight Insulator
Down refers to the soft, fluffy clusters found beneath the outer feathers of ducks and geese. These three-dimensional clusters trap air incredibly efficiently, providing exceptional warmth with minimal weight. Quality is measured by fill power—the volume in cubic inches that one ounce of down occupies. Higher fill power (600+) indicates larger, more efficient down clusters.
Goose down generally outperforms duck down due to larger cluster size, though quality duck down can exceed poor-quality goose down. The source also matters; down from colder climates (like Hungary or Canada) typically has higher fill power due to the birds developing more insulating down.
- Warmth-to-weight ratio: Down wins
- Temperature regulation: Wool wins
- Allergy-friendliness: Wool wins
- Ease of care: Tie (both require careful handling)
- Durability: Wool typically lasts longer
Warmth and Comfort
Down offers the highest warmth-to-weight ratio of any natural material. A quality down quilt can provide exceptional insulation while feeling remarkably light—many sleepers describe it as sleeping under a warm cloud. This lightness is particularly appealing to those who find heavier quilts restrictive or uncomfortable.
Wool quilts are heavier for equivalent warmth, but many people find this weight comforting. The gentle pressure has a calming effect similar to weighted blankets. More importantly, wool excels at temperature regulation. If you tend to overheat and then cool down during the night, wool's ability to moderate temperature fluctuations can provide more consistent comfort.
Temperature Regulation
This is where wool truly shines. Wool fibres actively regulate temperature by absorbing and releasing moisture as conditions change. When you're warm, wool wicks moisture away from your body, creating a cooling effect. When you're cool, the fibres trap heat more effectively. This dynamic regulation means fewer disruptions from throwing covers off or pulling them back on.
Down is an excellent insulator but doesn't regulate temperature as actively. It traps your body heat very efficiently, which is ideal for consistently cold conditions but can lead to overheating if temperatures fluctuate. Hot sleepers often find wool more comfortable for this reason.
Hot sleepers: Wool's temperature regulation prevents overheating.
Cold sleepers: Down's superior insulation maximises warmth.
Variable sleepers: Wool adapts better to changing conditions.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Wool is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mould, and mildew. The lanolin in wool fibres creates an inhospitable environment for these common allergens. High-quality wool quilts are often suitable for allergy sufferers, though some people may be sensitive to wool itself.
Down can harbour dust mites more readily than wool, though properly processed and encased down quilts are often marketed as hypoallergenic. If you have severe allergies or asthma, look for down quilts with tightly woven, allergen-proof covers and ensure the down has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.
Care and Maintenance
Neither material is particularly low-maintenance, but both are manageable with proper care.
Wool quilts should typically be aired regularly and professionally cleaned every one to two years. Some wool quilts are machine washable on gentle cycles, but always check care labels. Wool's natural resistance to odours and dirt means it needs less frequent cleaning than you might expect.
Down quilts require careful washing to prevent clumping and must be thoroughly dried to prevent mould. Many owners opt for professional cleaning, though home washing is possible with the right equipment and technique. Down quilts benefit from regular fluffing to maintain loft.
Durability and Lifespan
Wool quilts generally outlast down quilts with proper care. The resilient fibres maintain their structure well over time, and many wool quilts remain effective for 15-20 years. Wool's natural resistance to compression means it retains its loft even after years of use.
Down quilts typically last 10-15 years before the clusters begin to break down and lose their insulating ability. Higher fill power down tends to last longer, as the larger clusters are more durable. Regular fluffing and proper storage help extend lifespan.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Australian wool has strong sustainability credentials. Sheep farming is generally considered environmentally friendly when properly managed, and wool is completely biodegradable. Look for quilts using certified wool from farms with good animal welfare practices.
Down raises more complex ethical questions. Responsible down standards (RDS) certify that down is sourced as a byproduct of the food industry without live-plucking or force-feeding. If ethical sourcing matters to you, look for RDS-certified products or consider recycled down alternatives.
- Choose wool if: You're a hot sleeper, have allergies, want Australian-made, or prefer heavier bedding
- Choose down if: You prioritise lightweight warmth, are consistently cold, or prefer a cloud-like feel
- Both materials significantly outperform synthetic alternatives for natural comfort
- Investment in either material pays off through years of quality sleep
Price Considerations
Quality wool quilts typically range from $200 to $500 depending on size and wool quality. Premium Australian Merino options sit at the higher end. Down quilts range more widely, from around $250 for duck down to $600+ for high fill power goose down. The significant price variation in down reflects the wide range of quality available.
Consider cost per year of use rather than upfront price. A $400 wool quilt that lasts 20 years costs just $20 per year—exceptional value for a product you use every night.
Making Your Decision
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If temperature regulation and allergy resistance are paramount, wool is likely your best bet. If you want maximum warmth with minimum weight, down delivers unmatched performance.
Many Australian households own both—a wool quilt for the variable spring and autumn months, and a down quilt for the depths of winter. This approach lets you experience the benefits of both materials and ensures optimal comfort year-round.