Questions about our European down pillows

Downpass certification is a quality standard for down and feather products, created by the IDFL (International Down and Feather Laboratory) and managed by the Downpass Association. It's a voluntary certification program that ensures the down and feathers used in the product are ethically sourced and traceable throughout the entire supply chain, from farm to finished product.
To be Downpass certified, companies must meet strict standards that cover animal welfare, environmental protection, and quality assurance. This includes regular inspections and audits of the entire supply chain, from the farms where the birds are raised to the processing facilities where the down is cleaned and sterilised.
The Downpass certification program is designed to provide consumers with the assurance that the down and feather used in the product have been responsibly sourced and meet high quality standards.

You should fluff it daily to help maintain its loft and shape. Down pillows can be washed in a front-loading machine on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, and dried on a low heat setting with a few clean tennis balls to help fluff the filling.

Yes, you should absolutely use a pillowcase to protect your down pillow from dirt, stains and general wear and tear.

While some people with allergies may tolerate down pillows well, they are not considered hypoallergenic as they can contain small amounts of allergens such as dust and feathers. For those with severe allergies, it may be best to avoid down pillows.
As stated above, our down pillows are NoMite certified, so they're ok for asthma and dust allergy sufferers.

Our down pillows have no smell, although other down pillows may have a slight odor when they are first opened due to the natural oils present in the down. However, this odor should dissipate quickly and can be reduced by airing out the pillow and using a pillow protector.

The benefits of using a down pillow include its softness, loft, and ability to conform to the shape of the user's neck and head. Down pillows also provide a luxurious and comfortable sleeping experience.

Down and wool pillows differ in the following ways:
1. Loft and support: Down pillows are generally softer and fluffier than wool pillows due to their loftier fill, while wool pillows are firmer and provide more support.
2. Allergies: Some people may be allergic to down, while wool is generally hypoallergenic.
3. Maintenance: Down pillows need regular fluffing to maintain their shape and loft, while wool pillows tend to hold their shape and require less fluffing.
4. Moisture absorption: Wool is naturally moisture-wicking and helps regulate body temperature, making it a good option for people who tend to sleep hot or cold. Down pillows, on the other hand, may retain moisture more easily.
In summary, down pillows tend to be softer and fluffier, while wool pillows provide more support and help regulate body temperature. Down pillows require regular fluffing to maintain their loft, while wool pillows retain their shape well. People with allergies may prefer wool pillows, while those who prioritise softness and fluffiness may prefer down pillows.

The main difference between goose and duck down pillows is the size of the down clusters. Goose down clusters are typically larger than those of duck down, which means that they provide better loft and insulation. For this reason, goose down pillows are generally considered to be of superior quality to duck down pillows. That said, the choice between goose and duck down pillows ultimately depends on your own preference and needs. For example, if you're after a pillow that offers maximum support and loft, a goose down pillow is probably right for you. 
If, on the other hand, you prefer a softer and lighter pillow, then a duck down pillow may be a better fit. It's also worth noting that some people may be allergic to down, regardless of whether it comes from geese or ducks. If you are allergic or sensitive to down, you may want to consider alternative options, such as wool.

Down pillows can provide a cozy and warm sleeping experience, which may not be ideal for those who tend to sleep hot. Hot sleepers should try our breathable Swisswool pillows, which keep your head and neck at an even temperature.

Here are some generally-recommended pillow sizes for typical bed sizes:
1. Single bed (90x200 cm): A standard pillow size of 50x70 cm is recommended.
2. Double bed (140x200 cm): Two standard pillows (50x70 cm) or two square pillows (65x65cm) are recommended.
3. Queen bed (160x200 cm): Two square pillows (65x65 cm) or two king pillows (50x90 cm) are recommended.
4. King bed (180x200 cm): Two king pillows (50x90 cm) or two euro square pillows (80x80 cm) are recommended.
5. Super king bed (200x200 cm): Two euro square pillows (80x80 cm) or two king pillows (50x90 cm) are recommended.
Please note that these are general guidelines, and your pillow preferences may vary depending on your sleeping position and personal preferences.

We place great emphasis on environmental awareness and social responsibility, animal welfare is also part of this. Therefore, every Zizzz product with down filling is audited according to the DOWNPASS label standard. Products labelled with the DOWNPASS guarantee high quality and the certainty that down and feathers used as filling material are ethically sourced and come from tightly controlled and traceable supply chains. Live plucking is banned and animals kept for foie gras are banned.

The lifespan of a down pillow can vary depending on the quality of the materials and how well you care for it. On average, a high-quality down pillow can last for 5-10 years or more.

Nomite is a certification given to bedding products specifically designed for those allergic to dust mites. This certification is awarded by the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF), an organization that focuses on research and advocacy for people with allergies.
Nomite certified fabrics are tightly woven to prevent dust mites and their allergens from penetrating the bedding material. This makes them ideal for people who suffer from allergies or respiratory problems, as they help to reduce their exposure to common allergens that exacerbate their symptoms.
To be Nomite certified, fabrics must meet a certain weave density and must be able to withstand multiple washes without losing their protective properties. This certification provides consumers with the assurance that the bedding product they are purchasing has been tested and proven effective in reducing exposure to allergens and dust mites.

Down pillows are best suited for those who prefer soft and luxurious pillows which offer exceptional loft and insulation. Down is a natural and lightweight material that provides a high level of loft, which means that they offer excellent support and comfort without feeling heavy or bulky. Down pillows are also known for their ability to fit the sleeper's head and neck, thereby providing a customized and comfortable sleeping environment. 
However, down pillows may not be the best option for people with allergies, as they can contain small amounts of allergens such as dust and feathers. Additionally, down pillows require regular fluffing to maintain their loft. Finally, they may not be the best option for people who tend to sleep hot, as down insulates and traps heat.
At Zizzz, our down pillows are NoMite certified. The cotton case our pillow comes in is woven so densely that it is difficult for mites to enter it, making it great for asthma and dust allergy sufferers.

When we founded our company, only woolen goods were on our product range. We knew then and still know where our Swiss virgin wool comes from. We can visit the farmers at any time and know how happy their sheep are. So we could be really sure that we could reconcile the use of Swiss virgin wool with our principles.
We had long intended to include down goods in our range. From the user's perspective, down pillows have many positive qualities; they are also more environmentally friendly than synthetic materials. Nevertheless, down and feathers are often obtained under ethically questionable circumstances. Machine plucking or hand plucking is associated with severe stress and often painful injuries to the animals.
With the DownPass label, you can be sure that the down filling in our down pillows and comforters does not come from live animals and that only feathers from controlled animal husbandry are used. As part of the certification process, both announced and unannounced inspection visits are made to our duck farms. The husbandry of the animals and their rearing conditions are inspected by independent certification organizations several times a year.
In addition, the down quality is monitored in testing laboratories. So with a down pillow from Zizzz, you can be sure that our pillows have been tested according to the Zero Tolerance standard and that you are actively participating in animal welfare. So you can rest your head on your Zizzz pillow with a clear conscience.

Down and synthetic pillows differ in the following ways:
1. Fill power: Down pillows generally have a higher fill power than synthetic pillows, so they’re more lofty and provide better support. This is because down clusters are larger than synthetic fibres and can trap more air.
2. Durability: Down pillows are generally more durable than synthetic pillows and have a longer lifespan. On the other hand, down pillows should be regularly fluffed in order to maintain their loft and shape, which is not the case for synthetic pillows.
3. Allergies: Some people may be allergic to down, while synthetic materials are generally hypoallergenic and less likely to cause allergic reactions. 
4. Price: Down pillows are usually more expensive than synthetic pillows, due to their higher quality and the superior insulation they provide.
In summary, down pillows are generally considered to be of higher quality and provide better support and loft than synthetic pillows, but they require more care and are typically more expensive. Synthetic pillows are often more affordable and easier to care for, but rarely provide the same level of comfort and durability as down pillows.

High-quality down typically comes from the underbelly of geese or ducks, where the down clusters are the largest and the most insulating. The best down is usually sourced from mature birds, which naturally have larger and more mature down clusters. 
The country of origin can also be an important factor in determining the quality of the down. For example, down from countries with colder climates, such as Canada, Iceland, and Eastern Europe, is generally considered to be of higher quality, as the birds are exposed to harsher conditions. This leads the animals to grow denser and more insulating down clusters. 
Finally, the quality of down also depends on the processing methods used, such as how the down is washed and sterilized. The standards set by industry certifications, such as DownPass or the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), also play an important role. These certifications ensure that the down is ethically and sustainably sourced, and that the birds are treated humanely throughout the entire supply chain. 
Our goose and duck down is sourced from Eastern Europe. All of our down pillows and duvets are DownPass certified.

Our goose down products are made in Switzerland, while our duck down products are made in the Black Forest region of Germany.

Our duck and goose down pillows are made in Germany, more precisely in the Black Forest, or in Switzerland.
This way we not only support the mountain farmers and the landscape conservation of the Swiss Alps, but also reduce our ecological footprint.

Down pillows are generally more expensive than synthetic pillows due to the higher cost of the materials and manufacturing process. However, the higher quality and greater durability of a down pillow can make it a worthwhile investment. 
At Zizzz, we sell our down pillows online to cut out middlemen and wholesalers, thereby keeping a Swiss or German-made product affordable for our customers.

Here are some generally-recommended pillow sizes based on sleeping position:
1. Back sleepers: a 40x60 cm pillow with a medium to firm density and a low or medium loft (thickness) is recommended
2. Side sleepers: a 50x70 cm pillow with a firm density and a higher loft is recommended
3. Stomach sleepers: a 40x60 cm pillow with a soft density and low loft is recommended
Of course, everyone is different and may require a different pillow size depending on their body shape, size, and personal preferences.