This post is part of the complete feather pillow buyers guide
Amongst the different types of pillows that exist, the feather pillow is one of the most popular and this is because it is very comfortable and has an extraordinary softness to it. Feather pillow as its name implies refers to a unique type of pillow that is made from two animal by-products. These by-products are a part of bird animals such as ducks, geese, etc.
Feather pillows are stuffed with down and feathers gotten from both internal and external plumage of these birds, while down, which is also taken from them is used for the pillow edges. There are also unique instances where pillow manufacturers make pillows from a combination of feathers and down in the center but this is not usually the case.
Pillows are almost as important as sleep itself and whence you are choosing your pillows it is important to select the best one. If you would prefer a plush experience then you should go for the feather pillow. Feather pillows have the following advantages over other types of pillows.
Press here to get straight to the best feather pillows of 2022.
Advantages Of Feather Pillows
1. Durability
If you want a pillow that will last and maintain its quality for years, then you should opt for a feather pillow. They usually last longer than their synthetic counterparts and can maintain the same quality for more than 5 years. The only downside to this type of pillow is that it is difficult to clean and making a mistake while cleaning it might ruin it.
If you want your feather pillow to last very long, you must clean it carefully or employ the services of experts.
2. Comfortability
This is the major selling point of the feather pillow. They are super fluffy and that makes your neck and head fit well into them. As a result of the material they are made with, feather pillows are very moldable. That is they can shapeshift into your head shape and position just to ensure that you are having a sound sleep.
Additionally, the pillow offers medium to firm support, and it’s designed to be comfortable for back and side sleepers due to its loft. If you move around while you sleep, feather pillows may be the right choice for you because they adapt easily to your new position.
Similarly, feather pillows are also very cuddly and have a luxurious feel to them. This makes them a great choice for lonely nights.
3. Temperature Control
Feather pillows are well-packed with insulation properties which helps them to maintain their temperature. These insulation materials are responsible for the maintenance of temperature in birds and mostly help them to fight against cold.
It is important to point out that these insulation materials are not designed to cause it as they do not take in and store your body heat. Rather, they help to stop the pillow from getting cold and ruining your sleep.
Here’s how the insulation materials work in reality; when you use a particular side of the pillow, that part absorbs the heat and gets hot. If you get uncomfortable and decide to change it if it is a regular pillow the other side will be cold because it hasn’t been in use and that will ruin your sleep. The situation described doesn’t apply to feather pillows.
4. Anti-Allergic
As stated above, feather pillows are made from down and feathers which are 100% natural materials. This makes them anti-allergic thus eliminating the fear that they might trigger allergies. By their nature and makeup, feather pillows do not allow bacterias, microbes, and fungi to breed, making them very healthy for use.
However, it is important to note that most infections and skin diseases that people get from their pillows are caused by dirty pillow covers and protectors. These pillow accessories are responsible for absorbing body heat and sweat which affects your skin.
5. Breathable and Light-weight
Down has excellent breathable qualities, meaning heat and moisture can escape the pillow, which is especially useful during warm summer nights when people can get overheated and restless in bed.
Again, owing to the material with which they were made, feather pillows are always lightweight, and depending on the quality they sometimes feel weightless.
6. Easy to Clean
Feather-filled pillows are usually machine washable and dryer-safe, so they can be easily taken care of. To kill germs and remove dust from a pillow, you should tumble dry it for at least six months each year. Also, you won’t have to wash your pillows as often if you use the pillow cover, which keeps them clean throughout the year.
Things To Look Out For When Buying A Feather Pillow
Having discussed the numerous advantages of the feather pillow, it is pertinent to highlight some of the things to look out for before purchasing any type of pillow feather. The following are what experts recommend;
1. Fluffiness
The fill power of a pillow determines how fluffy it is. According to the Down & Feather Company, fill power measures how much space an ounce of down can occupy in cubic inches. If a down pillow has a higher fill power, it probably came from a more mature bird.
Older birds usually have larger down. This means that the pillow will have more loft. It is generally believed that pillows with higher fill powers are fluffier.
In addition, high fill power pillows tend to last longer and wear better than their lower fill power counterparts, making them a great purchase.
2. Feather Type
Feather pillows are made with feathers or down. It is best to carry out research on which one works best for you before buying.
3. Ticking
The ticking of a feather pillow refers to its stitching or thread count. The thread count of a pillow reflects how tightly the fabric is woven. Fabric with a greater thread count is more closely knit than fabric with a lower count.
The feathers or down inside the pillow with which it is made can’t escape via small gaps in the fabric since it’s tightly knit. This is especially critical for feather pillows, as the quills of the feathers can readily puncture through low-thread-count fabrics.
These spiky parts can irritate your flesh if they get through the fabric, something you don’t want while you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. To the feel, a pillow with a greater thread count will feel soft and smooth.
The Down-Feather Formula
Despite all the advantages of a feather pillow, it has some disadvantages which can be watered down. An example of how to deal with the disadvantages of the feather pillow is a combination of down and feather materials in making one pillow.
Some manufacturers use equal amounts of feather and down fillings in their pillows to counteract the few disadvantages of feather-filled cushions.
The combination of down and feathers creates a cushion that is thicker, more supportive, and deliciously soft. Down adds softness and warmth to the cushion while also preventing it from flattening. Feathers, on the other hand, provide longevity as well as the capacity to wick away heat and moisture for a cool and comfortable night’s sleep.
Best Feather Pillows in 2022
Here is a list of the best feather pillows you can buy in 2022;
1. Down & Feather Co. Original Feather Pillow
As the company’s name implies, this company specializes in the making of bedding and pillows with down and feathers.
Out of the different range of beddings that they manufacture, the original feather pillow is the best selling product for an obvious reason which is its quality. The manufacturer of this pillow makes use of carefully selected and processed Hungarian goose feathers as well as 100% airy shells in the production of the pillow.
They complete the perfection by wrapping the pillow with a blue and white covering which gives the pillow the typical luxurious feel of a feather pillow. This brand of feather pillow comes in different sizes which include King, Standard, Queen sizes. It also has a warranty that lasts for quite a long while just in case the pillow gets ruined earlier than expected.
You can learn more about the Down & Feather Original Pillow here.
2. JA Comforts Goose Feather Down
This feather pillow manufacturing company makes use of a mixture of feather and down in making their pillows. They use a 95% feather and 5% down the formula to make one of the best pillows ever.
The pillow from JA Comforts holds its form nicely and is built to be a suitable solution for any sleep style— though it is not recommended for stomach sleepers and this is because it’s likely too lofty, and stomach sleepers should stick with a low-loft (1-3′′) pillow instead.
You can learn more about JA Comforts Goose Feather pillow here.
3. Brooklinen Down Pillow
The Brooklinen Down Pillow comes in three hardness settings to suit most sleeping positions and body types. For instance, most stomach sleepers will benefit from the Plush choice, while side and back sleepers would benefit from the Mid-Plush option. The Firm Down Pillow may also be beneficial to side sleepers. There are two sizes available: standard and king. One of the key selling points of the brooklinen down pillow is that it is easy to clean.
To help keep the pillow clean, Brooklinen uses Ultra-Fresh Antimicrobials on the cover. The Down Pillow should only be spot cleaned and should not be washed in the machine. If your dryer has a non-heat option, you can use it to fluff your clothes. When the weather permits, take the pillow outside to air out.
Large stains can be removed with dry cleaning, but it may weaken the down and eliminate the natural oils, reducing the pillow’s lifespan.
You can learn more about the Brooklinen Down Pillow here.
4. Helix Down and Feather Pillow
The chambers of the Helix Down and Feather Pillow provide adequate support and a comfortable, fitting feel. The inner core is made up of a down and feather blend that is designed to support the neck and shoulders. Sleepers will enjoy the soft experience that comes with a down pillow thanks to the two down outer layers with 550 fill power.
This unique design also aids in the uniform distribution of the fill. A sturdy seam is created by double stitching along the edges. The smooth and airy cotton cover is made of lightweight cotton.
You can learn more about the Helix Down and Feather Pillow here.
5. Casper Down Pillow
The Casper Down Pillow is a good option for customers looking for a soft but supportive feather pillow. The five-chamber design of this cushion supports your head and neck while allowing enough air to flow to prevent overheating.
The exterior chamber of the pillow is made up of 80% white duck down and 20% feathers, while the interior chambers are made up of 60% white duck down and 40% feathers. The Responsible Down Standard certified the filling of this pillow.
The Casper Down Cushion is machine washable and tumble dryable, making it perfect for those searching for a low-maintenance feather pillow. The shell is made entirely of cotton and is quite breathable. This pillow is available in two sizes: standard and king. Shipping to the whole United States and parts of Canada is free. A 30-night sleep trial and a one-year warranty are included with the pillow.
You can learn more about the Casper Down Pillow here.
6. Saybrook Adjustable Pillow
The Saybrook Adjustable Cushion is a versatile down substitute that allows users to customize the firmness of their pillow by adding or subtracting fill. The pillow comes with multiple pounds of fill that can be modified to modify the stiffness and loft of the pillow. This enables it to meet the needs and preferences of people who sleep on their sides, backs, or stomachs.
It is also designed to be hypoallergenic and machine-washable.
You can learn more about the Saybrook Adjustable Pillow here.
Feather Pillows: A complete buyers guide – Parts:
1. Why Should You Use A Feather Pillow? The pros and cons
2. Down vs. Feather Pillows: What’s the difference and which is better?
3. How Long Do Feather Pillows Last? This is the replacement time
4. How to Wash And Dry a Feather Pillow: Step by step guide
5. How to Stop Your Feather Pillow From Leaking Feathers
6. Best Feather Pillows of 2022 – Full Guide and Review
