You have no items in your shopping cart.
If you're looking for a new pillow, you might wonder if you should get a pillow with down or with feathers, or both. After all, both down and feathers come from geese or ducks. So is it worth it to get a pillow with down or with feathers? Is there even a difference?
Yes, there is a difference between down and feathers, particularly when it comes to your pillow. If you want the short version on the differences between down and feathers, feathers are the outer layer of the bird’s wings and back, so they contain quills and are less expensive. Down is the fiber beneath the feathers, used by the birds for insulation. Down lasts longer, is softer—and is more expensive.
A more extensive explanation of the difference between down and feathers:
- Down clusters resemble the head of a dandelion; the natural spherical shape gives down pillows, feather beds, and comforters “loft.” While the down can be mashed down, it can also “rebound” once it is fluffed.
- Goose-down feathers are about the size of a quarter. Since feathers on a bird help the bird fly and stay dry, it is generally not a good idea to wash a feather pillow or comforter. Over time, feathers will also mash down, but because of the quill, they will not re-fluff like down will.
While down has a “fill power rating,” feathers do not. The higher the fill power rating, the higher the quality of the down. This means a premium 850 fill power is the finest, most consistent down fill available. There are other considerations when choosing down, including where it’s from. I t is largely agreed that French and Hungarian white goose down is the best, therefore, it is expensive and hard to find. Down is usually cleaned several times in the process.
The ultimate “enemies” of down are moisture and oil. Down may absorb humidity from a highly humid atmosphere, or from improper cleaning. The oils from moisturizing creams and your skin will eventually make their way through the pillow shell, then will be absorbed by the down.
Should I Choose Feathers or Down for My Pillow?
Both feathers and down are incredibly soft, although down will compress more while still maintaining its original shape when fluffed. Feathers are more likely to collapse after extended use, but some believe this makes them softer. Neither down nor feathers are particularly supportive for a pillow but are a great choice for those interested in softness over support.
Since you spend a good portion of your life snuggled in bed with your pillow, it is important that you find the best option for you. Both down and feathers are good options if you want a soft, luxurious pillow. Down is a bit more durable, while feathers might fit your budget better. Try both options to see which one you prefer, and soon you will have a cloud-like pillow that you never want to be without.
Our Pillows Are the Perfect Choice
At the Queen Anne Bedroom Company, we know that your pillow is important to you. That’s why we make the world’s most luxurious pillows at a price you can afford. Our down and feather pillows are ethically sourced and made in the USA to ensure the highest quality product that is not only good for our customers, but also good for the planet.
Shop our best-selling pillows today, or contact us to learn more about our products. We are here to help you get the best night’s sleep.
If you're looking for a new pillow, you might wonder if you should get a pillow with down or with feathers, or both. After all, both down and feathers come from geese or ducks. So is it worth it to get a pillow with down or with feathers? Is there even a difference?
Yes, there is a difference between down and feathers, particularly when it comes to your pillow. If you want the short version on the differences between down and feathers, feathers are the outer layer of the bird’s wings and back, so they contain quills and are less expensive. Down is the fiber beneath the feathers, used by the birds for insulation. Down lasts longer, is softer—and is more expensive.
A more extensive explanation of the difference between down and feathers:
- Down clusters resemble the head of a dandelion; the natural spherical shape gives down pillows, feather beds, and comforters “loft.” While the down can be mashed down, it can also “rebound” once it is fluffed.
- Goose-down feathers are about the size of a quarter. Since feathers on a bird help the bird fly and stay dry, it is generally not a good idea to wash a feather pillow or comforter. Over time, feathers will also mash down, but because of the quill, they will not re-fluff like down will.
While down has a “fill power rating,” feathers do not. The higher the fill power rating, the higher the quality of the down. This means a premium 850 fill power is the finest, most consistent down fill available. There are other considerations when choosing down, including where it’s from. I t is largely agreed that French and Hungarian white goose down is the best, therefore, it is expensive and hard to find. Down is usually cleaned several times in the process.
The ultimate “enemies” of down are moisture and oil. Down may absorb humidity from a highly humid atmosphere, or from improper cleaning. The oils from moisturizing creams and your skin will eventually make their way through the pillow shell, then will be absorbed by the down.
Should I Choose Feathers or Down for My Pillow?
Both feathers and down are incredibly soft, although down will compress more while still maintaining its original shape when fluffed. Feathers are more likely to collapse after extended use, but some believe this makes them softer. Neither down nor feathers are particularly supportive for a pillow but are a great choice for those interested in softness over support.
Since you spend a good portion of your life snuggled in bed with your pillow, it is important that you find the best option for you. Both down and feathers are good options if you want a soft, luxurious pillow. Down is a bit more durable, while feathers might fit your budget better. Try both options to see which one you prefer, and soon you will have a cloud-like pillow that you never want to be without.
Our Pillows Are the Perfect Choice
At the Queen Anne Bedroom Company, we know that your pillow is important to you. That’s why we make the world’s most luxurious pillows at a price you can afford. Our down and feather pillows are ethically sourced and made in the USA to ensure the highest quality product that is not only good for our customers, but also good for the planet.
Shop our best-selling pillows today, or contact us to learn more about our products. We are here to help you get the best night’s sleep.