TIPS: HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD FEATHER PILLOW
Many have probably wondered why some feather pillows cost 20 euros and others 120 euros.
The reason is quite simple – the price depends on the filling of the pillow. Also, two essential factors and their combination determine the price and quality– firstly, whether ordinary or down feathers are used, and secondly, whether the feathers are from geese or ducks.
Good and quality sleep is essential for people. To wake up in the morning refreshed and well-rested – who among us doesn’t know how good that feels? Quality sleep is ensured by correctly chosen and properly maintained bedding. Pillows and duvets are essential components for us to sleep comfortably and rest properly. There are many choices and each of us has our preferences, but today, let’s talk about the good old feather pillow.
Feathers or down – how do they differ?
Feathers cover birds’ bodies, give them the ability to fly, and come from the wings and back feathers of the bird. Down feathers are located beneath the protective contour feathers, usually found mostly in the bird’s abdominal area, where they provide warmth.
FEATHERS – Pillows filled with feathers are firmer and more decorative. However, sharp quills may penetrate the pillow and start poking, making them more suitable as decorative sofa pillows. Also, consider that regular feathers may rustle more than down. Over time, feather quills soften, and the pillow rustles and pokes less.
DOWN – Down feathers are light, fluffy, and lack quills. Therefore, down is considered the best pillow filling. Lightweight and airy fibers are easily moldable, and pillows made from them are soft and comfortable. A down feather pillow is comfortable and temperature-regulating, i.e., it adapts to the sleeper’s body temperature, providing necessary cooling in summer and warmth in winter.
Usually, a blend of regular feathers and down feathers is used as pillow filling – regular feathers give the pillow a robust shape, and down feathers add softness.
Goose or duck feathers?
Goose and duck feathers are used as fillings for feather pillows because waterfowl feathers effectively maintain body temperature and do not cause sweating.
So, what to choose – pillows filled with duck or goose feathers?
The rule of thumb is that the larger and plumper the bird and the colder the climate it lives in, the thicker its down feathers. Here, we clarify the difference between duck and goose feathers.
DUCK FEATHERS: – : If you’re looking for a quality feather pillow that costs less, duck is the right choice. Pillows filled with duck feathers cost less, because they’re generally more available, and the feathers are slightly smaller.
GOOSE FEATHERS: – Pillows filled with goose feathers are slightly more expensive. Geese usually live in colder climates and are larger, so their feathers and down feathers are also larger. Pillows filled with these feathers have a better shape and are more comfortable. Generally, goose down feathers are considered the highest quality pillow filling.
In terms of the price of pillows, goose feathers and down are of higher quality than duck feathers, and therefore, more expensive.