What Are Feather Pillows?

Feather Types

• Goose feathers with strong curved quill shafts make the best feather pillows, according to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. The feathers are broad and fan-shaped at the tip with fluff filaments at the shaft. Duck feathers are narrower and less soft; however, they still produce comfortable pillows. Land fowl, turkeys and chicken feathers are generally inferior for pillow stuffing. The feathers are not as buoyant, springy or durable as duck and goose feathers.

Benefits

• Consumers choose feather pillows because the feathers are durable, comfortable and a natural material. Feather pillows provide their greatest support and comfort when there is a sufficient amount of air dispersed among the feathers. Users can distribute the air by shaping and fluffing their pillows daily. Buyers can find pillows at various prices that reflect the relative quality of the filling, coverings and workmanship used to produce the pillow.

Care

• Inspect the pillow casing for slits or holes. Some pillow makers use an outer casing with a tight weave to reduce the instances where feathers will escape. However, most pillow owners accept an occasional feather as an acceptable event. Clean feather pillows by hand, washing machine or professional dry cleaners. Use only a small amount of detergent to wash it in a washing machine. Air dry or place in a dryer along with a pair of tennis shoes. The tennis shoes beat the pillow as the dryer spins and help to fluff up the pillow.

Composition

• Feather pillows are typically composed of feathers along with some other fill material. Some manufacturers will surround the feathers with foam or down to prevent the quills from sticking through the outer casing or from escaping entirely from the pillow. Read the label on your pillow. The Federal Trade Commission allows manufacturers to advertise “100% feathers” if they have filled the pillow 100 percent with feathers. The FTC accepts slight deviations from this amount as long as manufacturers are not attempting to deceive buyers.