It’s a great idea to protect your pillows from body oils, lotions, stains etc by using a durable pillow protector with a zipper closure. Fluffing up your pillows daily will help them retain their [...]]]> Once you’ve found the perfect pillow, you can make it last for years by following a few simple cleaning guidelines.

It’s a great idea to protect your pillows from body oils, lotions, stains etc by using a durable pillow protector with a zipper closure. Fluffing up your pillows daily will help them retain their loft.

If your manufacturer’s label says your pillow is machine washable, then you should go ahead and launder them every two to four times a year. If you are using a pillow protector and a pillowcase, a once a year cleaning will be sufficient. Prior to washing, check the ticking and seams to make sure they are strong and tightly sewn.

Wash feather pillows using the gentle cycle.  A front loading washing machine is better than an agitator machine. Many people prefer to take their down pillows and comforters to a commercial laundromat once a year to make sure these items get a gentle but thorough cleaning. Wash two pillows together to balance the load.

Do not use bleach or fabric softener, as these substances could be harmful to the feathers. One good detergent for cleaning down products is Le Blanc Downwash. It’s recommended to run them through the rinse cycle at least twice to make sure all the soap is removed.

After washing your pillows may give off a strong odor, but this will go away after the pillow is completely dry.

Dry your pillows completely on a low to medium setting and add in a few tennis balls to redistribute the filling. It is important that the pillows are completely dry to avoid any mildew forming inside the pillow. Drying can take up to three or four hours.

In between washings, you can also throw your feather pillows in the dryer for 10 minutes to remove humidity and keep them fresh.

When your pillows are not in use you should wrap them in a breathable bag to prevent mildew from forming. Do not use plastic bags since they will trap moisture. Store your pillows in place that have good air flow and they will stay fresh for a long time.

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before you clean any product.  If you put in the time to keep your pillows fluffed, cleaned and protected, you will get many nights of good sleep and a good value for the investment you made when you purchased them.

For many people, that will mean investing a little extra money for a feather or down pillow. When you think of how much time you’ll spend with your pillow, it’s probably worth the money in the long run.

Down or [...]]]> In the search for a good night’s sleep, finding the right pillow is huge.

For many people, that will mean investing a little extra money for a feather or down pillow. When you think of how much time you’ll spend with your pillow, it’s probably worth the money in the long run.

Down or feather?

Down refers to the layer of fine, soft, fluffy feathers found beneath a bird’s regular feathers.

While many people lump down and feather pillows into the same category of “natural-fill” there are many differences between the two. Down pillows are softer than feather pillows and do not have the issue of quills poking out that may occur with feather pillows. Feather pillows are firmer and offer more support because they are flexible and can be folded into different positions to suit your sleeping style.

The most popular natural fill pillow by far is the goose down variety. You’ll see pillows made of Hungarian down, Canadian down and even Chinese down. Other choices are duck down, synthetic down or down/feather blends. If you have allergies, you may want to consider a synthetic down (which will also save you some money).

Firm or Soft?

This is mostly personal preference – do you like a soft pillow? Need the support of a firm pillow? To determine the firmness of feather and down pillows when purchasing online, check to see what the “fill” is. The higher this number is, the firmer the pillow will be. Fill power usually ranges from 500 to 800. A fill of 600 or over is considered premium quality.

Shell design

The fabric of the casing is also important. A pillow with a single shell design will not last as long because oil and moisture from your skin will eventually be absorbed by the down, causing it to break down. Buying a pillow with a double case design or adding a good quality pillow case can slow down or prevent this process.

Longevity

Feather or down pillows are very durable and can last for years with the proper care. Make sure to check the manufacturers instructions – many feather pillows are machine washable. If your pillow is not machine washable you may be able to “refresh” it by putting it in the dryer fir a while with a few tennis balls.

Finding your “dream” pillow can make your nights more restful and your days more enjoyable. And don’t forget those rainy day snoozes and power naps!