Best Feather Pillows

Hungarian goose down is widely considered the best down filling for pillows and comforters for many reasons. If makes sense that down from birds living in cold climates would be warmer and this is the case with the down that comes from Hungary, Poland and Germany. The down from these geese is white, light and warm. While goose feathers are also used in pillows, the down is what makes a pillow soft and comfortable.

The geese farmers in Europe harvest the down by hand so that the birds are not harmed in the process. They can harvest the feathers every six weeks when the birds naturally molt. Raising geese for their down is a long-standing tradition in Hungary which the geese farmers take a lot of pride in.

There are strict guidelines in Europe for the harvesting, processing and cleaning of goose down. Harmful chemicals are banned and the textile mills are some of the most technologically advanced in the world. Because of the high standards of cleaning and drying the down, most of the down products that come from Europe will be hypoallergenic.

You may also hear about down products from Siberia or Asia. “Siberian down” is really just a trademarked name – products with this description are made from down from anywhere in the world. There are geese in Siberia, but they migrate south for the winter and their feathers are black and red and not used to stuff pillows. Asian down typically comes from Chinese geese that are small and produce low quality down that is more like a commercial grade used to stuff children’s toys.

When purchasing a down pillow, check to see if it is all down or a mixture of down and feathers. Many pillows will have a combination of the two, with the feathers in an inner core providing the firmness and support, and the down in the outer layer, providing the softness and comfort. So if you require more support, choose a pillow with a higher percentage of goose feathers.

If you are planning to invest in a high quality Hungarian goose down pillow, make sure that it has a nice pillow covering with a high thread count for protection and durability. Look for a fill power between 650 and 800 for the best loft and comfort. Be prepared that companies shipping directly from Europe may require you to purchase two pillows because of the high shipping costs. Most people say that once you sleep on a good down pillow, you’ll never use anything else, so ordering two might be a good idea anyway.

There is a wide variety of pillows available on the market today. Here is a list of several of the more popular and common types of pillows you will find available. Your choice will depend upon your personal preferences and whether you have any special needs caused by allergies or upper body aches and pains. Good luck in your search for the perfect pillow!

Natural fill pillows include feather and down pillows.  These are often considered the most luxurious pillows and can also be the most durable. Down pillows do not provide as much support as some other types of pillows and they do need to be fluffed up on a regular basis to retain their loftiness. Although this is the most expensive category of pillows, they can last for many years with the proper care.

Hypodown pillows are ideal for those who like the softness of down but are allergic to feathers. These pillows are actually a combination goose down and milkweed, processed a certain way to be hypoallergenic.

Synthetic fill pillows offer more support than natural fill and are a less expensive alternative. These pillows are also a good choice if you are allergic to feathers. While they are not usually quite as soft as feather pillows, many people prefer the extra support they provide.

Foam and Memory foam pillows are popular with people who need a lot of support. The memory foam pillows will mold to the shape of you head and neck and retain that shape. Foam pillows are not as durable as other kinds of pillows and some people may be allergic to the chemicals given off by the foam.

High quality wool pillows can be almost as soft as down, and are a great alternative in humid climates. The wool wicks away perspiration, so even “hot sleepers” do not wake up all sweaty. Another bonus is that dust mites do not like wool – so this would be a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Cotton pillows are also an excellent choice for allergy sufferers since they are hypo-allergenic.

Husk and seed pillows are making a comeback since they offer great support and can be molded into any shape you desire. Some people do not like the soft rustling noise that comes with moving the pillow around.

Another type of pillow that can help relieve aches and pains are orthopedic pillows. These pillows will help relieve back and neck pain.

While the choice in pillows may be overwhelming, at least there is something out there to please everyone!

Many people have an opinion about feather pillows – they either love them or hate them.

The most popular reason people love feather pillows is that they feel soft and luxurious.

But then there are those who prefer a pillow stuffed with man-made materials. If you have not yet made this decision for your next pillow purchase, here are some of the pros and cons of buying a “natural fill” pillow. As you will see, some of the cons associated with feather pillows are actually based on common misconceptions or incomplete information.

Many people think that a down feather pillow would require a lot of upkeep. Actually, if you fluff up the feathers on a regular basis and have a good pillow protector and pillow case, your feather pillow can last for years and years with only an annual cleaning.

This also means that while they seem expensive, feather and down pillows are often a good investment, considering how long they last.

Another common misconception is that a lot of people are allergic to feather pillows. While a small minority actually is allergic to down or feathers, many others are actually allergic to dust mites and dirt – as with any pillow, a good pillow cover will prevent these issues. Others may only be allergic to the chemicals used to clean down pillows – cleaning your pillows yourself will alleviate this problem.

Additional benefits of natural fill pillows include superior comfort, increased flexibility and the fact that down retains heat and acts an insulator. Team up one of these pillows with a queen size comforter set and you will be sure to get a very comfortable and warm night’s sleep.

There are also some back and side sleepers that will say that they get better support from a synthetic pillow, so this could be the case for you. Some foam pillows are popular because they are hypoallergenic and are resistant to mold and mildew.

Some companies that specialize in bedding will also offer a “down alternative” pillow, which can provide the comfort of a down pillow while giving the added support of a synthetic product.
If you can fit it in to your budget, a feather or down pillow could provide you with a great night’s sleep.