Feather pillows are one of the most popular and most common types of pillows used in the UK. They are usually sought after because of their softness and lofty feel that cannot be exactly replicated in other types of materials. In this guide, we’ll look at the following:
- The advantages of using a feather pillow
- The qualities that you should look for when shopping for a feather pillow
- The best feather pillows in the UK
What are the advantages of feather pillows?
Durable
Feather is a material that has been found out to last 20% longer compared to regular standard pillows.
This is because this material comes from the wing and back of a bird, which are generally constructed to withstand the high altitude and conditions that birds face during their flight.
Moreover, this material is also not prone to clumping together over time, which most cotton pillows are prone to.
Moldable
Because feather pillows are light and soft, they are highly malleable and can easily be twisted into shapes that conform to your preferred shape and size.
This is even more amplified when the feather is mixed with down, an even softer material.
Lightweight
The best thing about feather is that it’s such a light and fluffy material that you’re able to have warmth without having to deal with the weight.
What to look for in feather pillows?
Anti-allergy
People tend to avoid feathers because they are thought to be allergy-inducing, and this is true. However, technology has dramatically improved over the past years, and you can now enjoy the benefits of feathers without having to deal with allergies.
When choosing your feather pillow, make sure that you choose the one made with natural feathers or is specifically proven non-allergenic.
Firmness
Generally speaking, when shopping for a feather pillow, keep in mind that the more feathers that are stuffed into the product, the firmer it’s going to be.
Firmness is essential because it determines the comfort and support that you will get while sleeping. Make sure to look up the firmness rating before making a purchase.
Best Feather Pillows in the UK
High Living Luxury Duck Feather
This feather product from High Living has been rated with an average of 4.1 stars from over 700+ satisfied customers on Amazon.
I especially appreciate this because it is non-allergenic, which makes it perfect for sensitive sleepers like me.
More importantly, it is also anti-dust mite, which lessens the possibilities of dust mites colonising your sleep surface, triggering allergies or skin breakouts.
This is made possible because these are constructed from natural feathers that are naturally non-allergenic.
These come in a pack of two, in large size, and boast the look, feel, and construction of hotel-quality items.
Lastly, these have also been tested to conform to fire and furniture regulations, keeping you safe and at peace while you sleep.
Soak&Sleep Hungarian Goose Down
These are goose down products from Soak&Sleep, a well-trusted brand for everything bed and bath in the UK.
The fillings are a combination of goose down and feathers, which makes for a lofty and light construction that would make you feel comfortable, well-supported, and luxurious all at the same time.
All steps of the manufacturing process — from material sourcing to construction — are done in Hungary, which is notorious for producing the best quality goose down and feather worldwide.
It has also taken extra measures to ensure that allergy sufferers will find comfort in this product.
It is available in a range of firmness levels, making it highly versatile as it can cater to different sleepers with different sleep preferences and habits.
Lastly, it comes with a 5-year guarantee period, further minimising the risks of buying.
M&S Duck Feather & Down
This is by renowned company Mark & Spencer, which the Brits have trusted for different products in all aspects of light.
It is made of 85% duck feathers and 15% duck down, producing a soft and fluffy feel at a reasonably low price. It has the loft and softness of feathers while at the same time being light and cuddly due to the down component.
The outer cover is made of pure cotton, making it non-irritant to the skin, breathable, and soft.
It is available in two firmness levels — medium and firm. The medium version is generally more preferred compared to the firm one.
The White Company White Goose Down Feather & Down
This is from The White Company, a well-trusted brand in terms of family care and home building in the UK.
It has received an overall score of 4.5 stars from the Pillow Advisor website across five criteria, gaining a perfect 5-star score for softness and value for money.
It is also made with a mix of 85% feather and 15% down but does not have the crackle of a feather that other similar material products usually have.
If you are someone who prefers a soft and lofty sleeping surface while at the same time having medium to medium-firm support, this is highly recommended for you.
The outer cover is also made of 100% cotton with a high thread count of 233, making it incredibly soft and delicate against the skin.
Snuggledown Duck Feather and Down White
It provides medium support, which makes it perfect for providing proper neck and spine alignment.
Back and side sleepers will especially enjoy this product the best as it has been constructed to provide them with the right amount of support to prevent any aches or pains.
Another feature that I appreciate about this is that contrary to popular belief, it is friendly for sensitive sleepers, allowing allergy sufferers to enjoy the advantages of both feather and down. The cover is also made of cotton for a soft and breathable sleeping surface.
It’s also relatively low maintenance as you can easily pop it in the washer and tumble dry for an extra fresh and clean feel. You can either choose from a single pack, a twin pack, or a pack of 4.