The softest featherbeds with the highest lofts are made with 100% white goose down. Featherbeds of duck down are very similar, but are typically heavier than goose down featherbeds. The most affordable featherbeds are made with a feather and down blend. All featherbeds need to be shaken regularly to keep the down fluffy and maximize loft.

Featherbed Thread Count

Thread count is the number of threads woven to make one square inch of fabric and is a good indicator of durability and texture. Featherbeds with high thread counts have tighter weaves, so they trap filling better and feel smoother than featherbeds with low thread counts. Look for a thread count of at least 200 when buying a featherbed.

Featherbed Construction

Featherbeds are lightweight and help regulate body temperature by trapping heat in the winter and circulating cool air in the summer. 100% cotton casings are recommended because they are breathable and allow ventilation.

The highest quality featherbeds have baffling – fabric strips that prevent filling from shifting inside and creating empty, deflated spaces. Baffling keeps filling evenly distributed, which allows for better insulation.

Baffle box featherbeds have squares stitched into the interior of the featherbed and baffle channel featherbeds have stripes instead of squares. The most economic featherbeds do not have baffling and their filling must be fluffed and redistributed frequently.

Featherbed Care

To extend the life of your featherbed, use a duvet cover to protect it from becoming soiled. Featherbeds should not be washed at home and should only be sparingly cleaned by a professional.

Fiber Beds

While featherbeds are filled with down and feathers, fiber beds are filled with down-alternative polyester. This hypoallergenic filling mimics the loft, support and feel of genuine down. Allergy sufferers can use fiber beds or hypoallergenic featherbeds, which are filled with natural materials stripped of their allergens.