Down vs. Feather Pillow: Which is Best?

Since down is a type of feather, a lot of people think down and feather pillows are the same thing. They’re similar in some respects, like the fact that they both come from geese or ducks. However, these pillows are very different in other aspects. They have different weights, different feels, and different maintenance needs.

Below, we’ll talk about the differences between down and feather pillows. We’ll also discuss how to choose the right one for you.

Down vs. Feather Pillows

Both down and feather pillows offer a balance of insulation and breathability, making them effective for temperature regulation. They’re also typically more durable than many other pillow types.

Down pillows are filled with the soft underlayer of feathers from waterfowl, while feather pillows use the firmer back and wing feathers. This distinction in materials gives each type of pillow a unique moldability and feel.

Down pillows tend to conform to the shape of the sleeper’s head and neck, while feather pillows, though supportive, are more prone to flattening. Feather pillows are generally more budget-friendly than down pillows.

Down Pillows

Down is a specific type of feather meant to insulate. It occurs under the tougher outer layers of bird feathers, and it helps keep birds warm and dry in any weather. This means down pillows are generally more luxurious than feather pillows. They’re fluffier, lighter weight, and warmer.

Sleeping on a pillow made of down clusters feels like sleeping on a cloud of cotton candy. The down compresses underneath your head’s weight, allowing you to sink into your pillow. Despite this, down is fluffy and can spring back into place.

Feather Pillows

Feather pillows are stuffed with other types of feathers besides down. Typically the feathers for feather pillows come off the birds’ backs or wings. This means they’re tougher, and the pillows made from them offer sturdier, firmer support.

When you lie on a feather pillow, it will put up more resistance because the pillow is denser. However, down clusters naturally want to bounce back to their original shape. That means while feather pillows offer firmer support, they tend to flatten out.

Terms to Know

Before we get into the advantages and drawbacks of feather and down pillows, there are a few terms you should know:

Fill Power

Fill power is the amount of volume one ounce of down takes up. The larger the down cluster, the higher the fill power. Pillows with high fill power can trap more air than lower fill power pillows. That means high fill power pillows are thicker and more insulating than low fill power pillows. Keep in mind fill power only applies to down, not feathers.

Loft

Loft just means the height or thickness of the pillow. Loftier pillows look more substantial when they’re just sitting on the bed. They also resist going flat better than pillows with less loft, so you don’t have to fluff them as much.

Quill

The quill is the rigid shaft of a bird’s wing, tail, or protective outer body feathers. Before the invention of fountain pens, people used the hollow shafts of bird feathers as writing utensils. That’s why we also refer to a pen made from a feather as a quill.

Fill Ratio

Many down and feather pillows contain a little bit of each material. A pure down pillow cannot be called such unless it is 100 percent down. Understanding the exact mix used gives an idea of how the pillow will feel.

For example, many shoppers find a down pillow that is 50 to 80 percent down fill feels perfectly comfortable.

Down vs. Feather Pillows: Advantages and Drawbacks

Down and feather pillows have a lot of similarities and a lot of differences that you need to be aware of before you purchase. We cover how each one stacks up when it comes to different traits to make the search for the best pillow easier.

a. Feel

Down is soft and fuzzy, and it comes in round clusters. The clusters mean that down pillows have tons of loft. They look very thick when they’re just sitting on the bed.

Down pillows can squish under your weight, taking on your unique shape to offer your head and neck customized support. Since down’s natural tendency is to bounce back to its 3-dimensional shape, it will also spring back to its original loft when you get up in the morning.

Feathers, meanwhile, don’t compress like down. Instead, they resist your weight and offer you more support and less contouring. Since feathers don’t come in clusters, feather pillows need to be fluffed more often so that they don’t flatten out.

Another big problem with feathers is their quills. Since feathers have stiff quills and down doesn’t, feathers may poke through the pillowcase and prick you while you sleep. This can interrupt your slumber if it happens enough.

b. Temperature

Down evolved to retain heat to protect birds from the cold. Down traps air and holds it in, keeping heat close to your body. This insulation is why things like winter gear and cold-weather comforters are made of down. It keeps you cozier than just about anything else. If you sleep cold, you might prefer down.

Feather pillows sleep cooler than down pillows because they don’t trap heat. That means hot sleepers seeking a cooling pillow will probably prefer feathers over down.

See Also: Feather vs Down Alternative Pillow

c. Cost

There’s no question—down is expensive. High-quality down fill can cost 2 to 3 times more than feather fill. However, since down lasts longer than feathers, the fact that you’re not replacing your pillows as often can save you money in the long run.

That means down has a higher initial cost than feathers, but a lower long-term cost.

d. Maintenance

Both down and feather pillows can be high-maintenance. But feathers are a bit more challenging to deal with. Feathers cannot get wet, end of story. That means if you want to clean feather pillows, you’ll have to take them to the dry cleaner.

Down, meanwhile, may or may not be machine washable. You should follow your pillow’s care instructions. Sometimes, down can be soak washed in a machine with no agitator. But you should only use down soap or gentle powder detergent when washing a pillow. Never heat dry down.

Whether you have down or feathers, you should always take steps to extend your pillow’s life. Don’t go to bed with oily or wet hair. Use a pillow protector. And wash your pillowcases frequently. Proper care can help prevent your pillow from developing mold and mildew. It can also stave off other allergens like dust, dust mites, and pollen.

e. Durability

All pillows need to be replaced, and when you can expect to replace them is an important shopping consideration.

When it comes to durability, down is the winner here. Down clusters eventually lose their ability to spring back to their spherical shape, but this takes a long while. Properly maintained down pillows can last up to a decade. Feather pillows, meanwhile, tend to lose their loft and go flat a lot faster than down. Depending on the quality, you may only get a couple of years out of your feather pillow.

f. Sustainability

Both down and feathers are about equal here. They both come from the same birds, meaning they have similar carbon footprints and produce similar amounts of waste.

Down has feathers beat in one key area. Since it’s more durable, you’re not going to create as much garbage with down pillows because you won’t throw them out as often.

However, since down and feathers are natural fills, they’re biodegradable and can make for excellent natural pillows. If you have a down pillow with a natural, biodegradable cover like cotton, then the fact that your pillow will decompose can offset you tossing it in the garbage.

See Also: Down vs Latex Pillow

g. Hypoallergenic Options

For people sensitive to allergens, hypoallergenic down pillows are treated to remove dust, dander, and impurities that could cause allergies. These hypoallergenic options undergo rigorous cleaning to make them suitable for sensitive sleepers.

However, for those with severe allergies, down alternative pillows might be the better choice. Made from synthetic materials designed to mimic the feel of down, these pillows offer a similar softness and loft.

While they may not be as naturally insulating as true down, down alternative pillows are often easier to clean and less expensive, making them a practical choice for allergy-conscious consumers.

h. Health Benefits and Posture Support

The level of support a pillow provides can significantly impact spinal alignment and muscle relaxation during sleep, which is why choosing the right fill is important.

Down pillows, with their plush, moldable quality, are ideal for side sleepers needing contouring for their head and neck. Meanwhile, feather or mixed pillows offer the firm structure often needed by back and stomach sleepers to prevent their heads from sinking too far.

Opting for a pillow with adjustable fill, such as a zipper pocket design, allows users to add or remove filling as needed, ensuring they maintain healthy posture and avoid neck strain.

i. Longevity and Comfort Over Time

Down pillows stand out for their durability and loft retention, with some lasting up to a decade if properly maintained. However, they do tend to flatten with regular use and need fluffing to restore their shape.

Feather pillows, on the other hand, typically have a shorter lifespan and may need to be replaced every couple of years, depending on quality. While feather pillows require less fluffing, they are more prone to quill breakage over time, which can reduce comfort.

Ultimately, regular care like using pillow protectors and washing pillowcases can help extend the life of either type and keep them feeling fresh and supportive.

What Damages Feather and Down Pillows?

Enemies of feather and down fill are primarily elements and conditions that can damage, degrade, or compromise the quality, comfort, and lifespan of your pillow. Here are the main culprits:

Moisture and Humidity

• Impact: Down and feather fill naturally absorb moisture, which can lead to clumping, loss of loft, mildew, and even mold growth.
• Prevention: Avoid sleeping with wet hair, using pillows in humid environments, or exposing them to accidental spills. Use pillow protectors that are moisture-resistant to help extend their lifespan.

Dust and Dust Mites

• Impact: Dust and dust mites can settle in down and feather pillows, leading to potential allergens and unpleasant odors over time.
• Prevention: Wash pillowcases and use pillow protectors regularly. Additionally, airing pillows in sunlight can help eliminate mites, as they are sensitive to UV rays.

Body Oils and Sweat

• Impact: Oils and sweat from skin and hair can penetrate the pillowcase and reach the fill, causing the feathers or down to mat and clump. This degrades the material over time and can reduce loft.
• Prevention: Using a pillow protector and washing pillowcases frequently can help minimize oils from reaching the fill. Avoid going to bed with oily hair or skin.

Compression and Overuse

• Impact: Regular compression, such as folding or squeezing pillows excessively, can crush down and feather fill, reducing its ability to spring back and reducing overall loft and comfort.
• Prevention: Fluff pillows regularly to redistribute the fill, and avoid compressing them for extended periods.

Improper Washing and Drying

• Impact: Washing feather and down pillows improperly—such as using hot water, regular detergent, or a high-speed dryer—can cause damage to the delicate fill. Improper drying can also leave moisture trapped inside, leading to mildew or a breakdown of the fill.
• Prevention: Check the care label and wash with specific down-friendly detergents, ideally in a front-loading washing machine. Always ensure they’re thoroughly dried on a low heat setting or air-dried to prevent moisture buildup.

Direct Sunlight

• Impact: While sunlight can help eliminate dust mites, prolonged direct sunlight exposure can weaken and fade the down and feather fill, especially if the pillow cover is made of delicate materials.
• Prevention: Limit direct sunlight exposure to short periods for cleaning purposes only, and avoid prolonged exposure to protect the fill’s longevity.

Pets and Sharp Objects

• Impact: Pets scratching or nibbling on pillows can damage the pillow’s fabric cover, causing feathers to escape or get damaged. Additionally, any sharp objects or rough handling can lead to holes and leaking fill.
• Prevention: Keep pillows away from pets and avoid placing items that could snag or pierce the pillow nearby.

Choosing the Right Pillow for You

Both down and feather pillows provide plush comfort, durability, and insulation, but subtle differences between the two may sway your choice depending on your sleep preferences.

While each type of pillow offers similar qualities, their unique characteristics can make one more suitable for certain sleepers than the other.

Down pillows are known to hold their shape better than feather pillows, which is often ideal for those who change positions throughout the night, as down conforms effortlessly to movement.

Feather pillows, on the other hand, may appeal more to side sleepers as they can be easily adjusted to fit under the neck for additional support. Both pillow types benefit from regular fluffing, though feather pillows may need a bit more maintenance to retain their loft over time.

Despite being encased in thick shells, feather pillows may still have quills that poke through and cause occasional discomfort. Down pillows, however, lack pointed quills, providing a smoother, more uniformly soft experience.

Cost considerations often play a role in pillow selection as well. Feather pillows tend to be more budget-friendly, making them a great option for those seeking value.

Conversely, down pillows are often preferred by luxury-minded sleepers for their superior plushness. Some pillows even blend both down and feathers, offering a compromise between comfort and cost.

Down Pillows Might Be Right for You If:

• You feel cold while sleeping and need added insulation
• You’re looking for a long-lasting, durable pillow
• You prefer a softer, fluffier pillow

Feather Pillows Might Be Right for You If:

• You’re a side sleeper needing neck support
• You’re seeking a more affordable pillow option
• You tend to feel warm during sleep

FAQs

Is a down or feather pillow best for side sleepers?

Side sleepers need the most support and loft of any sleep position, while back sleepers and stomach sleepers need pillows with lower densities. To keep a side sleeper’s spine in neutral alignment, a pillow has to have enough loft and enough firmness to keep your head lifted in line with your body.

Both down and feathers can fit this bill. Down pillows with a high fill power can be thick enough to support side sleepers’ heads, while high-loft feather pillows offer firm support.

Are down or feather pillows machine-washable?

Down can be machine-washable, but feather pillows never are. As long as you wash down cold, on the gentle cycle, in a machine with no agitator or in a bathtub, it should bounce back once it’s done drying.

Feathers are a different story. The feather’s vane (the plumed fibers that grow from the central shaft) may cling to the quill after washing. What’s more, feathers can have trouble drying. If they stay wet long enough, they can develop mold and mildew.

How often should feather and down pillows be replaced?

Feather and down pillows generally have a long lifespan compared to synthetic options. With proper care, they can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. To maintain their support and cleanliness, it’s recommended to fluff them daily, use a pillow protector, and wash them periodically as per the care instructions.

Which pillow material offers the most advantages?

Each pillow type has its unique benefits, and the ideal choice often comes down to personal preference. Your sleeping position can also play a role in finding the best fit.

For stomach sleepers, down pillows are a popular option. These pillows compress comfortably, allowing for easy reshaping while providing a cozy balance of comfort and support. Back sleepers can also find down pillows to be a great choice for similar reasons.

Side sleepers, however, might prefer something with extra plushness. A pillow filled with a blend of feathers and down often meets the needs of side sleepers, though a purely feather-filled option can work well too.

Are feather pillows effective for neck pain relief?

Harvard Medical School highlights feather pillows as a favorable option for those experiencing neck pain. These pillows easily mold to the shape of your neck, making it simple to adjust for maximum comfort. In contrast, synthetic pillows may not adapt as well, often being either too high or too low, which can be less accommodating.

Should I use a down or feather pillow if I have asthma?

Allergy and asthma sufferers might want to consider down alternative over natural down or feathers. Down alternative is made of polyester microfibers, meaning it makes a hostile environment for all kinds of microbes, from mold to dust mites to bacteria. If you have asthma or allergies, down alternative is resistant to most common allergens and can make a good pillow fill for you.

Is down alternative a good option for vegans?

Down alternative is made entirely of polyester, meaning it doesn’t have any animal products and is technically vegan. However, down alternative is not all-natural. Vegans who want pillows without synthetic materials should consider cotton, buckwheat, or kapok as alternatives to both natural and artificial down.

Which is better, goose or duck down for a pillow?

Ducks and geese have similar down feathers, but goose down is considered the gold standard of down. However, while goose down may have a reputation for being better than duck down, the two are actually not that different, though they do have a couple of superficial distinctions.

Geese have larger down clusters because they’re typically larger animals. That means goose down often has higher fill power than duck down. On the other hand, duck down is more available than goose down because people eat more ducks. That means duck down is less expensive than goose down even though it’s of comparable quality. If you want down pillows, either goose or duck down is a great choice.

Are feather and down pillows hypoallergenic?

While feather and down pillows can cause issues for those with allergies, many modern options are treated to be hypoallergenic. High-quality pillows often come with covers that block allergens, and regular cleaning can also help reduce allergens. For those with severe sensitivities, hypoallergenic synthetic pillows may still be a better choice.

Bottom Line

Both down and feather pillows are great options if you want a squishy, soft pillow. Down offers ultimate luxuriousness, while feathers offer substance and support. If you seek durable plushness, go for down. And if you desire firmness and weight, feathers may be for you.