Down and feather pillows

Down and feather pillows are among the most common bedding. Usually goose or swan down is used as a filler. Some models include down and soft feathers for comfort while sleeping. Such models are in great demand because they attract attention with naturalness and comfort.

Since ancient times, people have used pillows filled with feathers or down of various birds for sleeping, but it is worth considering the safety of this product.

Many experts point out that down and feather pillows have many positive qualities:

• Down and feathers are natural fillers with excellent ventilation. They pass air well, and are also characterized by excellent thermal insulation properties. You will feel comfort and convenience at any time of the year.
• Models with feathers and down perfectly wick away excess moisture from the head, which is formed during sleep.
• Fillers are characterized by softness and lightness. They quickly regain their shape, and are also distinguished by elasticity and resilience.
• Down and feather models are durable when properly cared for.
• Such pillows are already traditional. There is still no synthetic filler that can compare with down and feather models.

But, besides the benefits, pillows with natural fillers have some disadvantages:

• Difficulty in leaving. If you do not follow the rules for using the product, then it will lose all of the above advantages.
• A feather or down pillow isn't suitable for everyone. People with allergies need to be very careful when choosing such a product.

Most often used in the manufacture of feather and down pillows plumage of a goose or duck... Models made from natural goose feathers are in great demand, since they are characterized by elasticity, softness, good elasticity, as well as excellent thermal insulation properties.

A goose feather can be gray or white, therefore, depending on the color, the material for the napkin is selected. White fluff does not show through the fabric, so for such a pillow you can use covers made of expensive, thin materials. Models with gray down are usually presented in dark covers made of dense fabrics.

The Siberian goose product perfectly retains heat, guaranteeing a comfortable night's rest. Fluff retains its shape well, and is also characterized by airiness.

Pillow made of eider down and feathers is a fairly popular option.

The eider belongs to diving ducks and lives in cold climates, therefore its down is characterized by excellent thermal insulation properties. The peculiarity of eider down is that it weighs very little and keeps you warm. The down is harvested by hand, as it is taken from the bird's nests and replaced with soft dry hay. Due to their unique properties, such pillows are expensive and are exclusive items.

Many manufacturers use camel wool in the manufacture of pillows.

Usually, such products are two-section, since natural wool quickly falls into a ball under heavy load. Thanks to the use of bird down or padding polyester, the product can last up to 5 years.

All pillows can be divided into several categories based on the ratio of feather to down:

• Down models must have more than 85 percent down, while the remaining 15 percent must have a small feather.
• Down and feather options have an equal proportion of down and feather.
• Feather products have over 50 percent nib. They are not in demand, since they are characterized by flatness and short service life.

There are several categories according to GOST:

• Extra - contains over 90 percent goose down.
• The first category - the content of goose down can vary from 85 to 90 percent.
• The second category - products have less than about 85 percent down.

According to the European classification of down and feather products, they are divided into the following categories:

• Premium class - pillows contain over 90 percent white goose down.
• The highest category - products consist of white or gray goose down, while they must have from 70 to 90 percent goose down.
• The first category - the pillow contains white or gray goose down, which fills the product from 50 to 70 percent.

Modern manufacturers use different materials in the manufacture of pillows to create the maximum level of comfort while relaxing.

To give the product elasticity, many companies do not use a feather, but latex inserts with a shape memory effect. Such options are characterized by excellent orthopedic properties. But pillows with latex inserts are more expensive than conventional options.

Faux Down Models are in no way inferior to natural counterparts, and also attract attention at an affordable price.

Artificial down options are characterized by hypoallergenicity, elasticity, and ease of care. They are lightweight and feature excellent air permeability.

Quite a popular filling is eco-fluff. Products with environmentally friendly filling are distinguished by their functionality and high level of comfort. They are ideal for a healthy and sound sleep.

• Down and feather pillow is one of the most common options. It is a bag filled with feathers and down, which is called a napernik. Additionally, a pillowcase is put on such a pillow. Depending on the amount of feather and down, the softness of the product is determined. If the pillow contains more feathers, then it is stiffer.
• Down and feather model has a different price. Expensive options contain more fluff than feathers. The proportions can be varied, as the percentage of fluff in the pillow can vary from 2 to 90 percent. Each buyer chooses the most optimal option for himself, taking into account personal preferences.
• Models that include the addition of a fine feather are characterized by increased wear resistance. They keep their shape perfectly, and also serve for many years. A feather product is mostly composed of feathers, it is distinguished by its elasticity and rigidity.
• The semi-duvet model is in great demand as it offers many advantages. It quickly regains its original shape, is characterized by softness and excellent ventilation. When wet, the semi-feather pillow dries quickly enough.

When choosing a pillow, it is very important to pay attention not only to the filling, but also to the pillow case, since the convenience and comfort of the product depends on it. Modern manufacturers use a variety of fabrics when sewing bedcloths.Very often satin, cambric, cotton, cotton cambric, teak, satin jacquard, silk muslin or silk are used.

The undisputed leaders in the manufacture of high-quality and durable pillow cases are Austrian and German companies. In the manufacture of materials for pillowcases, they use various compositions to give the pillows additional properties. Aromatic oils, vitamin E, aloe vera extract, silver ions and seaweed are often used.

Pillow fabrics are often of Chinese origin, but this does not mean that their products are inferior. There are various manufacturers.

The standard pillow shape is a square or rectangle. Most manufacturers produce products in these forms, since they are distinguished by their convenience and functionality.

A square or rectangular pillow is great for a comfortable sleep.

A round pillow looks original and unusual. It is usually used as a decoration. Several small rounded products will add coziness and comfort to the sleeping place.

Today you can order a pillow of any size, taking into account personal preferences and wishes. The standard width of the product varies from 30 to 50 cm, but the length can be from 40 to 80 cm.

The decisive role in choosing the size of the pillow is played by the width of the mattress. For a double bed, you can use an option that will take up half of the mattress.

If we talk about the height of the product, then there are no restrictions. You can completely rely on your taste. If you like to sleep on your back, then the pillow can be very high. For those who like to sleep on their side or stomach, a low option is better, since it will not interfere with your breathing.

Many manufacturers offer down and feather pillows in the size 70x70 cm, since pillowcases are usually in that size.

If this option seems to you large, cumbersome, then you should pay attention to products measuring 60x60 cm. Such a pillow is ideal for an adult. Convenience and comfort are guaranteed to everyone. Models with dimensions of 68x68 cm are in great demand.

The weight of the model is an indicator of quality. A down pillow is always lighter than a feather pillow. If you take a down product with dimensions of 70x70 cm, then its weight will be approximately from one to one and a half kilograms. A pillow of this size made of down and feathers will weigh between one and a half to three kilograms.

And the heaviest is the first model, since its weight varies from 2.5 to 4 kilograms.

A quality pillow is characterized by a long service life. If you adhere to the rules for using the product, then it can last from 10 to 20 years.

Key recommendations:

• Down and feather pillows should be washed three or four times a year, while the temperature should be 60 degrees. It is quite problematic to carry out such a procedure at home, since the filler must dry well. You can contact the specialists who are engaged in cleaning such pillows. Cleaning of products consists in the fact that the filler is removed from the pillow, disinfected under ultraviolet rays, washed, dried and used to fill a new pillow case.
• The pillows should be ventilated in the fresh air in the sun, and as far as possible to knock out.This will get rid of dust as well as dust mites.

Although feather and down pillows do not have a specific shelf life, if you do not follow the rules for cleaning products, then it is not recommended to use them for a long time. Such products require replacement after about 3-5 years.

Today, many Russian and European manufacturers offer stylish, high-quality pillows made from natural fillers.

Many buyers leave positive reviews about the Chicago down pillow from the Russian brand. "Dargez"... This product consists of 90 percent natural down of the first category, and the pillowcase is sewn from percale. The manufacturer offers several colors. The only drawback is the high cost.

Elite pillow manufacturers use only natural raw materials. For example, an Italian company Daunex offers the stylish Nuvola model in 100% gray goose down. The napernik is made of twill. This product is certified, therefore, it guarantees environmental friendliness and safety.

To choose the right down and feather pillow, it is worth considering a few nuances:

• Each pillow must have a tag, on which the manufacturer indicates the ratio of feathers and down, as well as their variety.
• Unpleasant odor indicates poor quality. You should refuse such a purchase.
• The pillow is worth checking out. If you doubt it, then it should not creak, rustle or rustle. After this action, she should quickly return to its original form.
• Quality products never come cheap... This rule also applies to pillows made of down and feathers.

• It is worth carefully examining all the seams of the bedclothes. Only a high-quality seam guarantees that the fluff will not fly out of the pillow.
• The height of the pillow plays a big role. It should be chosen depending on which sleeping position is most comfortable for you. If you like sleeping on your side, you should pay attention to the tall item. For those who like to sleep at night on their back or stomach, it is better to give preference to the low options. For people who often roll over during sleep, it is worth purchasing medium-height options so that they can be easily adjusted to the chosen position.
• It is important to select a pillow for elasticity. The most common option is the medium elasticity model. The ratio of feather to down affects the elasticity of the product. If the model contains more feathers, then it will be elastic.

In order for down and feather pillows to always give you convenience and comfort, as well as healthy sleep, you should adhere to several rules that relate to caring for them:

• Should at least once a year OK dry the pillow in the sun in the fresh air. It is better to air the product twice a month.
• If desired, the product can be taken to dry cleaning, but remember that such cleaning affects the volume of the pillow, so it is better to make one of two pillows. The dry-cleaner not only provides a high-quality cleaning of down and feathers, but also provides a new pillow case. Each product lends itself to high-quality cleaning using a product against ticks and other insects.
• Excellent quality down pillows not afraid of machine wash, which greatly simplifies the process of cleaning products.
• Once a month a pillow worth cleaning from dustusing a linen cracker. Do not use sticks to knock out dust, as they can damage the feathers themselves, which will negatively affect the structure of the product.
• After washing, the down pillow should be dry away from heating appliances and sun rays. It should be horizontal.

In addition to the above recommendations, it is necessary to carry out daily care of the product.It consists in the fact that the pillow must be thoroughly beaten in the morning after sleep, this will allow the fluff to be saturated with oxygen and take its original shape for the whole day.

Periodically, the pillows should be ventilated in the fresh air, but damp or damp weather should be avoided.

You will learn more about how to wash pillows in the following video.