What to Look For When Buying a Feather Bed
Looking to revolutionize your sleep without investing in a new mattress? A feather bed might be the perfect solution. Lay it over top your mattress and sink right in to achieve the ultimate in comfort. It’s so good, it’s almost like a pillow for your body. Here are the specifications you’ll want to brush up on.
Fill Power
Fluffiness can be measured. In short, that’s what fill power is all about. Fill power can help you determine the insulating ability of the down in your feather bed, and will tell you about the quality of down used.
Generally speaking, a higher fill power means quality, better loft and a more durable product.
400 to 450
Fill in this range is considered to be medium quality, and will likely be the most economical option.
450 to 550
Fill in this range is considered to be good quality, but will still be on the more affordable side.
550 to 750
Fill in this range is considered to be very good quality, perfect for someone looking for a comfortable, quality feather bed.
750+
Fill in this range has large down clusters is considered to be excellent quality. This is about as luxurious as it gets.
Design
Some feather beds have multiple types of filling on different layers, carefully composed to swallow you right up when you sink into the feather bed. Others have a simpler design, with one uniform layer of fill.
Universal
A universal feather bed design means that the fill is all contained on a single layer.
Double Layered/Dual Chamber
A double layered design means that the feather bed has two layers, each filled with different material (such as down on top, feather on the bottom), with a channel filling the space between the two layers. This design is sometimes called “double chamber”.
Construction
All feather beds are not created equally. There are a few different techniques that are used to ensure that the fill is evenly distributed throughout the feather bed. This means no clumping, just an even level of plush down throughout.
Baffle Box
Baffle box construction means that strips of fabric are sewn between the top cover and bottom cover of the feather bed in a checkerboard pattern, diving the inside of the bed into several compartments.
Baffle Channel
Baffle channel construction is similar to baffle box, in that different compartments are created inside the feather bed; however, instead of a checkerboard pattern, baffle channels are striped.
Non-Baffled
A feather bed without baffling does not include any compartments, so the down will be prone to gathering. Expect to have to fluff the feather bed fairly often.
Thread Count
The thread count measures the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. A high thread count means a smoother, softer, more breathable fabric—but after a certain level, the difference is negligible.
100-200
This is likely the lowest thread count you’re likely to come across when looking for a feather bed. Typically, a thread count under 200 is not recommended for a feather bed.
200-400
A thread count in this range means you’re working with a good quality, durable cotton.
400-600
When you reach this threshold, you’re entering the luxury zone. Expect a very durable feather bed.
600+
A thread count beyond 600 might be noticeable to the most discerning sleeper, but the difference to most people will be very slight.