Here at Linens Limited, we know that your pillow should be the most important element of your sleeping routine. Your sheets will keep your bed fresh and your duvet keeps you warm in winter, but your pillow will support your head and bring comfort whatever the weather.

We have many different fillings and types of pillow on sale with us online, from bolster to memory foam  – so we can guarantee to suit many different sleeping preferences or orthopaedic needs; but we understand that many people prefer a natural filling such as feather or down, and the combination of both is the optimum choice for both warmth and durability. This article explains the differences between the two, and what to consider when buying and looking after your new pillow.

Down pillows –  This filling is more resilient and will last longer, but may cost a bit more.

Feather pillows – This filling costs a bit less and can lie flatter but may not last as long as they can’t be machine washed.

Down filling 

Down is the layer underneath a birds feathers to keep it warm and dry and even considered nature’s best insulator as it’s the world’s warmest material when compared to its weight. Down clusters are rounder and more spherical than feathers and they come without the hard spine (quill). This natural round shape is what gives a down the benefits of insulting warm air, the more down there is in the pillow – the firmer it will be.

Feather filling 

Feather can come from ducks or geese as these feathers are soft even though they have a quill. As these feathers help a bird stay warm and dry, you can’t wash your pillow in the washing machine; but they will help keep your head warm and dry.  However, due to the quills and nature of the feathers the pillow will go flat quicker.

The quills will also poke through and escape the pillow, which can also lead to loss of support. Most manufacturing companies combat this flattening of by adding a small percentage of down clusters to keep the feathers from reacting this way.

Extend the life of your pillow 

Your pillow will eventually go flat as you are laying your head on it every night, feather pillows will flatten more quickly in the tumble dryer because the feathers will escape and the quills will break. Down pillows can be placed in the tumble dryer which will kill dust mites and re-fluff them. Moisture from your skin, sweat and hair will damage your pillow over time, the tumble dryer will help combat this but just be sure to use a pillow protector as well as pillow cases. 

Don’t forget to regularly fluff the pillow, as this will promote air circulation and extend the life of the pillow.