How to Choose the Best Down Pillow

What are the Benefits of Down for Pillows

Buying a high-quality pillow is an investment in a good night’s sleep. But with so many options available, pillow shopping can feel overwhelming. We’ll help you narrow down your choices to find the ideal pillow for a cool and comfortable slumber. 

5 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Down Pillow 

Down pillows are one of many types of pillows available on the market. They actually have a fascinating history, going back to Ancient Greece and Rome when the wealthy first began filling pillows with soft down fibers. Down fibers are the soft inner plumage of geese and ducks. Down does not contain quills, making it different from a feather. Babies are born fully covered in down and as they mature, exterior features develop and cover over the soft interior down layer.    Down is good for geese — and pillows and blankets — for the same reasons. It’s quite soft, noticeably lightweight, and retains warmth. But not all down pillows are alike. That is why we’ve created this handy Buyers Guide with all you need to know about down pillows. 

1. Fill Power 

 Fill power refers to how fluffy a down pillow is. Down pillows have a certain fill number that describes how much space a single ounce of down will occupy at its fullest. The higher the fill power, the better the down fibers can trap air, allowing the pillow to remain fuller longer.    Generally, the higher the fill power, the better quality a pillow is. Fill power ranges anywhere from 600 to 1000 and above. If you’re looking for a pillow that keeps its fluffiness and volume, look for one with a fill count on the higher end. Nearly all down pillows are a combination of down and feathers. People looking for added firmness to stabilize the head and neck should look for a high feather to down ratio. More feathers give a pillow greater “loft” or support. 

2. Sleeping Position

Your sleeping position is another important factor to consider when pillow shopping. Down pillows are good for people who sleep on their back or side, especially.    Side sleepers should opt for a down pillow with a dense fill and a high loft to keep the head, neck, and shoulders in proper alignment. Back sleepers should look for a down pillow with a higher down to feather ratio. A mid-loft pillow that sinks every do slightly will help maintain good alignment throughout the spine.    Stomach sleepers may find down pillows force them to turn the head to the side, increasing the chance of neck and shoulder pain in the morning. There are many other types of pillows available to give stomach sleepers a peaceful and pain-free sleep. 

3. Proper Care for Down Pillows  

 Down pillows require a bit of care to keep them looking and feeling their best. A well-made down pillow with high-quality cloth coverings will maintain its fill and loft until it’s time to replace it.    During that time it’s important to wash your down pillow regularly to remove sweat, stains, and invisible allergens. 

Steps to Wash a Down Pillow   

•  First, inspect all seams, zippers, for gaps or tears. This ensures you won’t have a washer full of down when you open it up.  
• Next, check the laundering instructions on the label for the proper cycle and water temperature for your pillow.  
• Never wash a down pillow in an agitating washer. Instead, use a front-loader without an agitator.  
• Use a mild detergent in warm water (unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.) Set an extra rinse cycle.  
• Dry the pillow in the dryer on a low - medium heat setting. It can take up to an hour to dry a down pillow completely.

ProTip: Never use fabric softener when washing anything containing down and/or feathers. It leaves a heavy coating on the materials and keeps them from being their fluffiest.    If you’re still a bit intimidated about washing your down pillow, take it to a dry cleaner with experience caring for bedding containing natural materials. 

 

4. Synthetic Alternatives to Down  

 If you’re looking for an alternative to down for any reason, there are plenty available. Most are a polyester down alternative that mimics the qualities of down fill but may not be quite as breathable.    

 Also, down alternatives not usually as insulating as natural down and feathers. Synthetic materials may not be as durable either, so you’ll probably end up replacing your down alternative pillow more often. The bottom line: do your research to find the best pillow to meet all of your needs. 

5. When to Replace Your Pillow  

 A down pillow that has been well-cared for can last up to two years. Between washings, protect your down pillow with a cloth protector that preserves the look and feel of your pillow while keeping out dirt and microscopic dust mites. 

However, even with frequent washings, every pillow must be replaced at some point. Here are some hints it’s time to trade yours in for a newer model. 

Signs It Is Time To Replace Your Down Pillow 

• Holes or tears in the fabric 
• Down or feathers escaping  
• An odor that doesn’t go away with washing  
• Loss of fullness and support  
• Permanent, noticeable stains  
• Waking up with neck and shoulder pain.

There are reasons that down has been a preferred filler for pillows since ancient times. Down offers superior warmth and durability without being stiff like other types of pillows. They are perfectly “scrunchable” and good for snuggling. 

Superior Craftsmanship Makes Kasentex Down Pillow Soft and Durable    

 Kasentex uses only the highest quality fabric and materials to make its best-selling down pillows. From 100% organic cotton to premium Egyptian cotton, our down and feather pillows are soft, breathable, and easy to clean. Order online or find Kasentex home products at your favorite retailers.    Kastenex Makes Luxury Bedding Affordable    Global textile firm, Kasentex, has been in business for more than 15 years. Launched with the goal of making luxury bedding accessible to every consumer, Kasentex uses premium fabrics and materials that come without the high price tag. The in-house design team develops quilts, comforters, throw blankets, and pillows that are comfortable, durable, and always on-trend. 

Kasentex Makes Luxury Bedding Affordable 

Global textile firm, Kasentex, has been in business for more than 15 years. Launched with the goal of making luxury bedding accessible to every consumer, Kasentex uses premium fabrics and materials that come without the high price tag. The in-house design team develops quilts, comforters, throw blankets, and pillows that are comfortable, durable, and always on-trend.