The Feather Mattress Topper Buying Guide

Among the many different types of mattress toppers on the market is the feather mattress topper. The name comes from the fact that the filler is typically either entirely made of contour feathers or a combination of contour feathers and down. Feathers have been used as filler for mattresses, pillows, and comforters for generations. It is a very warm and insulating substance that can add a layer of softness and plushness to any mattress.

Down Content

Most feather mattress toppers utilize a combination of contour feathers and down. However, down is extremely expensive to harvest. The higher the down content in a mattress topper the higher the price will be. By the same token, a feather mattress topper with low down content is not going to be comfortable enough to make it worth your effort. The key here is to find a topper with a good combination at a price you can afford.

You should also look for a feather mattress topper that is quilted. A quilted topper keeps the feathers in place so they don't shift during sleep or washing. A non-quilted mattress topper will tend to develop clumps very quickly and begin laying flat more quickly than other types of toppers. They also tend to break down more quickly because of the friction of the moving feathers. Quilted feather mattress toppers are slightly more expensive than non-quilted but they are worth the extra money.

Advantages of Feather Mattress Toppers

The two biggest advantages of this type of mattress topper can be attributed to the natural characteristics of feathers. First of all, feathers are insulating and breathable materials which help to regulate temperature better than foam or fabric. With a feather mattress topper you will find that you're warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The second advantage is that they are extremely soft to the touch. A good feather mattress topper will transform an otherwise plain mattress into one that is noticeably softer.

Other advantages to the feather mattress topper include good durability, a cheaper price when compared to foam, fairly good motion isolation, and a more natural feel. Depending on the options you choose, a feather mattress topper may also be considered "green."

Disadvantages of Feather Mattress Toppers

Just as there are advantages to a feather product there are also disadvantages. Beginning with support, the feather mattress topper is probably not your best choice if your reason for purchasing a topper is to add support and comfort for back pain or arthritis issues. Feathers and down have very little density so they offer very little support. In all likelihood, if you choose a feather product it's because you're looking for added softness and cushioning.

Other disadvantages include a propensity to flatten out quickly and breakdown faster than other types of toppers, the propensity to bunch together and clump if not well quilted, and the possibility of triggering allergies if a hypoallergenic cover is not used. Furthermore, these types of toppers are very difficult to clean. In most cases, to do so without damaging the topper requires dry-cleaning. Regular cleaning of a feather mattress topper can be somewhat expensive.

Dual Mattress Toppers

If you're looking for both support and softness in a mattress topper you always have the option of combining the two. You could put a foam or gel topper directly on your mattress, then a feather topper between it and the fitted sheet. You'll get the added support of the foam as well as the softness of the feather. Be aware however, that this type of arrangement often causes challenges when putting sheets on the bed. You might have to abandon the fitted sheet and use a second straight sheet in its place.