How to Use a Featherbed

Selecting a Featherbed

• 1

  Choose a featherbed that's best for your needs and budget. First, consider the thread count. The higher the thread count, the softer and more durable the exterior of your featherbed will be (and the more likely it is to keep feathers from poking through).

• 2

  Look for box quilting or baffle boxes that keep the feathers from shifting. Box quilting is a series of squares sewn into the fabric. Baffle boxes take it a step further, with a layer of fabric sewn perpendicular to the top and bottom layers of the featherbed to seal the boxes and allow more even distribution of the down.

• 3

  Note the type of feathers used. Duck down is the least expensive, white goose the most common and eiderdown the most luxurious. Goose down is generally of better quality than duck; mature down from older birds is warmer and thicker than immature down. The density of the fill is also a factor that will affect warmth and cost.

• 4

  Choose a featherbed to match the size of your mattress at home (twin, full, queen or king).

Using Your Featherbed

• 5

  After your featherbed is in place, cover it with a fitted sheet to protect it and keep it from shifting. You might also want to add a washable duvet cover.

• 6

  Fluff the featherbed daily.

• 7

  Spot clean as needed.

• 8

  Let your featherbed air outdoors every few months.

• 9

  Dry-clean once every few years.