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Feather pillows

(27 Posts)
Mazgg Sat 25-Jul-26 14:44:12

I've decided to treat myself to a good pillow and wondered if anyone has any advice. I've always avoided feathers on the grounds of animal (bird) welfare but believe it's now possible to buy them guaranteed ethically sourced from food chain.
Has anyone any advice/experience as to whether or not they are worth the high price tag

butterandjam Sat 25-Jul-26 16:12:21

I buy pure down pillows, no feathers.

The down is collected by hand from the nests of eider ducks
which is why its so expensive.

Lathyrus3 Sat 25-Jul-26 16:20:00

I’ve been to an eider farm and helped to collect the discarded nests, so would recommend this as the best ecological option.

Well worth it for comfort and longevity too😀

Pigma Sat 25-Jul-26 18:26:56

I also have down pillows. A big investment but the best I have ever had. Thoroughly recommend.

V3ra Sun 26-Jul-26 00:35:15

www.thewoolroom.com/en-gb/products/deluxe-washable-wool-pillow?variant=54397756309889&mm_rf=mm_360e4542b888c76e9224

We have had these wool pillows (and duvets) for several years and are very happy with them.

Mazgg Sun 26-Jul-26 12:05:32

I have looked at wool pillows and I'm attracted to the idea that I could add extra or remove surplus filling to suit my personal preference.

AuntieE Sun 26-Jul-26 17:35:28

I have always used down pillows, as I am allergic to many synthetic fibres, but have recently started using a Memory foam pillow instead, due to waking each morning with a stiff neck and as often as not a headache.

My stff neck is more or less a thing of the past after a fortnight with the new pillow and the headaches have stopped.

So if you have similar problems you might want to try a cheap memory foam pillow before anything else.

Gwyllt Tue 28-Jul-26 14:12:37

Curiosity. How expensive are down pillows

dogsmother Tue 28-Jul-26 14:23:05

A vote for a down pillow from me too. I’ve tried and tried with a wool one but gone back to my down one as best.

Pigma Tue 28-Jul-26 17:51:53

Gwyllit - mine are Dorma, bought in Dunelm, and from memory in the region of £99 each. I have two on a double bed with a flattish firm pillow under each.

Pigma Tue 28-Jul-26 17:54:23

Apologies, that should be Gwyllt.

Stella14 Sat 01-Aug-26 13:41:43

I buy my pillows and duvets from Earthkind. They use recycled (obviously cleaned) feathers and down.
earthkind.co.uk/products/earthkind-feather-and-down-duvet?srsltid=AfmBOopW0aYjvSJqBWgkx9IXc95PudmAvUdOJdiGsaWi0_a3xfghsqXu

Cossy Sat 01-Aug-26 14:43:36

Stella14

I buy my pillows and duvets from Earthkind. They use recycled (obviously cleaned) feathers and down.
earthkind.co.uk/products/earthkind-feather-and-down-duvet?srsltid=AfmBOopW0aYjvSJqBWgkx9IXc95PudmAvUdOJdiGsaWi0_a3xfghsqXu

Just looked at this site from your link!

Looks fab!

Chocolatelovinggran Sat 01-Aug-26 15:00:37

Yes, thank you, Stella, for your recommendation. What a brilliant idea.

Bazza Sat 01-Aug-26 15:50:36

My DH gave me an insanely expensive pure down pillow for my birthday, I think it was about £160 from John Lewis, and it’s the most fabulous luxurious object I own and I can’t recommend it highly enough. A plus is that it’s made in Britain. I sigh with pleasure every time I put my head on it!

Colls Sat 01-Aug-26 18:04:10

Bazza

My DH gave me an insanely expensive pure down pillow for my birthday, I think it was about £160 from John Lewis, and it’s the most fabulous luxurious object I own and I can’t recommend it highly enough. A plus is that it’s made in Britain. I sigh with pleasure every time I put my head on it!

Bazza, are they quite firm? I like a firm. substantial pillow.
Tired of synthetic ones that give no support at all.
Thanks.

Bazza Sat 01-Aug-26 18:18:42

No I wouldn’t say it’s firm, but if your budget stretches far enough JL has a great selection, some are firm.

monami Sat 01-Aug-26 21:43:38

Too soft a firm pillow is better

Bazza Sun 02-Aug-26 07:29:16

Just a thought - I would steer clear of a pillow with feathers which are used to bulk up the down. Birds use feathers for flying not to keep warm and I’ve found that once they break up they can poke through the casing. Pure down is inevitably more expensive but lasts for ages and a quick plump up is all they need.

JustkeepswimmingDonna Sun 02-Aug-26 07:48:57

@Bazza what a thoughtful husband you have smile

Bazza Sun 02-Aug-26 08:06:36

I have to say he was prodded!

Nell82 Sun 02-Aug-26 08:46:22

I use a down pillow for squidgy softness and to avoid that crackling noise some cheaper feather pillows can make.

For the stiff neck and headache problem a physiotherapist gave me the following tip. Roll up a towel into a sausage shape and slide it into the pillow protector along the bottom edge. (I use a thinnish small bath towel). This supports my head and neck in a good position overnight.

Warmglovesandsocks Sun 02-Aug-26 09:15:03

Sorry, diverting a little, but does anyone know how to clean a “Bamboo” pillow? Any help would be appreciated.

HelterSkelter1 Sun 02-Aug-26 13:53:27

Nell82 I am going to try that. Thank you for the tip.

Pigma Sun 02-Aug-26 18:08:55

I have flattish firm pillows on the bottom and my down pillows on top. Totally agree re feathers, they sound ‘crunchy’ and the quills poke through. My 100 down pillows don’t make a noise and nothing pokes through, they just need a good shake each morning to redistribute the down but maybe that’s because I’m a very restless sleeper!
One of my luxuries in life, I hate going away and sleeping with ‘normal ’ pillows, totally spoilt now.