The Best Feather Mattress Toppers of 2021 – Luxurious Comfort

You may have heard the term “mattress toppers” but are unsure of what it exactly is and what role it plays in the bedroom. As the name suggests, it’s a piece of bedding material that is placed on a mattress to give it some additional cushioning that will either increase or decrease the bed’s firmness.  This type of product is ideal for people unhappy with their mattress.

Toppers comes in an array of sizes and materials such as goose or duck feathers. Feather toppers, known as featherbeds, tend to be very popular because of their ability to keep the bed cool and work even when a couple is engaged in sexual activity. 

Featherbeds usually have two parts to them:

• Exterior feathers – offer additional support that is coarse
• Underside feathers – usually lightweight and softer

The majority of featherbeds are made with down material in the center with feathers strengthening the edges. How much feather and down is used is seen in the product specifications, and it’s worthy to note that higher down concentrations usually means a softer topper. 

Before you purchase a featherbed for your home, it’s important to know what the advantages and disadvantages are. If you’ve never bought a featherbed topper before, you need to know what to look for. There are all kinds of featherbed manufacturers on the market, and below are some of the customer-verified and user experiences products that have also undergone product research. 

Feather Mattress Toppers Comparison Table

Feather Mattress Toppers Reviews

ExceptionalSheets Review: The Best Overall 

The ExceptionalSheets feather bed topper helps to bring back comfort to an old mattress, giving it an additional layer of lightweight cushioning. It has the perfect firmness that won’t allow the body to sink into the mattress, but on the other hand, it doesn’t feel rock hard either. If you’ve been looking for a soft yet supportive topper to give you great sleep once more, this is what you need.

The polysoft cover, which can fit mattresses up to 18-inches deep, uses unique polyester fiber clusters that are extremely soft and ensure better sleep. A polyester/cotton blend makes up the backing, which gives ultimate comfort to the user. Every topper is made up of 25-ounces per square yard of unique fiberfill known as Revoloft. This material has the feel of genuine duck and goose down without the potential for allergies, poking, or feathers.

If you’ve been looking for a high-quality feather bed mattress topper that can keep you cool due to its breathable nature, then this is what you’ve always wanted. It also offers protection against bacteria, allergens, and dust mites – ideal for people who have asthma or allergies.

The 160-thread count cover with a double-needle baffle box stitch prevents fill from shifting when you move. This topper is great for sleepers with any type of mattress, including memory foam, latex, or innerspring.

Hotel Grand Review: The Best Quality for The Price

This Hotel Grand mattress topper is highly-rated by people who have used it. Its outer cover is comprised of 100 percent cotton with a 233 thread count that helps block all the leakage penetration deep inside the system. The filling is white duck down on top for extra comfort and white duck feather on the bottom – great for additional support.

The Hotel Grand feather mattress topper is ideal for queen size mattresses and offers a five-inch thickness that ensures ultimate comfort. It comes with the baffle box design that ensures feathers stay in place when you move around. If you’re looking for comfort from a feather bed topper, this is what you’ve been looking for at an affordable price.

Puredown Review: The Most Environmentally Friendly Option

The key of most mattress toppers is to give the users additional comfort; something soft yet supportive to increase their sleep quality. This is why Puredown came up with its own feather bed topper, which comes with a 100% cotton fabric cover to provides users with exceptional comfort.

What makes Puredown unique is that its top layer is filled with 75 percent natural white goose down, and the bottom layer is made of natural white goose feathers. The feathers have been carefully chosen, cleaned, disinfected, and are odorless and lightweight. This makes it one of the most sought-after feather mattress toppers.

Similar to other well-known brands, Puredown uses baffle box design and double-needle stitching to keep filling from moving around and has an elastic fiber to ensure easy installation. Furthermore, the topper features different sizes to suit your needs better.

The feather mattress topper from Puredown follows the Responsible Down Standard and has received a certification from OXIPOWER for passing the test for material, content, and durability.

Pacific Coast Feather Company Review: The Most Durable and Supportive

One of the things you’ll notice when sleeping on the Pacific Coast feather bed topper is that it cushions the body’s pain and pressure points so you can fall asleep more easily. What makes this product different from others is that the 3-D true baffle boxes keep feathers in place and provide extra room for added loft. It can offer an old mattress a new life.

Another thing you’ll notice about this feather bed topper is the extra layer of soft and springy Resilia feathers that provide additional support and cushion. The 230-thread count cover is made of 100 percent cotton Barrier Weave fabric to protect feathers from falling out. The seams have been top-stitched to ensure feather proofing and durability.

Pacific Coast has ensured their feather mattress topper goes through a stringent standard process to ensure it does not include any allergens. However, if you’re unhappy with your purchase, you can send it back to get a full refund. Additionally, the company offers a five-year, limited warranty.

Sweet Jojo Designs Review: The Best for Cooling Properties

When it comes to featherbeds, the majority of them provide a neutral surface temperature, but Sweet Jojo Designs is a notable standout. How so? The baffled cotton cover allows for amazing airflow through the whole topper, which means cool sleep all night long.

According to the manufacturer, the filling is treated with antibacterial properties – no growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungus. It’s comprised of mostly white goose feathers (95 percent) with the remaining 5 percent being white goose down. Due to this composition, sleepers get the ideal softness level and pressure-point relief during their restful sleep.

With a two-inch thickness, this feather mattress topper works for people who don’t weight a lot and those who love to sleep on their back or stomach. The chambers keep the feathers in place to prevent clumping or shape loss.

Sweet Jojo Designs is very affordable (unlike similar toppers that cost much more). Best of all, their White Goose Feather Topper offers a manufacturer’s warranty against defects even when bought through a third-party retailer.

QUEEN ROSE Review: The Softest Option

Do you suffer from back pain and have been looking for relief from a mattress topper? Don’t look any further than Queen Rose. It’s made with cozy 300 thread-count hypoallergenic cover, which limits any noise when sleeping and offers an extra microfiber fill that stays super soft and fluffy. A 100% cotton cover is breathable and allows for total airflow, which means the feather bed topper stays cooler than other products out there.

It features one of the best baffle box designs that prevents the filling from moving or flattening. If you have a firm mattress, this is the perfect topper to soften it up. As you sleep, your back, legs, and shoulders will get the comfort and support they need to wake up without pain.

As a two-inch mattress topper, it can effectively distribute the body pressure and has a barrier for both allergens and dust mites. The topper is encased in double flexible anchor bands that will fit securely to ensure the pad stays in place. It can work with a mattress of up to 18 inches.

Queen Rose offers a 3-year manufacturer defect warranty if you’re unhappy with its performance.

Superior Review: The Most Affordable Choice

This extremely soft and breathable topper is made of 100 percent microfiber shell and down alternative Polyfill, which excels in comfort. It’s not only soft but also makes no noise and is hypoallergenic – great for people who suffer from allergies to feathers. Superior adds two inches of a lofty pillow top softness to your mattress while also preserving the support and keeping it cool, unlike other toppers.

The Superior feather mattress topper has a baffle box design that includes double-needle stitching that prevents fill from shifting. The shell is made of very thin fibers that have been tightly woven in a durable fabric that will resist wrinkles, fading, and stains. You can throw it into your washing machine and tumble dry it on low heat to re-fluff. With a low price tag, what more could you ask for from this feather bed topper?

Feather Mattress Toppers Buyer’s Guide

If you’ve heard of feather mattress toppers before but didn’t know what they were exactly, how they can help and what you should be mindful of when looking for the best feather mattress topper for your bed, then you’ve come to the right place. 

What Is A Feather Bed Topper?

A topper is an extra layer of cushioning on a bed (mattress) to give it more softness, extra comfort and support (in some cases). Depending on their design, toppers can be tucked under the top sheets or lie freely on the mattress itself.

Feather mattress toppers come in various sizes for standard mattress dimensions (Twin, Full, Queen and King); however, they are generally smaller than the corresponding size of a mattress to ensure they fit beneath the sheets without any bunching up or clumping. 

Also called featherbeds, they comprise of goose or duck feathers. In most cases, the feather bed toppers are made of the bird’s exterior feathers, which are generally rougher. Some toppers use a mixture of both outer and inner feathers (inner feathers are much softer). These inner feathers are usually called down and can be measured by the fill power – a reference to how soft it feels. 

Feather mattress toppers are usually sealed by either a polyester or cotton cover. 

Feather vs. Memory Foam Mattress Topper

If you’re looking for a supportive mattress topper – one that doesn’t put undue pressure on your pressure points – then memory foam is better than a featherbed that is often very soft (and warm). Another positive aspect of memory foam toppers is their durability, and ability to keep their shape for much longer than feather toppers (that can experience wear and tear in a matter of a couple of years).  

Memory foam mattress toppers have a firm texture to them, which comes with an array of advantages. However, if you want softness and comfort with a sense of luxury, then a feather bed topper is what you should be on the lookout for. On top of that, the price of feathers is usually less than what you’d get with natural latex or memory foam. 

Who Should Use a Feather Mattress Topper?

There are certain groups of individuals that would benefit from feather bed toppers more so than others. Those groups include:

• ​People who don’t want a restrictive mattress - Featherbeds won’t restrict movement by much, so you can easily move around on them.
• ​People who can’t lift anything heavy - Most feather bed toppers weigh no more than 20 pounds, making them easy to adjust and maneuver for most sleepers.
• ​People who sleep hot - Since feathers will absorb very little body heat, you can sleep cool during the night. 
• ​People who are currently using a firm mattress - Featherbeds are extremely soft and can improve your sleep surface, securing you better comfort and sleep quality.

Groups of individuals who should not use featherbeds, however, include the following:

• ​People who have allergies - Feathers and down mattress toppers have a tendency to build up microbes and dust, which may trigger a person’s allergies in the process.
• ​People who want a sleep surface that conforms - Featherbeds don’t closely conform to the user, which makes them unappealing for individuals who want a contoured fit.  
• ​People who have a sensitive sense of smell - Feather toppers usually have a smell that will last long after the topper has been unpackaged.
• People who wake up easily - Featherbeds can be noisy and don’t absorb or minimize motion to a significant extent. In fact, most of them make a squeaking sound when they bear weight.

Benefits Of Feather Bed Toppers

Now, you may be wondering if you should really invest in a feather bed mattress topper. Keep in mind that feather mattress toppers were quite popular for many years due to their comfort level and durability. Even before synthetic materials came about, they were available for decades. 

So, why should you consider a feather mattress topper for your bed?

Inexpensive – If you notice any wear and tear signs or sagging of your mattress, then having such a topper would cover up for all those issues. Since mattresses cost much more, buying a topper will be a fraction of the cost and still bring you the comfort and support a new mattress would. Since feather mattress toppers can last up to three years before needing replacing, they offer great value for the money as well. 

Protection – The mattress topper could also act as a protective shield to protect your mattress from spills, dirt, and other “liquids.”

Absorbs Heat – While they provide an additional level of warmth for those winter days, feather mattress toppers can still be used in any weather condition. Since they don’t retain a lot of heat, you will still sleep cool, unlike other alternatives (memory foam, for example). 

Lightweight – Feathers don’t weigh a lot, which means you will be able to place the topper on top of your mattress with real ease and carry it around with you as needed. Most of them weigh no more than 20 pounds, making it really lightweight. 

Great For Sex – Due to their responsive, bouncy nature and the little resistance they give, feather toppers can be used and no hinder sexual activity. 

Easy Movement – Feather mattress toppers don’t offer a lot of resistance, making them easier to move on than other toppers that sink deeply beneath a sleeper’s body. 

Improves Softness – If you’re looking for additional softness, a feather mattress topper is the way to go. Many people with too firm of a mattress will opt for a soft feather topper to make a hard surface softer, as a firm mattress can make it uncomfortable to sleep well. If you have an older mattress that should be replaced, but you can’t afford it, a feather topper can alleviate the concern as well. 

Provides More Warmth – The biggest benefit of a mattress topper is the increased warmth during winter nights, and this definitely goes for feather mattress toppers. With the kind of warmth these toppers provide, you won’t feel any discomfort while trying to sleep. And, even though they are ideal for the winter months, they are still amazing for any kind of weather (and season). 

Drawbacks Of Feather Mattress Toppers

While there are some great benefits to using a feather mattress topper, there are some negatives also to remember. These negatives may keep you from investing in one despite the benefits they can offer. So, what are the negative aspects?

Minimal Motion Isolation – Feather mattress toppers are not ideal for people who sleep with a partner who is constantly moving in their sleep, as they don’t isolate and absorb motion. 

Feather Flattening – This may be considered one of the biggest drawbacks of feather bed toppers. Be mindful that duck and goose feathers and down are actually natural materials, with no spring or bounce seen in foams. They will flatten out over time. To bring feathers some life, shake the topper really good to help the feathers return to their original condition.

Odor Potential – When you first move the feather bed topper from its packaging, it can emit a foul smell, which may last for a long time. 

Lack of Conforming – Featherbeds don’t conform as closely as latex or memory foam toppers, and are not ideal for people with sensitive pressure spots on their body. They also may not help support your natural body posture but can cradle your body and give it a soft feel. 

​Dry-Clean Only – You cannot clean your feather topper in a washer machine. Instead, they must be cleaned with the help of a dry cleaner, which can get expensive real quick.

Risk of Allergies – Some people are allergic to feathers, which increases the chances for allergy issues. 

​Protruding Feathers – This issue is unique to feather mattress toppers: some users complain of feathers sticking out through the cover, which can be uncomfortable. 

Risk Of Damage – If a featherbed is in a room where liquid spills are possible, the topper won’t retain its “fluffy feel” for long and could become lumpy, pressed and hard.

Things To Consider Before You Buy

A key reason people purchase a mattress topper is to improve the quality of their bed that will also lead to an improvement in their sleep quality. The cost to replace a mattress can be enormous, which is why many users opt for a mattress topper. It gives the feeling of a new mattress for a fraction of the cost, plus it can revitalize and change the style of your bed.

This is why you need to do a little homework here. What are some things to be mindful of when you’re looking for the best feather mattress topper for your bed?

Durability and Quality 

When buying a feather bed topper, you want one that’s made up of high-quality feathers. You may need to pay more by doing so, but as the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” This goes for toppers too. By paying a little more, you’ll have a topper that’s both durable and comfortable. 

Size

Your mattress size will also be a factor in what feather mattress topper is best for your bed. Since toppers come in standard sizes (similar to mattress), find out what size mattress you have. 

Sleeping Position 

Your sleeping position should also be a factor in your buying decision.

• Side sleepers should opt for thicker toppers.
• Stomach sleepers should go for thinner toppers.
• Back sleepers are able to use a combination of both.

Fill Weight 

This refers to the total weight of the feathers and down used in the filling. The heavier the weight, the more down and feathers were used – which may also mean more support. However, bear in mind that feather fillings should not be used if you must have good therapeutic support, as they’re designed for comfort, not support. 

That being said, some people who suffer from back-related issues will use a feather topper over a firm memory foam mattress. Though a memory foam mattress gives them the support they need, the feathers provide them with comfort - in this case, a lower fill weight might be more appropriate.

Baffle Box Construction 

A mattress topper made with a baffle box construction design is a telling sign of how stable the feather filling is. Every ‘box’ is comprised of a 3D chamber with stitched vertical interior walls, which are then filled with feathers and down. The chambers keep the feathers mostly in place and still maintain the loft and fluffiness they provide. This ensures that mattress toppers stay comfortable and retain heat on these cold, winter nights.

The thread count, which references to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch, is what measures the featherbed covers. The higher the thread count is, the less wear and tear it will be susceptible to and the more feathers it will comprise of. 

FAQs

Is There Any Difference Between Down and Feathers?

Feathers are a bird’s outer covering and aid them to fly while down is found under the feathers. Feathers contain quills that may poke out of the cover; down doesn’t have any quills. It is also found on the underbelly of the bird, which keeps it warm. It’s very light, soft, and extremely comfortable for a mattress topper.

Should You Use Goose Feathers and Down or Duck Feathers?

Goose down clusters are much bigger than duck clusters, which means higher fill powers. Basically, you get more comfort with goose down than duck down. Plus, goose feathers are not as big as duck feathers, which means they are more expensive but more comfortable too.

If you’re looking for comfort, then you want the goose feathers and down. 

As with anything, the more down you have, the more comfortable the mattress topper is going to be. Duck feather toppers work best for people who are overweight or those who prefer a firmer sleeping surface. Down is better for lighter weight sleepers and for comfort.

Is It Possible To Use An Electric Blanket With A Feather Bed Topper?

While you can use an electric blanket with the feather bed topper, it’s best to place it under it. The heat will rise to the topper and fluff up the feathers and down. Bear in mind that featherbeds are already warm, and an electric blanket might make it too warm for you. Be sure to turn the blanket off before you go to sleep. 

How Can A Feather Bed Topper Be Cleaned?

For the most part, you should never wash or bleach the feather bed topper. Air it out regularly but never place it in direct sunlight. Use warm water and soap solution to spot clean the cotton cover, but never use bleach. You can extend the life of your topper by airing and fluffing it out often. While you can wash some down alternative toppers, do so at a slower spin and a low temperature.

Will The Thread Count Affect The Feather Topper?

Thread count means the number of threads per 10 square centimeters of fabric. The threads are counted both vertically and horizontally. The fabric used in feather mattress toppers is typically cotton. If you like a silky feel, you want a thread count of more than 250. If you want something crisper, you want to go with a thread count of less than 250. 

Why Should I Use A Feather Mattress Topper?

This question has been asked numerous times, and it’s a valid one. Why should you use a featherbed over other types of toppers such as memory foam? If your mattress is too firm, old, sagging or has been improperly maintained, then a feather or down mattress topper will give it a soft touch that addresses the issues. They are also ideal to be used in the winters and great for people who live in cooler climates because they are very warm. 

Never use feather bed toppers in kids’ bedrooms, as children are messy and can urinate in bed, which will flatten the filling inside. 

What To Remember…

The biggest problem people have is sleep deprivation – for one reason or another. And, the more you don’t address it, the harder it becomes to get a good night’s rest. A loss of sleep quality can lead to psychological issues down the road if the problem persists. 

Thankfully, minor adjustments to one’s sleeping setting can address the majority of sleep issues. The first thing you need to look at is the state of your mattress. If the mattress is old and sagging, it’s time to either get a new one or use a feather topper that will add some comfort to it. If you have too firm of a mattress, the featherbed can alleviate the problem and add softness to it.  

Basically, a feather bed topper can make all the difference and give you a great night’s sleep. And, be honest, who wouldn’t want that?