A mattress topper is an extra layer added to the top of a mattress to change its feel. Toppers can make the bed softer or firmer, and they can add more cushioning or support. While choosing the right mattress for you can improve your sleep experience, combining it with the right mattress topper can take your sleep surface to the next level.
Several different materials are commonly used in mattress toppers, including latex, polyfoam, memory foam, down alternative, down, and feathers.
Feather mattress toppers, also called featherbeds, typically contain feathers, down, or a combination of the two. The down and feathers used in a topper may come from ducks, geese, or both. Feather toppers are perhaps best known for their softness and luxury, but many sleepers also appreciate their breathability, responsiveness, and added support.
Even if you’ve narrowed down your topper search to feather toppers, you’ll have a lot of choices to make. There are many feather toppers on the market, and their unique materials and designs have direct impacts on their performance. We’ll cover our top picks for the best feather mattress toppers, explain what makes them unique, and go over some of the most important factors to consider as you shop.
Product Details
Best Overall
Pacific Coast Baffle Box Featherbed
Who it's best for:
- People who are unsure whether they are allergic to feathers
- Those who prefer to sleep on exceptionally soft surfaces
- Value seekers
Highlights:
- Lofty Resilia feathers create a luxuriously plush surface for your mattress
- Thick baffles enhance the cloud-like feel
- All orders include an allergy warranty
Free ground shipping on all domestic orders with code: PACIFIC
The Pacific Coast Baffle Box Featherbed embodies all of the traits people love about feather toppers. The fill consists of plush Resilia feathers that create an exceptionally plush feel for your mattress, and thick baffles add to the cloud-like loftiness. This featherbed ranks among the softest mattress toppers we’ve personally tested.
The feathers are washed at least eight times during production, which should remove most of the contaminants that trigger symptoms for people with feather allergies. Just in case, each order is backed by an “allergy-free” warranty allowing you to return the featherbed if you experience issues.
The shell is composed of breathable cotton. White cording trims the shell to hold the fabric together and prevent fill from escaping. Owners should avoid machine washing the featherbed. Instead, you can spot clean if stains occur or arrange for dry cleaning to keep the topper hygienic.
The topper is available in five sizes ranging from twin to king and California king, all of which are reasonably priced. Pacific Coast also offers free shipping for all purchases of $99 or more, a range that includes each size of the Baffle Box Featherbed. In addition to the allergy-free warranty, your order includes a 30-night trial period and a 3-year warranty against structural defects.
Best Value
Quince Premium Featherbed
Who it's best for:
- Anyone who considers their current mattress too firm
- Shoppers looking for a featherbed with a lengthy trial period
- Those with limited budgets
Highlights:
- Pure feather fill is both plush and supportive
- Durable shell composed of cotton twill
- Each purchase is backed by a year-long sleep trial
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Quince mattress toppers
Quince has earned a reputation for high-quality products with affordable price-points. The Premium Featherbed is no exception. Constructed with plush feather fill encased in smooth cotton twill, the topper measures 3 inches thick and feels luxuriously soft. That said, the feathers offer decent support and the twill is highly durable, so the featherbed should hold up well over time.
Wide baffle boxes keep the fill evenly distributed and help maintain a lofty feel for your sleep surface. Customers can choose between full, queen, and king/California king sizes. The topper is technically machine-washable, but your household washer may not be suitable – especially if it contains an agitator – and cleaning it may necessitate a trip to the laundromat. Alternatively, you can opt for dry cleaning.
In addition to its affordable pricing, Quince offers free shipping for all orders. The company’s sleep trial is one of the most generous in the online bedding industry, allowing you up to 265 nights to decide whether to keep or return the Premium Featherbed. Return shipping is also free if you opt for the latter.
Most Comfortable
Parachute Down Mattress Topper
Who it's best for:
- Sleepers from all weight groups
- Combination sleepers
- People who tend to sleep hot
Highlights:
- Responsible Down Standard Certified European white down
- Dual-chamber design provides cushioning, while minimizing sinkage
- Baffle box construction keeps fill evenly distributed
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Parachute mattress toppers
The Parachute Down Mattress Topper is a luxury topper that balances plushness and support. This 550 fill power feather bed is constructed of two chambers. The top chamber has a softer feel for surface-level cushioning, while the bottom chamber is firmer to limit sagging and sinkage.
Premium, all-natural European white down makes up the topper fill. In total, it contains 85 percent down and 15 percent down and feather fibers. The use of primarily down gives the topper an especially soft, cozy feel without as much risk of feather quill shafts poking out. A sateen cotton shell encases the fill and lets airflow into and out of the topper so that excessive heat can escape.
Thanks to its baffle box construction, the down and feather fill fluffs up nicely and stays evenly distributed across the surface. This topper measures 3 inches thick, leaving plenty of room for the sleeper to sink in and enjoy a luxury hotel feel. Parachute uses down which has been certified by the Responsible Down Standard, meaning the birds were cared for following certain guidelines about humane treatment. The topper is dry clean only.
Free domestic ground shipping is available within the United States. The Parachute Down Mattress Topper is eligible for a 60-day return policy and a 3-year warranty.
Best Luxury
Down & Feather Co. Classic Featherbed
Who it's best for:
- People who are normally allergic to down and feathers
- Those who own excessively firm mattresses
- High-end shoppers
Highlights:
- Premium Hungarian goose down and feathers create a luxuriously plush feel
- Three-channel construction promotes optimal loft
- Fill is washed with recycled water and eco-friendly soap to remove allergens
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Down & Feather Co. mattress toppers
The Down & Feather Co. Classic Featherbed lives up to its name thanks to its plush, cloud-like feel. The high-quality fill is derived from Hungarian geese, and consists of 75% down and 25% feathers. Premium Egyptian cotton – naturally durable and breathable material – encases the fill, giving the featherbed a soft, smooth surface feel. The topper uses a traditional three-channel design to promote maximum loftiness and plushness.
Down & Feather Co. guarantees the topper won’t trigger allergy symptoms, even for those who are normally allergic to these materials. During production, the fill is washed with recycled water and sustainably produced soap to remove allergens.
The featherbed should only be spot cleaned and hung to dry or dry cleaned, and never machine washed. Down & Feather Co. recommends using a protector to safeguard the topper from contaminants, and periodically rotating it to maintain a lofty feel after continuous use. Twin, queen, king, and California king sizes are available.
The Classic Featherbed’s expensive sticker price is reflective of its high-end design. However, shipping is free for all orders. Your purchase includes a 30-night trial period, and those who keep their topper also receive a manufacturer’s warranty that covers structural defects for up to 10 years.
Best Hotel-Style
Standard Textile Down Featherbed
Who it's best for:
- People who prefer exceptionally soft sleep surfaces
- Side and back sleepers
- Animal-conscious individuals
Highlights:
- Exceptionally soft, cloud-like feel
- Certified by Responsible Down Standard
- Layers of pure down and dense feather fill balance plushness and support
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Standard Textile mattress toppers
The best feather toppers provide a balance of softness and support, resulting in a cloud-like feel without excessive sinkage. That’s the case for the Standard Textile Down Featherbed, which features a top layer of plush pure down over a second layer that primarily consists of feather fill. Most sleepers will sink a bit beneath the surface, but the base layer provides decent reinforcement for side and back sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds.
The topper’s shell is made of breathable cotton, which offsets the down’s heat-insulating properties to a noticeable degree. Thick baffle-box stitching helps the topper maintain a full shape with minimal clumping or shifting, and also prevents fill from escaping. The seams are piped for added stability.
The down and feathers have received certification from the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring the topper is cruelty-free. The Down Featherbed’s price-point is quite reasonable compared to other similarly constructed toppers. Standard Textile also offers full refunds and free shipping on all returns initiated within 90 days of your original purchase.
Softest
Puredown Goose Feather Mattress Topper
Who it's best for:
- Those who feel pressure points in the shoulders, lower back, or hips
- Value seekers
- Shoppers concerned with animal welfare
Highlights:
- Dual-layer design feels plush on the surface with a supportive feather base
- Cover is composed of smooth, breathable cotton
- Each corner has a thick elastic band to secure the topper to your mattress
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Puredown mattress toppers
Feather beds are ideal for people who enjoy plush sleep surfaces, but these toppers can feel a bit too soft if you’re prone to pressure in sensitive areas along the spine. The Goose Feather Mattress Topper from Puredown provides above-average support thanks to a 2-inch base containing feathers, which don’t compress as easily as down. A top layer of down alternative clusters gives the topper a luxurious feel, but the feathers should prevent you from sinking excessively.
A soft, breathable cotton cover promotes airflow on the surface and the down alternative fibers retain very little heat compared to real down, so the topper should sleep reasonably cool. Sewn-through baffle boxes also help distribute the fill and prevent it from shifting. Each corner is equipped with a thick elastic strap, so the topper should remain in place atop your mattress even if you tend to toss and turn or change positions while you sleep.
The feathers have earned certification from the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring the geese are treated humanely during each step of the extraction process. This should appeal to animal-conscious individuals. An approachable price-point also makes the topper a good option for shoppers on a budget. Twin, full, queen, and king sizes are available. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. and returns are permitted within 30 nights.
How to Choose a Feather Mattress Topper
What is comfortable varies between individuals, so a wide array of mattress toppers are available to suit diverse preferences. Even between feather toppers, there are distinct differences in softness, supportiveness, materials, and more. This section will highlight some of the key differentiating factors that make each topper unique.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Feather Mattress Topper
These are some of the main factors to consider as you consider a feather mattress topper. While some of these factors may not be as important to you as others, most shoppers will want to prioritize a few of these items over the rest to help find the best topper for them.
Some manufacturers may make misleading claims that imply their feather topper will be the ideal solution for any sleeper, but it’s important to remember that each individual has unique needs and preferences. While a topper may feel comfortable for many people, it may not be right for your needs. Focusing on the actual traits of different toppers with your needs in mind can help you find the best match for you.
Price
Because down and feathers vary widely in price, so do mattress toppers that use these materials. Budget-friendly options can cost less than $100, while some luxury options are over $1,000. However, most feather toppers cost between $100 and $300.
Sleeping Position
Your preferred sleeping position affects your pressure points and spinal alignment, so it is an important factor in determining which feather topper is best for you.
Side sleepers may prefer a feather topper with more cushioning to reduce pressure buildup around their hips and shoulders. Down fill usually adds plushness, so a topper with more down may appeal to side sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers usually need more support to keep their spines well aligned, so they may prefer a topper with a significant feather layer to help prevent them from sinking in excessively.
Quality Materials
Feather and down toppers are often seen as high quality, but as with most materials, quality varies. Down generally has a stronger reputation for quality than feathers because it’s usually softer, fluffier, and lacks quills. Goose down is also typically higher quality than duck down because geese usually produce larger down clusters, lending to a fluffier topper. Some inexpensive toppers may also use chicken feathers, which tend to be more prickly and less soft.
Firmness Level
The firmness of a feather topper can affect its supportiveness and pressure relieving capability, but feather mattress topper manufacturer’s do not typically rate the firmness level. Luckily, shoppers can deduce a lot about a feather topper’s feel based on its construction. A topper with more feather fill will typically be more supportive, while a topper with more down will probably be softer and fluffier. Many feather toppers contain both feather and down to strike a balance between softness and support.
Thickness
The thickness of a feather topper influences how significantly it alters the feel of your existing mattress. If you like the feel of your existing bed, a thin feather topper can provide a bit of plushness. If your existing bed is too soft or too firm, a thicker topper can adjust the feel so that it more closely matches your needs and preferences.
Pressure Relief
Feathers and down do not contour to the body and redistribute weight like memory foam, polyfoam, and latex, so a feather topper may not relieve pressure as much as some alternatives. However, some sleepers feel the cushioning of a feather topper reduces their pressure points.
The pressure-relieving properties of a feather topper depend largely on its thickness and materials. While most feather toppers can relieve pressure to an extent, thicker toppers and those that contain down typically provide more cushioning than thinner toppers and those with exclusively feather fill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Feather Mattress Toppers
How long does a feather mattress topper last?
Like most mattress toppers, feather mattress toppers typically last for at least two years. However, high-quality feather toppers that are well cared for may last for much longer.
How can I clean a feather mattress topper?
Most feather mattress toppers are dry clean only. Owners should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to protect their feather topper’s quality and longevity.
Where can I buy a feather mattress topper?
Feather mattress toppers are widely available through manufacturers, bedding companies, home stores, and department stores.
How can I store a feather mattress topper?
Feather mattress toppers can typically be rolled up and packed into a storage bag or container. The topper should be kept in a dry area away from direct sunlight in order to prevent potential damage. If you’re unsure of how to store your feather mattress topper, contact the manufacturer for instructions.
Are feather mattress toppers ethical?
Down and feathers are often harvested when the birds are slaughtered for food, so it can be viewed as ethically akin to leather. More potential ethical concerns arise from a process known as “live-plucking,” during which feathers and down are removed from a living bird. Since this process is extremely painful, it is prohibited in some parts of the world.
If you’re concerned about how the ducks and geese are treated, you may prefer to look for RDS certified products. This standard prohibits force-feeding and live-plucking.
