What is a Featherbed?

What is a "featherbed"? Is a featherbed the same as a mattress topper?

A featherbed is exactly what it sounds like: It's something that you sleep on, and it is usually filled with various blends of feathers and down. Also known as a "feather mattress pad" or a "mattress topper", a featherbed can vary from a couple of inches in thickness to 6" or more.

Most people use their featherbed on top of a mattress. If the featherbed is thick enough, it can be used as a spare bed on the floor. Plumeria Bay® featherbeds are about 5" to 6" thick, suitable for use just about anywhere.

Our Featherbeds are available in 3 different styles & fills. From the feather & down Stratus, the to the all goose down Cirrus.

The feathers that we use in our featherbeds are the soft and pliable body feathers. They help to provide support and a nice "springy" feel. Be cautious of featherbeds that use cut feathers, as this type of feather is not nearly as pliable or supportive, with sharp ends that can be quite uncomfortable.

A featherbed is a great way to soften the feel of a overly firm or lumpy mattress. When used on top your mattress, you can use a fitted sheet to cover the featherbed (if the pockets are deep enough) or you can use a cotton featherbed protector, suitable for sleeping on, which fits over the featherbed like a pillow case. We use the St. Dormier New Zealand wool protector and recommend it without reservation.

Caring for your featherbed is relatively easy. Just give it a good shake once a week or so. It's also a good idea to turn it end to end (top to bottom) to help reduce wear patterns. Plumeria Bay ® featherbeds are very substantial, and not suitable for washing. Use a protector and spot clean when/if necessary.

Related: What is a Duvet?