Featherbeds, Fiberbeds what are they for? What are the differences? The following Question & Answer Guide is to help answer some questions that shoppers might have when passing by this product. After reading this Q&A guide some potential Buyers more sure of their purchase.
Q. A featherbed sounds old fashioned. What's it for anyway?
A. A good quality featherbed will provide lightweight warmth, cradle your body, and relieve pressure points for a more restful night's sleep. It will also serve as a natural insulator by keeping in your body heat and wicking away moisture.Q. Featherbed? Fiberbed? What's the difference?
A. Featherbeds are filled with a combination of down - a bird's fluffy undercoat – and feathers. Fiberbeds, on the other hand, are filled with down-alternative polyester that recreates the loft and support of down.Q. Just hearing about feathers makes me sneeze. Are featherbeds for me?
A. It's dust, not down, that seems to cause an allergic reaction. Look for featherbeds that are cleaned with a process that eliminates the impurities from the down, making them hypoallergenic. This process also helps the feather bed retain its loft. You can also try a synthetic fiberbed, which can offer similar comfort and support without the risk of triggering your allergies.Q. Why is thread count important to a featherbed?
A. As with sheets, a featherbed's thread count—the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric - indicates its quality, durability, and feel. Higher thread counts have a tighter weave for a smooth, luxurious touch. Just as important, a high thread-count keeps the dirt out and the fill in.Q. I'm baffled about baffling. Does my featherbed need it?
A. Keep your eye out for it. Baffling is a type of construction that uses sewn-in cloth "walls" to keep feathers and down from shifting and clumping, which can create empty pockets where there is no support. Not all featherbeds are made with baffling, because it is a costly and time-consuming process, but it does guarantee a highly insulated featherbed that is free of flat spots for allover support and comfort.Q. How should I care for my featherbed?
A. If when you first unpack your featherbed it seems wrinkled and flat, give it a good shake. This will restore the natural fluffiness of the fill.
Next, cover it with a featherbed cover. Because featherbed covers remove easily for regular washing, you'll only need to wash the featherbed itself every three to five years. Home washing machines are too small for the job, so bring the featherbed to a professional launderer. Please refer to your featherbed’s specific care instructions for more information.
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