What does “milled” mean for feather pillows?
Milling is a specialised processing technique that mechanically refines duck feathers by removing the coarser, thicker quills whilst preserving the softer, more flexible portions. This creates a smoother, more uniform fill that’s considerably softer than standard feather pillows. The milling process enhances loft and reduces the stiffness or pokiness some people experience with untreated feather pillows. You get the support and resilience of feather fill without the discomfort of hard quills pressing through the fabric.
How do these compare to down pillows?
Down pillows are exceptionally soft and lightweight but provide minimal support, making them unsuitable for many side and back sleepers who need proper head and neck alignment. Pure down also commands premium pricing. Our milled duck feather pillows offer a balanced middle ground: more supportive structure than down whilst being considerably softer than standard feather pillows. They’re ideal for those who find down too soft and lacking in support but want more comfort than firm synthetic alternatives provide. The cost is also more accessible than high-ratio down pillows.
Are these suitable for side sleepers?
Absolutely. Side sleepers need sufficient loft and support to maintain proper alignment between the head, neck, and spine. Too soft (like pure down) and your head sinks excessively, creating neck strain. Too firm (like many memory foam options) and you get uncomfortable pressure points. Milled duck feather provides that perfect balance of supportive structure with enough give to cradle your head comfortably. The natural resilience means the pillow maintains its loft throughout the night rather than compressing flat.
Will feathers poke through the cover?
Our down-proof 233 thread count cotton cover is specifically engineered to prevent feather migration. The tight weave contains even the finest feather fragments whilst maintaining breathability. The milling process also removes the coarsest quills that are most likely to poke through fabric. Properly constructed feather pillows like ours don’t have issues with protruding quills. If you’ve experienced this with cheap feather pillows previously, it’s due to inferior covers and processing, not inherent to quality feather fills.
How do I care for feather pillows?
Machine wash at 40°C using mild detergent in a large capacity machine. Wash two pillows together to balance the load. Tumble dry on low heat, removing periodically to fluff and redistribute fill. Adding clean tennis balls to the dryer helps break up clumps and restore loft. Proper washing and thorough drying actually help maintain performance by removing body oils and dust. Regular washing (every 3-6 months) keeps pillows fresh, hygienic, and performing optimally.
Are these hypoallergenic?
Properly maintained feather pillows are suitable for many allergy sufferers. The cotton cover prevents dust mites from penetrating into the fill, and regular washing removes allergens effectively. Natural feather fill is more resistant to dust mite colonisation than synthetic alternatives when properly cared for. However, some individuals have specific allergies to feather proteins. If you’ve experienced genuine feather allergy (not just dust mite reactions in poorly maintained pillows), our British wool pillows would be more appropriate.
How long will these pillows last?
With proper care, including regular washing and adequate drying, quality duck feather pillows can last 5-10 years. Natural feathers have remarkable resilience, bouncing back after compression far better than synthetic fills that flatten permanently within a year or two. When you calculate the cost per year of use, natural feather pillows represent excellent value despite a higher initial investment compared to synthetic alternatives.
Do feather pillows smell?
New feather pillows may have a slight natural odour initially, which dissipates quickly with airing. This is normal for any natural product and indicates the feathers haven’t been heavily chemically treated. Air the pillows for a few hours before first use. Once in regular use and properly washed, there should be no odour. If a smell develops over time, it indicates the pillow needs to be washed to remove accumulated body oils and moisture.
Can I adjust the firmness?
Unlike some adjustable pillows with removable fill, these have a fixed fill amount. However, you can influence the firmness somewhat by how you plump and arrange the pillow. Vigorous shaking and fluffing increase loft for more support. Smoothing and compressing slightly reduces height. The natural adaptability of feather fill means the pillow adjusts to your head position throughout the night, providing dynamic support rather than static resistance.
