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Best Feather Mattress Toppers
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.
The Best Feather Mattress Toppers
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Best Overall
Quince Luxe Downtop Featherbed Mattress Topper
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Best Value
Pacific Coast Heritage Baffle Box Featherbed
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Best Luxury
Boll & Branch Cloud Cover Featherbed
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Softest
Pacific Coast Down on Top Featherbed
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Best for Side Sleepers
Quince Premium Featherbed
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Best Down Alternative
Saatva Down Alternative Featherbed Mattress Topper
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In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Quince Luxe Downtop Featherbed Mattress Topper
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Thanks to its lofty down fill and gusseted design, the Quince Luxe Downtop Featherbed feels exceptionally plush and maintains a full shape. A silky cotton sateen shell quilted with sewn-through baffle boxes adds to the high-end design.
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Pros
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Down clusters cushion the body to alleviate pain and pressure
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Gusseted design helps the topper maintain full loft and resist sinkage
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All orders come with a generous 365-night trial period
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Cons
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Fill may produce a pungent odor for the first few nights after unboxing
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Too large for most household washers, so dry cleaning may be needed
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Price
$240
Material
650 fill power white down
Firmness
Soft (3)
If you normally find featherbeds uncomfortable because they sink too much, you’re a great candidate for Quince’s Luxe Downtop Featherbed Mattress Topper. This is largely thanks to a 3-inch gusset that helps the topper resist deep sinkage and maintain a full, lofty shape. Chambered construction adds to the excellent overall shape retention. The top layer consists of premium white down that feels luxuriously plush and provides deep cushioning for your sore spots, while the base contains feathers that provide decent overall support.
A shell made of smooth cotton sateen encases the fill. The shell is quilted with large baffle boxes to give the featherbed a luxurious, hotel-inspired appearance. Although the topper is technically machine-washable, it will be too large for most machines and you’ll likely need to have it dry cleaned. Using a protector can safeguard the featherbed from stains and other types of damage. Queen and king/California king sizes are available, making the topper best suited to couples or solo sleepers who use larger mattresses.
Quince’s 365-night sleep trial is among the longest in the online bedding industry. The company also offers free ground shipping with all orders, as well as expedited delivery for an additional fee.
The Heritage Baffle Box Featherbed from Pacific Coast offers luxurious softness and loftiness without the steep sticker price of most competing toppers. Proprietary Resilia feathers are washed numerous times to remove allergens, and the company’s “allergy-free” warranty adds an extra layer of protection for shoppers who don’t know how they’ll react to the fill.
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Pros
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Feather clusters create a luxurious, cloud-like sleep surface
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Shell composed of soft, breathable cotton
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Each order backed by a full “allergy-free” guarantee
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Cons
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Exceptionally soft feel may not be suitable for people seeking a firm topper
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Spot cleaning or dry cleaning may be required
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Price
$140
Material
Hyperclean Resilia Feathers
Firmness
Soft (3)
Premium feather toppers can be fairly expensive. On the other hand, budget-friendly featherbeds often sacrifice construction and material quality in order to achieve an affordable sticker price. The Heritage Baffle Box Featherbed from Pacific Coast is the best of both worlds: a well-crafted topper packed with luxurious feather clusters to create the plush, cloud-like feel people love about featherbeds, at a sticker price that won’t break the bank.
The topper is quilted with large baffles to ensure plenty of loft. Each baffle box is sewn through to help distribute the fill — but you may still need to fluff the featherbed on a regular basis. Thick corded trim strengthens the perimeter, making the fabric more resistant to rips and tears that can cause fill to escape. Five sizes are available ranging from twin to king and California king. Since the topper is too large for most washing machines and dryers in any size, you should spot clean the surface if stains occur and use a protector to safeguard against other contaminants.
In addition to its accessible price-point, the Heritage Baffle Box Featherbed qualifies for free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Pacific Coast allows returns within 30 days if you are dissatisfied with the topper, or if you experience symptoms of a feather allergy. The featherbed is further backed by a 3-year warranty.
Best Luxury
Boll & Branch Cloud Cover Featherbed
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The elegant Boll & Branch Cloud Cover Featherbed features both down and other feathers layered together with a dual-chamber design that makes your mattress feel softer and more inviting.
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Pros
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Dual-chamber design creates a plush and luxurious mattress topper
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Down certified by the Responsible Down Standard
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Breathable organic cotton cover with handles for simple fluffing
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Cons
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Topper can only be spot-cleaned
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May feel too soft for back and stomach sleepers
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Price
$549
Material
Top layer of 550 fill power white down and bottom layer of goose feathers
Firmness
Soft (3)
Boll & Branch is dedicated to ethical practices in all of their bedding products, and the Cloud Cover Featherbed is no exception. This topper uses down that is certified by the Responsible Down Standard to give you peace of mind about how it was sourced and manufactured.
Clocking in at nearly 4 inches in height, the Cloud Cover Featherbed has a layered design with two different chambers. The top layer uses white down will 550 fill power. The bottom layer uses other feathers. The materials are held in place with baffle box construction, reducing bothersome bunching. The cover also has four handles that make it easy to fluff the topper and even out the fill.
That cover is made with breathable organic cotton, adding breathability and softness. Overall, the topper has a plush and cozy feel that is especially appealing if you like the sensation of lightly sinking into your mattress.
Boll & Branch offers free shipping and a 30-night sleep trial to test out the topper in your own bedroom.
Pacific’s Down on Top Featherbed features an inventive design with quilted down over a base layer stuffed with supportive feathers. Gusseted construction ensures excellent shape retention without sacrificing plushness or loftiness.
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Pros
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Dual-layer construction features a luxuriously plush surface and sturdy overall support
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Thick gusset maintains a full shape and minimizes clumping
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Special warranty covers shoppers who experience allergy symptoms
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Cons
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Too large and thick to launder at home
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Fill produces a strong odor that may linger for several nights after unboxing
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Price
$385
Material
525 fill-power Hyperclean down and Resilia feathers
Firmness
Soft (3)
The Down on Top Featherbed from Pacific Coast has a unique dual-layer design that should appeal to anyone hoping to make their sleep surface feel exceptionally soft. The top layer features baffle boxes packed with plush goose down for cloud-like cushioning, while feathers fill the base to create a sturdy support system. A 3-inch gusset helps the bottom maintain a full shape, and helpful side handles allow you to easily fluff the down.
A breathable cotton shell encases both layers. The proprietary Barrier Weave is exceptionally tight to prevent rips and tears that allow fill to escape. Pacific Coast thoroughly washes all down and feathers to decrease the potential for allergy symptoms from dust and other contaminants. A certification from the Responsible Down Standard ensures the plumage used in this topper is never collected from live animals, and that farms working with Pacific Coast adhere to humane housing and feeding practices.
The Down on Top Featherbed is available in five sizes that correspond to standard mattress dimensions. Standard ground shipping is free for shoppers in the contiguous U.S. You may return the topper within 30 days of your delivery date. Each purchase is covered under a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty against structural defects. You’ll also receive a 30-day “allergy warranty,” allowing you to return the featherbed if you experience down allergy symptoms.
Best for Side Sleepers
Quince Premium Featherbed
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Quince’s Premium Featherbed features plush, lofty fill enhanced with quilted baffle boxes. This quintessential construction produces deep cushioning and transforms your mattress into a cloud-like surface.
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Pros
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Sewn-through baffles help to evenly distribute the feather fill
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All orders include a 365-night trial period
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Cotton twill shell is durable and resistant to wear
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Cons
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Lack of corner straps may cause the topper to shift when you move in bed
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Not sold in twin or twin XL sizes
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Price
$349
Material
3″ feather fill
Firmness
Soft (3)
Side sleepers can benefit from a plush sleep surface that cushions the shoulders and hips, two areas prone to pressure buildup for people who primarily use the side position. The Quince Premium Featherbed is one of the softest toppers our team has tested. Measuring 3 inches thick, the topper’s feather fill creates a cloud-like surface that cradles your body, but the gusseted design provides decent support and prevents you from sinking too deeply.
A shell made of durable, wear-resistant cotton twill encases the feathers. The shell is quilted with sewn-through baffles to evenly distribute the fill, so you shouldn’t need to fluff the topper too frequently. Since the topper does not include corner straps, we recommend tucking it beneath your fitted sheet. Full, queen, and king/California king sizes are available. The topper is technically machine-washable, but may be too large for some household appliances, such as especially washers with agitators.
A certification from the Responsible Down Standard indicates no waterfowl were harmed or treated inhumanely to obtain the feathers. The Premium Featherbed is competitively priced and Quince provides free standard shipping for all orders. You’ll receive a generous 365-night trial with your purchase, ensuring ample time to test the topper and decide if it’s right for you. Returns and exchanges are honored during this time frame, even if you’ve used and laundered the topper.
Best Down Alternative
Saatva Down Alternative Featherbed Mattress Topper
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Saatva’s Down Alternative Featherbed Mattress Topper is a high-performing option for sleepers who love the feel of down, but want a topper that is hypoallergenic and easy to clean.
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Pros
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Hypoallergenic materials suit people with down allergies
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Adds luxurious plushness to your mattress surface
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Easy to clean in your washer and dryer
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Cons
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Soft feel can inhibit support for sleepers over 230 pounds
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Down alternative may not last as long as real down
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Price
$295
Material
Down alternative (700 GSM fill weight) and lyocell fibers
Firmness
Medium Soft (4)
The Saatva Down Alternative Featherbed Mattress Topper is well-suited to people who want the benefits of down without its potential drawbacks.
Its fill material is a combination of down alternative with a 700 GSM fill weight and lyocell fibers. This interior construction creates a plush and comfortable addition to your existing mattress. Elastic straps in each corner keep the topper held firmly in place while you sleep.
These materials are hypoallergenic, making them a welcome alternative for people with allergies to down or feathers. While many down toppers are difficult to keep clean, the Saatva Down Alternative Featherbed can be cleaned in your washing machine and tumble-dried.
The featherbed comes with free shipping, and Saatva also provides a generous 180-night sleep trial to see how you like the topper over an extended period of time.
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
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.
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.
Feather mattress toppers are widely available through manufacturers, bedding companies, home stores, and department stores.
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.
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.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
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