How to Use a Feather Bed Topper

A feather bed topper (featherbed) is a portable, easy-to-use bedding item that can be transferred from one mattress to another. Resting flush against your mattress, the feather bed topper allows you to enjoy a pillow-like softness during your nightly respites without dramatically changing the overall texture or firmness of your mattress.

Things You'll Need

• Protective (cotton) cover

Instructions

Feather Bed Topper Basics

1. Fluff your feather bed topper to allow the down fill to expand to its full potential. Place the topper on a flat surface and use your fingers and forearms to push the fill through the baffled boxes or channels so that it is evenly distributed.

2. Protect your feather bed topper with a cotton cover to extend the time between dry-cleanings or home launderings. These are similar to duvet (comforter) covers and may be secured with zippers, buttons or ties.

3. Air out your feather bed topper routinely. A couple of hours in a sunny spot freshens up the down fill and gives it more loft.

4. Gently steam the fabric cover of your feather bed topper if it becomes wrinkled. Never iron down bedding.

5. Dry-clean your feather bed topper when necessary. It's possible to launder this item of bedding at home. But, because it's easy to damage down bedding, dry-cleaning is preferable to home washing.

Tips & Warnings

• If a small area of your feather bed topper becomes soiled, spot clean it using the least amount of water possible.

• If you choose to wash your feather bed at home, use a front-loading washer and large-capacity dryer. Wash on the delicate cycle with mild detergent (and no bleach) and tumble dry on low heat.

• Most down bedding has cotton ticking (the fabric cover), which can shrink in the dryer.

References

• How to Choose Fill Power
• All About Feather Beds
• Featherbed Care